Last Chance to Enter DJI SkyPixel’s $170K Prize Drone Photo Contest: Don’t Miss Out!

Attention all photography and videography aficionados! Time is running out to enter the highly anticipated SkyPixel 10th Annual Photo and Video Contest, themed “Explore Without Limits.” With the deadline fast approaching on February 10, 2025, it’s crunch time for anyone looking to showcase their best aerial and handheld work!

Launched in November 2024, this year’s contest is drawing submissions that highlight the exquisite beauty of nature, cultural nuances, and innovative storytelling—all through the marvel of DJI’s advanced drones and handheld cameras. This year features a newly introduced Handheld Video category, empowering creators to merge aerial viewpoints with terrestrial perspectives for even richer storytelling.

As the contest nears its conclusion, some standout entries have already raised the stakes sky-high! Let's dive into a few of the mesmerizing works that have captivated both judges and the SkyPixel community alike.

Standout Entries

- **Tree of Life: A Symbol of Resilience** Captured by photographer Wang Hanbing, this stunning shot showcases a lone poplar tree amid arid, cracked earth. The striking contrast between the vibrant foliage and the barren terrain serves as a poignant metaphor for resilience. Judge Luke Stackpoole remarked, “It's so simple, yet so powerful. The textures and colors create an incredible visual contrast.”

- **Icy Circle: A Gateway to Another World** Julia Pylak’s breathtaking image taken in Iceland’s ice caves encapsulates the experience of stepping into a magical realm. The composition, featuring a lone figure surrounded by icy blues, elegantly embodies both the grandeur and fragility of nature. Noteworthy judge Chu Weimin describes it as “enchanting, with a perfect balance of color and scale.”

- **Scenes of a Fishing Village: A Poetic Glimpse into Daily Life** Photographer Xing She Cong Cong produced a dreamy long-exposure effect, weaving together 30 consecutive images of a boat gliding through a fishing village in Fujian, China. Judge Daniel Kolder notes, “The smooth textures and tranquil mood make this a truly poetic piece.”

Another remarkable entry comes from Kevin Miao, who presents the “Mysterious Altay” series featuring stunning aerial footage of Xinjiang’s Altay region, showcasing misty rivers and golden sunbeams—visual storytelling that perfectly highlights the potential of drones like the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro.

Handheld Video Category

Beyond breathtaking aerial shots, the contest celebrates ground-up storytelling. The Handheld Video category has expanded the horizon for creative expression, with entries like David Karg’s exhilarating “Flight Mode,” which immerses viewers in a high-octane mountain biking adventure. The film, primarily shot with the DJI Ronin series, impresses with its dynamic motion and smooth stabilization. Judge Jin Chenyu praises it for its “high shooting difficulty and excellent execution.”

Another captivating submission, “The City on the Ruins of Angkor Wat,” utilizes a blend of aerial and handheld cinematography to vibrantly depict Cambodia's storied Siem Reap—a symbiotic narrative of the ancient and contemporary.

Prizes and Opportunities

And let’s talk about the thrilling prizes! The contest features a stunning $170,000 worth of prizes, including the Annual Best Photo Prize, which will award a Hasselblad X2D 100C kit valued at over $14,000. The Best Aerial Video winner will take home a DJI Inspire 3 kit worth $20,000, while the Best Handheld Video winner will receive a DJI Ronin 4D-8K kit valued at $15,000. Additional prizes include top-notch drones and equipment like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Avata 2, and the Osmo Pocket 3—all perfect for elevating your creative endeavors.

With the deadline drawing near, now is the time to seize this opportunity to display your talent and compete with some of the world’s greatest photographers and filmmakers. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes from above or narrating compelling stories close to the ground, this is your moment to shine!

For detailed contest information and submission guidelines, don’t hesitate—visit the official SkyPixel contest page today!