SkyPixel Announces Winners of the 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest
Date: March 19, 2024
SkyPixel, one of the leading online communities for aerial photography and videography, has thrilled its members by unveiling the winners of the 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest, co-organized with DJI. This year, the competition has seen a remarkable surge in participation, drawing over 130,000 submissions—an impressive 100% increase from the previous year. This diverse collection of entries has been a canvas for professional photographers, aerial enthusiasts, and creative newcomers to share their unique stories through innovative visuals.
The Power of Community-Driven Expression
The SkyPixel competition is more than just an event; it embodies the essence of community-driven creativity that highlights the transformative power of innovation in imagery. This year’s contest has served as a tribute to the stories that shape the world of photography, both grounded and in the skies above. SkyPixel has been instrumental in providing a platform where creators worldwide can showcase their artistry, offering them a stage to express themselves authentically through visual storytelling.
A Renowned Judging Panel
The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising highly respected professionals from the photography and film industry. The judging panel included Wen Huang, a judge for World Press Photo and Senior Editor, Anne Farrar, National Geographic’s Assistant Photography Chief Editor, and landscape photographer Daniel Kordan. In the video category, judges like Michael Fitzmaurice, the Director of Photography for “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” and celebrated filmmaker Brandon Li brought their expertise to the selection process. After much deliberation, they announced this year’s winners, showcasing extraordinary talent and creativity.
Best Work Prize – Video
The top honor in the video category went to Luke Bredar for his film, “Haines Alaska: Through the Eyes of Luke Bredar.” This visually stunning short film showcases the exhilarating scenes of skiing down snow-covered mountains interwoven with the breathtaking views of Alaska’s rugged terrain. Bredar expressed that the film aims to invoke feelings of otherworldliness and self-discovery through the profound relationship between adventure and solitude.
Screenshot of “Haines Alaska: Through the Eyes of Luke Bredar”
Best Work Prize – Photo
The prestigious accolade for photography was awarded to Daolai for his captivating image, “Mongolian Yurt.” Captured on a snowy morning in Inner Mongolia, this photograph immortalizes herdsmen preparing for a significant cultural event against a landscape that resonates with the beauty of traditional Chinese ink painting. Judge Anne Farrar remarked on the storytelling aspect of the image, praising its painterly quality and the way it captures a snippet of community life.
Annual Best Photo “Mongolian Yurt” by Daolai
Rewards for Talented Creators
Both winners of the Best Work prize in their respective categories are set to receive over $14,000 in prizes. Luke Bredar will be awarded a DJI Inspire 3 and Daolai will receive a prestigious Hasselblad X2D 100C. Additionally, they will earn the title of official SkyPixel Creator along with a trophy and award certificate, further validating their extraordinary accomplishments in the field of aerial photography and videography.
Exploring New Trends Through Aerial Imagery
This year’s theme, “Exploring New Trends,” has inspired creators to delve into personal narratives and the human experience through their aerial works. The contest entries revealed innovative approaches in visual storytelling, celebrating urban transformations and daily life with empathy and insight. As photographers leverage advanced aerial technology to capture profound moments without disrupting their subjects, viewers are invited to experience these meticulously crafted visuals.
As the SkyPixel community continues to flourish, the platform eagerly anticipates the ongoing celebration of creativity, expression, and collaboration among aerial photographers and videographers around the globe.
To explore all entries from the contest, visit the official SkyPixel website.
About SkyPixel and DJI
Founded in 2014, SkyPixel has established itself as a leading global community for aerial photographers, boasting over 42 million registered users worldwide. Meanwhile, DJI has been a pioneer in civilian drone technology since 2006, inspiring individuals to explore the skies and transform their visions into reality.
Explore more about DJI and SkyPixel through their respective websites for the latest innovations and contributions in the field of aerial photography.
