SkyPixel Celebrates Aerial Creativity with 2020 Contest Winners
SkyPixel, an esteemed community for aerial photography enthusiasts, has officially unveiled the winners of its 2020 Aerial Storytelling Contest. This event, co-organized with DJI, garnered an impressive response, featuring over 26,000 entries from professional photographers, videographers, and aerial content creators hailing from 136 countries across the globe.
A Showcase of Outstanding Talent
Among the winners, Ellis Van Jason took home the grand prize in the Video Category with a stunning collection of high-speed FPV footage filmed in the picturesque locale of Madeira. With a clear passion for flying, Van Jason remarked, “A year ago, I asked myself what kind of pilot do I want to be? Race drone pilot or Freestyle Pilot? Neither of the two was an option, and it took me some time to find my place. I ended up in the cinematic mid-long-range area—and I kind of like it out here.” His work is celebrated for its breathtaking visuals that encapsulate the beauty of aerial cinematography.
The Photo Category’s grand prize was awarded to Karim Iliya, who captured an extraordinary moment of a young humpback whale breaching near Tahiti using his Mavic 2 Pro. Describing the behavior of these majestic creatures, Iliya noted, “Humpback whales breach for a variety of reasons including communication, fighting, barnacle and parasite removal, waking up, playing, and more. For humpback whale calves like this one, playing is an important way to build muscles and prepare for the long journey to Antarctica.” Iliya’s photography highlights the wonders of marine life and showcases the stunning capabilities of aerial photography.
Diverse Categories and Global Submissions
This year’s contest also recognized exceptional work across various categories, including vlog, travel, sports, nature, architecture, and portrait photography. Participants explored a range of stunning landscapes—from the ethereal beauty of Iceland to adventurous explorations of the Dead Sea by kayak and exhilarating gravel biking experiences in France. The winning submissions are a testament to the creativity and talent of aerial storytellers worldwide.
For a closer look at the contest submissions, visit SkyPixel’s contest page.
Expert Judges and Influencers
The judging panel for this year’s contest was composed of renowned directors, photographers, and influencers, including Emmy and BAFTA award-winning documentary photographer Toby Strong and Swiss visual artist Chris Schmid. Their expertise contributed significantly to identifying the standout entries in a contest filled with extraordinary visual artistry.
SkyPixel continues to foster a thriving community for aerial photography and videography, encouraging creators around the globe to share their unique perspectives captured from above. This year’s contest marked a significant milestone, as it brought photographers and videographers together in a unified celebration of aerial storytelling.
For More Information
For further inquiries, please reach out to: skypixel.campaign@dji.com
