The Most Breathtaking Drone Photography of the Year

If you’re thinking of trying your hand at creating stunning aerial photography, then take some inspiration from these 17 examples from our photographers.

'The Bend in the Road' by Verity Milligan, DJI Phantom 4, 3.6mm, 3/5sec at f/2.8, ISO 61

Just a few years ago, drones were considered the kind of niche gadget that was the preserve of a handful of dedicated enthusiasts. However, as more and more affordable models became available, curious photographers inspired by Gaspard-Félix Tournachon and Edward Burtynsky, could finally find their way into the seemingly esoteric world of drone photography. The result has been an explosion in the number of aerial images taken on radio-controlled models such as the DJI Spark, DJI Mavic Pro, Yuneec Typhoon H or the DJI Phantom 4, and have been used in a number of areas, including wedding photography, videography and landscape photography.

As is the case with much of photography’s recent evolution, leaps in drone photography technology have levelled the playing field between amateurs and professionals, particularly now that some models are capable of capturing 4k images. Looking through the swathes of drone images out there, you’ll be hard-pressed to make the distinction. While drone photographers such as Anders Andersson have steadily built a career out of creating stunning images, anyone with just a cursory interest in the technology can now get out there and create vertigo-inducing shots. We take a look at some of the best drone photographs from our Photocrowd photographers.

'The Elements' by Chawran, DJI Phantom 4, 3.6mm, 1/590sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Show Jumping from Above' by Per Erik Bergh, DJI Phantom 3, 20.7mm, 1/110sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Snake River' by Joe Baumann, DJI Phantom 3, 20.7mm, 1/80sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Thailand, Ping River, Bridge Crossing' by Tom Inspires, DJI Mavic Pro, 26.3mm, 1/320sec at f/2.2, ISO 100

'Surfer’s World' by Graeme Heckels, DJI Mavic Pro, 26.3mm, 1/30sec at f/2.2, ISO 100

'The Plughole' by Lee B, DJI Phantom 3, 20.7mm, 1/13sec at f/2.8, ISO 301

'Old Barn from Drone’s-Eye View' by Karen Tillett, DJI Phantom 3, 20.7mm, 1/100sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Kastri Island, Kefalos, Kos' by Mike Drosos, DJI Mavic Pro, 26.3mm, 1/640sec at f/2.2, ISO 100

'Frozen Waterfront' by Olly Bowman, DJI Inspire 1, 20.7mm, 1/60sec at f/2.8, ISO 115

'Above' by Martyn Hearson, DJI Phantom 3, 20.7mm, 1/200sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'The Fishing Pond' by Steve Samosa, DJI Phantom 4, 24mm, 1/80sec at f/3.5, ISO 100

'The Broccoli Copse' by Malcolm Hare, Yuneec CG03+, 1/640sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Islay Seals' by George French, DJI Phantom 4, 3.6mm, 1/180sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'Tiny Aircraft' by Rene Tetter, DJI Phantom 4, 1/5sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

'The Pen' by Andy Mack, GoPro Hero4 Silver, 1/8sec at f/2.8, ISO 215

'Kreisverkehr' by Frank Heinz, DJI Phantom 4 Pro, 1/8sec at f/4.5, ISO 200