The SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest—a creative photo competition dedicated to showcasing aerial photography—was on the lookout for the next great aerial photographer. And with 27,000 entries from photographers based in 131 cities, they've unveiled the winners of this year's contest.
The grand prize, which includes two DJI drones and an Epson wide format printer, goes to Ge Zheng for his photo Fishermen close the net. The stunning image plays off shadows cast by billowing fishing nets, as well as their elongated reflections in the water. Creating a striped pattern along the calm waters, the interplay of color and light made for a winning capture.
The top photographs in the Beauty and Drones in Use categories, both professional and amateur, show the wide stylistic variety that these talented drone photographers possess. Each is able to infuse their own artistic eye into the winning photographs, proving that aerial photography requires the same talent and technical skill as any other type of photography.
Scroll down to see more winning images from the SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest and get your gear ready for next year's competition.