[imagesource: Mehdi Mohebipour]

Drones are impressive tools when they’re used to capture the surrealism and magic of nature.

The winning entries from the Drone Photo Awards 2022, including the overall winning shot showing a fascinating view of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, are a testament to the technology’s capabilities.

PetaPixel reported that out of thousands of images submitted by 2 642 photographers from 116 countries, the winning images will be showcased in an exhibition titled “Above Us Only Sky” during the Siena Awards events at the Museum of Natural History.

We’re delving into the first classified images and runner-up shots across the nine categories, including video.

Photo of the year: Big Bang by Armand Sarlangue

This is a secondary fissure a few hundred metres from the main crater of the Fagradalsfjall volcano during its last eruptive phase, per The Guardian.

The shot was captured as a storm hit west Iceland, with rain and strong winds. Owing to the difficult conditions, a drone capture like this is unique.

Wildlife: runner-up: Learning Life by Florian Ledoux

This image of a young polar bear, a yearling, playing in the water is the result of five months in the field, living with and near the bears in a remote camp on the east coast of Svalbard.

Nature: first classified, Meeting by David Rouge

As the drone climbed higher, the photographer noticed the light highlighted by the shapes of the dunes flowing into the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Abstract: Salt Farm Workers Harvesting by Saurabh Sirohiya

The labourers move the salt to form circular lines, allowing slow evaporation in the sun. At the end of the day, the salt is collected in baskets.

Sport: first classified, Falling Skiers by Daniel Koszela

This is an aerial view of competitors from the annual Bieg Piastów ski tournament held in Szklarska Poręba in March.

People: first classified, Sleeping on a Boat by Anindita Roy

Dhaka in Bangladesh is located on the bank of the famous Buriganga River where people from both sides cross using small boats.

Urban: runner up, After Sand Storm by Yura Borschev

What you’re looking at is a basketball court after a sandstorm in the United Arab Emirates.

Wedding: first classified, Like a Painted Picture by Krzysztof Krawczyk

You’re seeing the effect of the sun on the water, a felled tree, and a brave bride lying on it for the ultimate wedding shot.

Series: first classified, Abandoned Weather Station by Dmitry Kokh

You may have seen the photo series showing polar bears that took over the abandoned buildings of a meteorological station on an island between Russia and Alaska. It was all over the internet at the beginning of the year.

Last but not least this video was awarded for drone photojournalism:

[sources:petapixel&guardian]