SkyPixel’s 10th Annual Contest: A Showcase of Drone Creativity
SkyPixel’s 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest has unveiled its winners, marking a significant evolution in drone imagery since its establishment in 2014. This year, nearly 140,000 entries competed for over $170,000 in prizes, showcasing advancements in both aerial and handheld imaging technology, as highlighted in SkyPixel’s official announcement.
Initially a niche event, the contest has developed into a global barometer for aerial creativity. The 2025 Best Video Prize (Aerial) was awarded to Bashir Abu Shakra for his piece titled “The War – My Transformation Journey”, which uses expansive landscapes to metaphorically illustrate personal transformation.
Blending Technique with Artistry
This year’s winners highlight the increasingly refined storytelling capabilities made possible by modern imaging equipment. Claudio Miranda, an Academy Award-winning cinematographer who served as a judge, commended Abu Shakra’s piece for its “extended duration, elegant camera work, and tranquil ambiance.”
In the Handheld category, the Best Video Prize was awarded to Henry Yue for “Japan Travel Cinematic”, praised for its unparalleled stabilization techniques that beautifully encapsulate the essence of Japan.
Meanwhile, Gangerqia captured the 2025 Best Photo Prize with “Mysterious Realm”, a striking image that blurs the distinctions between landscape and symbolism, featuring a frozen pond shaped like an eye, adorned with bird footprints.
Industry Evolution Reflected in Contest Growth
The evolution of the contest parallels the advancements in the Drone Industry itself. What began as a platform largely for DJI users has blossomed into an international community accommodating a diverse range of aerial creators. The high-caliber technical skill showcased in the winning submissions is indicative of rapid advancements in drone technology, including improvements in stabilization, resolution, and flight control—capabilities that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Standout entries in the top ten videos also included works like “We Were Meant to Fly” and “My FPV Showreel 2024”, highlighting the increasing sophistication of FPV drone cinematography—an area that barely existed during the contest’s inception.
A Prestigious Judging Panel
The competition’s stature is bolstered by a judging panel composed of revered industry professionals from the fields of cinematography and photography. Judges included acclaimed cinematographer Claudio Miranda, alongside travel filmmaker Sam Newton and distinguished photographers such as Anne Farrar from National Geographic.
Market Implications
The trajectory of the contest signals a burgeoning market for high-quality aerial imaging equipment. With a substantial rise in submissions since its initial competitions, manufacturers are responding by developing specialized tools aimed explicitly at aerial creators. This mutually beneficial relationship between equipment producers and content creators fosters innovation in hardware and creative strategies.
As global drone regulations continue to evolve, contests like SkyPixel’s are pivotal in providing avenues for responsible operators to exhibit the artistic potential of this technology, potentially influencing public perceptions and regulations going forward.
DroneXL’s Perspective
SkyPixel’s 10th anniversary contest signifies a landmark moment, not only for the competition but for the broader drone imaging sector. Transitioning from a hobbyist activity to a refined art form, the contest illustrates professionals pushing creative limits. The winning entries reveal that as hardware capabilities stabilize, the emphasis shifts towards the creator’s vision and execution, reflecting trends across the drone industry where technical commoditization enhances the value of expertise and creativity.
For those eager to explore all winning entries, a complete list is available at www.skypixel.com/contests/2025.
Photos courtesy of SkyPixel, Bashir Abu Shakra, and Gangerqia.
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