DJI and SkyPixel have announced the launch of the 9th Annual SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest. Running from November 7, 2023, to February 2, 2024, this year’s contest promises to inspire creators by offering a substantial prize package valued at over $200,000.

The contest serves as a platform for artists to break new ground and push the boundaries of aerial photography and videography. Nan Li, the Photo Director of Southern Weekly, aptly stated, “The art of visual expression revolves around pushing the boundaries of the mind and nurturing creative thought.” Now, in its 9th year, the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest continues to be a source of captivating moments captured from the sky, igniting curiosity, reimagining the art of imagery, and immersing the public in the enchanting world of aerial photography.

A Competition for the Creative Minds

The SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest is a celebration of the remarkable stories that have shaped the art of image capture, whether from solid ground or soaring through the skies. Over nine years, the contest has evolved to genuinely reflect the desires and aspirations of the global community, drawing in an impressive 260,000 submissions and garnering over a billion views worldwide. It has become a platform where exceptional works and photographers receive the recognition they deserve, further advancing the field of aerial photography.

This year’s competition brings exciting changes that promise to elevate the competition. In addition to the main competition, three new Monthly Competitions have been introduced, with each month focusing on a unique category. November highlights Multi-focal length, December spotlights FPV images, and January will showcase Handheld photography. Submissions to the monthly competitions can also be entered into the main competition, offering participants more opportunities to compete for both monthly and overall awards. Furthermore, a new creative category for video creators has been incorporated, providing even more opportunities for participants to showcase their talents.

Distinguished Judging Panel

This year’s competition boasts an impressive panel of judges in both the photo and video categories. In photography, seasoned experts include Wen Huang, a World Press Photo judge and Senior Editor, Anne Farrar, Assistant Photography Chief Editor at National Geographic, Nan Li, the Photo Director of Southern Weekly, and Daniel Kordan, a renowned landscape photographer.

The video category judges include Michael Fitzmaurice, the Aerial Director of Photography of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” and Xiaoshi Zhao, known for his award-winning work on “Forever Enthralled.” Bing Xi, a prominent figure in the Chinese TVC industry, and celebrated filmmaker Brandon Li complete the panel, ensuring a fair and critical evaluation of entries.

Generous Prizes Await the Winners

In a year filled with excitement, SkyPixel and DJI are proud to present a total of 79 awards, with a total value exceeding $200,000. The Best Work accolade winners in the video category will be rewarded with an Inspire 3, while those in the photo category will receive a Hasselblad X2D 100C. Each prize is worth $20,000 and $14,000, respectively. Winners will also be signed as official SkyPixel Creators and receive a prestigious trophy and an award certificate to honor their achievement. An array of other prizes includes top-tier offerings such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3, DJI Avata, Osmo Pocket 3, Osmo Action 4, and Osmo Mobile 6, providing participants with numerous opportunities to expand their creative horizons.

Contest Categories for Aerial Artists

The photo contest consists of four categories:

The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Share impactful moments of nature’s grandeur.
The Architecture Category – Beauty in Design: Showcase innovative and inspiring architectural designs.
The Portrait Category – Portrait in the Sky: Capture the essence of your subjects.
The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Highlight the significance of sports in people’s lives.
All photos must be shot using a drone and meet specific resolution requirements.

The video contest consists of five categories:

The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Showcase the natural world’s beauty.
The City Category – Urban Inspiration: Explore the transformative influence of cities.
The Travel Category – Explore Destinations: Share captivating visual stories of your travel adventures.
The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Capture the essence of sports.
Creative – Break the Mold: Explore novel approaches in creativity.
All videos must include at least 30 seconds of footage shot with DJI equipment.

Submission Details and Where to Learn More

Submission Start Date: November 7, 2023, 12:00 (UTC+8)
Submission End Date: February 2, 2024, 23:59 (UTC+8)
Award Announcement: March 19, 2024, 12:00 (UTC+8)

Interested participants can find more information on contest rules and guidelines by visiting the SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest website at www.skypixel.com/contests/2023.