DJI, in collaboration with SkyPixel, an online community for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts, has announced the launch of the 9th Annual SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest. Running from November 7, 2023, to February 2, 2024, this contest aims to inspire creators to push the boundaries of aerial photography and videography. With a total prize package exceeding $200,000, this year’s competition promises to be an exciting platform for visual storytellers.
“The art of visual expression revolves around pushing the boundaries of the mind and nurturing creative thought,” said Nan Li, the Photo Director of Southern Weekly. Now in its 9th year, the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest continues to be a window to captivating moments captured from the sky. This contest aims to spark curiosity, reimagine the art of imagery, and immerse the public into the enchanting world of aerial photography.
A Competition Shaped by the Community
The SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest is a celebration of stories that have shaped the art of image capture. Over nine years, SkyPixel has embraced its global community, evolving the contest to reflect the desires and aspirations of its users. With 260,000 submissions and over a billion views worldwide, SkyPixel has become a platform where photographers receive the recognition they deserve. The platform continues to grow as a testament to the joy of creation, the exploration of new trends, and the advancement of aerial photography.
This year, the contest introduces three Monthly Competitions, each focusing on a unique category: Multi-focal length in November, FPV images in December, and Handheld photography in January. Submissions to these monthly competitions can also contend for both monthly and overall awards. Additionally, a new creative category for video creators has been incorporated.
Industry-Leading Judges
In an exciting development, this year’s contest features an esteemed panel of judges. For the photography category, judges 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. In 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.
Impactful Prizes
SkyPixel and DJI are proud to offer a total of 79 awards valued at over $200,000. Winners of the Best Work accolade will receive an Inspire 3 in the video category and a Hasselblad X2D 100C in the photo category, each worth $20,000 and $14,000, respectively. Additionally, winners will be recognized as official SkyPixel Creators and receive a prestigious trophy and an award certificate. Other prizes include 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 creativity.
The photo contest consists of four categories:
The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Capturing the power and beauty of Mother Nature.
The Architecture Category – Beauty in Design: Commemorating the art and innovation of architecture.
The Portrait Category – Portrait in the Sky: Empowering subjects through captivating portraits.
The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Showcasing the exhilaration and significance of sports in people’s lives.
All photos must be shot on a drone, with each image being at least 3 MB and having a resolution of at least 300 dpi. EXIF data should be retained.
The video contest consists of five categories:
The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Sharing profound connections with the natural world.
The City Category – Urban Inspiration: Exploring the transformative influence of cities.
The Travel Category – Explore Destinations: Taking viewers on an unforgettable journey.
The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Capturing the power and beauty of sports.
Creative – Break the Mold: Encouraging creators to explore novel approaches in creative concepts, narrative styles, and filming techniques.
All videos submitted must include no less than 30 seconds of footage shot with DJI equipment. Participants are reminded to fly with caution, observe flight regulations, and prioritize safety at all times.
Submission Details
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 visit the SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest website for contest rules and guidelines: SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest www.skypixel.com/contests/2023.