Aerial Photographer of the Year 2026 - Call for Entries

• International Aerial Photographer of the Year

• Deadline: April 30th, 2026

• Category: Aerial Photography

• Prize: $10,000 in Cash Prizes + Publication

• Entry Fees: Yes

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

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The question of inclusion in the Top 101 can be answered in two simple ways. Interested participants can consult the flipbook of selected works located at the bottom of the article, or they can visit the Archive section via the main menu and select the current year to review the results.

The appeal of photographing from above lies in its ability to challenge perception. Human vision is typically grounded—literally—at about 1.5 metres above the earth. This habitual viewpoint shapes how environments are understood. When the camera rises, that understanding shifts. Familiar terrains become unfamiliar compositions. Scale becomes ambiguous, patterns emerge unexpectedly, and the landscape transforms into something almost abstract.

Contemporary photographers have embraced this elevated perspective with growing enthusiasm. Drones equipped with sophisticated, high-resolution sensors have democratized access to the skies, allowing creators to experiment freely with height and geometry. At the same time, more traditional aerial methods—planes, helicopters, and hot air balloons—continue to provide expansive and dramatic vantage points.

Having spent a decade directing the International Landscape Photographer of the Year awards, Peter Eastway and David Evans recognized a clear evolution in submitted work. Aerial photography was no longer a niche category; it had become a powerful and distinct mode of expression. The question arose whether it deserved its own platform. The answer proved decisive: a dedicated competition for aerial photography was not only justified, but necessary.