The SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest: 10 Years of Aerial Shenanigans!
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again—no, not the annual “I swear this is my last diet” declaration; that’s next month. We’re talking about the SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest! After a decade of stunning footage, breathtaking views, and more pixels than you can shake a drone at, DJI and SkyPixel are back to give us another reason to look up at the sky and think, “Wow, I should probably stop scrolling through Instagram immediately.”
10 Years of Celebrating Creativity
Since 2014, SkyPixel has morphed from a modest idea to a global phenomenon, boasting a whopping 55 million registered users. That’s right! It’s like Facebook’s cousin who can actually cook, and everybody loves him for it. With over 50 million aerial photos and videos uploaded, it’s safe to say we’ve got the basics covered—from awe-inspiring nature shots to the complex ballet of city life—all presented with just a hint of “I’m definitely cooler than you.”
Let’s not forget, this contest is no mere playground for hobbyists. With over 400,000 submissions bringing in a staggering 1 billion views, we’re not just dabbling in creativity; we’re diving headfirst into a pool of innovation wearing floaties.
In Search of Infinite Expressive Power!
This year’s theme is intriguingly titled “In Search of Infinite Expressive Power,” which sounds like a motivational poster that gets you pumped for yet another day at the office—or perhaps just before another solo hike that turns into an impromptu photoshoot. DJI aims to inspire creativity with not one, but three categories: “Aerial Photography,” “Aerial Video,” and the new addition of “Handheld Video.” Not interested in soaring high above the ground? Well, ground-level chaos can be artistic too!
What You Need to Know
Contest Details:
- Submission Period: November 7, 2024 – February 10, 2025
- Winners Announced: March 27, 2025
Categories:
- Aerial Photography: Discover the world from above—think picturesque landscapes or the thrill of a sports event. To qualify, uploads should be at least 3MB and in a dazzling 300dpi.
- Aerial Videography: Show us why the sky is your stage! Your video should have 50% aerial footage and be less than 5 minutes long. Buckle up because you need at least 30 seconds of DJI product action!
- Handheld Videography: Show some ground-level action! Same time constraints apply, but expect to show off your handheld equipment for half of your length as well.
Judges? Star-Studded Lineup!
This year’s judges are a veritable “who’s who” in the photography and videography world—think of them as the Avengers, but with fewer capes and more camera gear:
- Anne Farrar – Assistant Managing Editor, National Geographic Magazine (because who doesn’t want to channel their inner adventurer?)
- Claudio Miranda – Academy Award-winning cinematographer (yes, the “Life of Pi” guy)
- Weimin Chu & Daniel I Repeat – Renowned landscape photographers (as if you needed more encouragement to get outside)
The Grand Prizes
Winners, prepare to be showered in swag! With over $170,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, a Photography winner scoops a Hasselblad X2D valued at over $14,000! The Aerial Videography champion will indulge in a DJI Inspire 3 drone (valued at over $20,000). And let’s not forget the Handheld Videography victor who gets their very own DJI Ronin 4D! Who knew creativity came with a price tag…and a hefty one at that?
Final Thoughts
If you’re a budding artist or an experienced creator, this is the moment to showcase your work while simultaneously making those of us still stuck with a smartphone turn green with envy. Get your entries ready, and may your pixels always be perfectly aligned!
For all the nitty-gritty details—like contest rules and submission formats—check out the official SkyPixel website. Now, who’s ready to go capture some incredible epicness?!
November 7, 2024 – DJI, in collaboration with SkyPixel — the preeminent online platform for aerial photography — announces the commencement of the highly anticipated 10th SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest, scheduled from November 7, 2024, to February 10, 2025. This celebratory contest not only marks a decade of aerial photography evolution but also showcases the stunning visual expressions from an ever-growing community of creators, who continue to garner significant acclaim worldwide. In a nod to the increasing popularity of handheld photography, this year introduces a brand-new ‘Handheld’ category, recognizing the artistry of those using handheld cameras. As a testament to the participants’ creativity, the event promises to award a remarkable prize pool exceeding $170,000.
“They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” commented Ferdinand Wolf, creative director at DJI. “For a decade, the SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest has been a platform celebrating the work of photographers and videographers worldwide, who creatively encapsulate the world’s beauty through their lenses. It fills us with pride to honor these remarkable talents.” He further added, “SkyPixel remains a vibrant community that nurtures imagination, redefines artistic parameters, and embraces diverse experiences from all corners of the globe.”
10 years of celebrating creativity
SkyPixel, established in 2014, has grown into the leading global community dedicated to showcasing the compelling narratives that define the visual essence of photography and videography. The platform’s success is underscored by its impressive roster of over 55 million registered users and the astounding tally of more than 50 million breathtaking aerial images and videos contributed by talent from around the world.
The annual tradition of the aerial photography and video contests began in 2015, generating more than 400,000 global submissions over the years and amassing over 1 billion views across various platforms. Participants have utilized an array of DJI products, from the handheld Osmo series to the versatile DJI drones, allowing creative individuals to capture cinematic moments uniquely. This impressive scale of participation highlights the community’s unmatched creativity fueled by DJI technology.
In search of infinite expressive power
For the landmark 10th contest, DJI and SkyPixel encapsulate a thrilling theme: “In Search of Infinite Expressive Power,” aimed at delving into the boundless potential of artistic expression. In an effort to inspire creativity among all DJI users and to enhance the submission experience, the contest has been streamlined into three distinct categories: “Aerial Photography,” “Aerial Video,” and the newly introduced “Handheld Video.” Furthermore, participants may submit entries through all DJI social media channels, expanding accessibility. Each month, a ‘Popular Award’ will be presented to highlight content that explores innovative techniques and contemporary trends in the art.
SkyPixel 10th Photo & Video Contest Details
The photography category consists of one category:
aerial photography
We are looking for works that encapsulate the visual splendor of the world from above, be it the breathtaking beauty of nature, striking architectural feats, dynamic sports moments, or emotionally resonant portraits.
* Entries must be taken with aerial photography equipment, with a minimum size of 3MB and a resolution of at least 300dpi.
* Acceptable gear includes Inspire / Mavic / Air / Mini / Phantom series and DJI Neo for shooting.
The video category consists of two categories:
aerial videography
Participants can capture the spectacular views of our planet from the sky, showcasing everything from stunning landscapes to vibrant urban life, intense sporting events, and serene moments.
* Entries must not exceed 5 minutes in length and must incorporate at least 30 seconds of footage taken with a DJI product.
* Entries should contain a minimum of 50% aerial footage.
* Equipment permitted includes Inspire / Mavic / Air / Mini / Avata / Phantom series, DJI FPV / DJI Neo.
* All pilots must fly responsibly, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and adhere to local regulations.
handheld videography
Capture moments happening right in front of you, be it the lively atmosphere of a bustling city, tranquil outdoor scenery, the thrill of sports, or exciting travel experiences, and express your unique story through your lens.
* Entries must not exceed 5 minutes and must feature a minimum of 30 seconds captured with DJI handheld devices.
* At least 50% of the footage must be recorded using handheld gear.
* Participants can use the Ronin Stabilizer / Ronin Cinema Camera / Osmo Action / Osmo Pocket / Osmo Mobile series for videography.
Industry-leading jury members
This year’s contest entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of top-tier photographers and videographers from around the globe.
The photography category judging panel features eminent personalities, including:
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Anne Farrar—Assistant Managing Editor, National Geographic Magazine
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Weimin Chu—acclaimed landscape photographer and multiple award winner
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Daniel I repeat—noted for his stunning landscape photography
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Luke Stackpoole—a pioneering figure in adventure and travel photography.
The video category will be assessed by prominent cinematographers, including:
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Claudio Miranda—Academy Award-winning cinematographer known for “The Life of Pi”
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Chenyu Jin—celebrated director of photography
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Tianhong Pan—renowned commercial cinematographer
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Sam Newton—a well-respected travel filmmaker.
Prize details
This year, SkyPixel and DJI will honor three “Grand Winners” and distribute more than 80 prizes, with a total prize value exceeding $170,000. Grand Winner for “Best Work” will receive exclusive prizes including:
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Photography winner: a Hasselblad X2D 100C camera package valued at over $14,000.
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Aerial Videography winner: a DJI Inspire 3 drone package worth over $20,000.
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Handheld Videography winner: a DJI Ronin 4D-8K Cinema Camera setup exceeding $15,000 in value.
All Grand Winners will receive a coveted SkyPixel trophy and be acknowledged as official “SkyPixel Creators.” Additional prizes can be explored on the Official SkyPixel website, which may include outstanding DJI products like Mavic 3 Pro, Air 3S, Avata 2, and Osmo Pocket 3. All participants will receive DJI credits to be used in their online shop as further encouragement to engage in this creative endeavor.
Submission details
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Submissions open: November 7, 2024, 13:00 (Japan time)
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Submissions close: February 11, 2025, 00:59 (Japan time)
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Winners announced: March 27, 2025, 13:00 (Japan time)
Entries will be accepted via the official SkyPixel website as well as through all DJI social media channels. For comprehensive contest guidelines and details, please visit the SkyPixel 10th Photo & Video Contest website:
About SkyPixel
Since its inception in 2014, SkyPixel has emerged as a vibrant community uniting the world’s foremost aerial photographers and videographers. With over 55 million users and thousands of new aerial images and videos uploaded every day, the community continues to thrive. The 9th Photo & Video Contest held in November 2023 garnered over 130,000 entries from 148 countries, demonstrating an unprecedented level of engagement and growth. For further details,
About DJI
Since its founding in 2006, DJI has played a pivotal role as a leader in the consumer drone industry, continuously driving innovation and helping individuals fly their first drones and create professional-quality videos. Their legacy is built on a commitment to transforming dreams into reality through groundbreaking technology. Today, DJI focuses on advancing human progress and contributing positively to the world, driven by unwavering curiosity and a dedication to problem-solving across diverse fields including cycling, renewable energy, agriculture, public safety, and more.
It looks like you’re sharing information about the upcoming 10th SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest, organized by DJI and SkyPixel. The contest is set to run from November 7, 2024, to February 10, 2025, and marks a significant milestone in promoting creativity in aerial and handheld photography. Here’s a summary of the key details:
### Contest Overview
– **Dates**: November 7, 2024 – February 10, 2025
– **Theme**: “In Search of Infinite Expressive Power”
– **Categories**:
– Aerial Photography
– Aerial Videography
– Handheld Videography
### Submission Guidelines
- **Aerial Photography**:
– Minimum file size: 3MB
– Minimum resolution: 300dpi
– Required equipment: DJI drones (Inspire / Mavic / Air / Mini / Phantom series)
– **Aerial Videography**:
– Maximum length: 5 minutes
– At least 30 seconds must be DJI content
– Minimum 50% aerial footage required
– Permitted equipment includes DJI drones and FPV models
– **Handheld Videography**:
– Maximum length: 5 minutes
– At least 30 seconds must feature DJI handheld gear
- Minimum 50% of footage must be handheld
- Equipment: Ronin Stabilizer, Osmo series
### Prizes
– **Grand Winners**:
– Photography: Hasselblad X2D 100C Camera Package ($14,000+)
– Aerial Videography: DJI Inspire 3 Drone Package ($20,000+)
– Handheld Videography: DJI Ronin 4D-8K Cinema Camera Setup ($15,000+)
- Additional prizes totaling over $170,000 and participants receive DJI credits.
### Key Dates
– **Submission Opens**: November 7, 2024
– **Submission Closes**: February 11, 2025
– **Winners Announced**: March 27, 2025
### Judging Panel
The contest will feature a distinguished jury from renowned fields in photography and videography, including:
– **Photography Judges**: Anne Farrar, Weimin Chu, Daniel I repeat, Luke Stackpoole.
– **Video Judges**: Claudio Miranda, Chenyu Jin, Tianhong Pan, Sam Newton.
For full details, general rules, and updates, participants are encouraged to check the [official SkyPixel contest page](https://www.skypixel.com/contests/2024). Good luck to all participants!
