| Copyright | All Entrants agree that any Entry submitted to the competition may be used by the Organiser, and its Event Partners for the purposes of judging the Competition, and marketing and promotional purposes of the Competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 April 2025 |
| Entry fee | US $22 per image entry |
Finished
You can take aerial photographs using a drone, a plane, a helicopter or a balloon. You can take an aerial photograph from the top of a tall building or a mountain. All that’s required is that your photograph has an aerial perspective. The Entries presented for judging must be photographic in origin (taken with a camera, including the camera in a drone), but there are no restrictions on post-production, except that any post-production must be the work of the entrant.
Prizes:
I n t e r n a t i o n a l A e r i a l P h o t o g r a p h e r o f t h e Y e a r 2 0 2 5
- First Prize
Cash prize of US $5000, trophy, inclusion and feature in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
- Second Prize
Cash prize of US $500, trophy, inclusion in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
- Third Prize
Cash prize of US $250, trophy, inclusion in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
I n t e r n a t i o n a l A e r i a l P h o t o g r a p h o f t h e Y e a r 2 0 2 5
- First Prize
Cash prize of US $2,500, trophy, inclusion and feature in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
- Second Prize
Cash prize of US $500, trophy, inclusion in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
- Third Prize
Cash prize of US $250, trophy, inclusion in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
T h e B l a c k a n d W h i t e A w a r d
T h e D r o n e A w a r d
T h e A b s t r a c t A w a r d
T h e C h a i r m a n ‘ s A w a r d
For these four special awards, each of these photographers will receive a cash prize of $250, a trophy, inclusion in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book, and a printed copy of the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards Book.
Online submission of digital images via the website.
Image requirements:
Measure between 3000 and 4000 pixels on the longest side, 300 dpi. Be saved as a JPEG/JPG (recommended setting 9 or 10). There is a maximum file size of 12MB, so for particularly detailed subjects, you may need to reduce the JPEG compression to setting 8.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.