The winners of the second annual International Aerial Photographer of the Year competition have been announced, featuring a diverse collection of images captured from above urban centers to agricultural fields.
Azim Khan Ronnie of Bangladesh secured the top prize for his compelling portfolio. His winning entry depicted Hindu devotees gathered in Dhaka for Rakher Upobash, engaged in fasting and prayer with incense and oil lamps to honor Baba Lokenath. Ronnie's portfolio also included a submission of thousands of bright red chili peppers being harvested in Sariakandi, Bogura, Bangladesh, ready for delivery to spice companies, and an aerial view of a rowing team on Lake Zurich in Switzerland.
More than 1,500 entries from around the globe were submitted for consideration.
Among the other award recipients, Chengming Liu of the United States received a Special Award for an image capturing the Diablo Range in San Jose, California, during golden hour, highlighting the landscape's smooth contours and flowing patterns after winter rains. Liu's photo "reveals the Diablo Range at its greenest after winter rains, highlighting smooth contours and flowing patterns."
Chin Leong Teo of Singapore earned second place for multiple photographs. One captured the vibrant green rice terraces of Bali, shaped by centuries of irrigation. Another image from Teo showed a lone fisherman casting a yellow net that spread across the water, described as "blooming across the water like liquid sunlight." A third submission by Teo featured a solitary figure crossing a traffic junction in central Tokyo, and another showcased the Park Royal Hotel in Singapore.
Sanghamitra Sarkar of India was also a second-place winner for an image depicting a gathering of Warkaris during Maharashtra’s Wari pilgrimage, forming a circular pattern around a central palkhi carrying sacred padukas.
Barbara Brown of Australia received third place for "Salt Works Walvis Bay, Namibia."
Special Award Winner A.J. Rich of the United States submitted an image of the "sharp, steep, and layered hills in the Badlands of Utah."
Vitaly Golovatyuk of the Russian Federation captured "Photograph of the Year" with an image of a bird on the water of a small, clear lake surrounded by red grass in Dongtai.
