Top-down aerial drone photo of a spinner shark creating a gateway into a school of menhaden fish in the Atlantic Ocean, Southampton, New York. (Joanna Steidle/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
The winners of the first International Aerial Photographer of the Year competition have been announced.
From more than 1,500 entries from across the world, Joanna Steidle, a professional drone pilot and artist from the Hamptons, Long Island, New York, has taken the top prize for her stunning portfolio.
Top-down drone photography of a small fever of cownose rays stirring up some sand along their travels. (Joanna Steidle/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
She said: "Aerial photography offers so many possibilities not yet explored. Every day is exciting as I look for unique subjects and moments. I try to stay away from the ordinary.
"I live in a very flat landscape, so top-down imagery has become quite a theme in my photos, which happens to work well with my love for marine life."
The competition, which invited both professional and amateur photographers to submit portfolios of at least four images, also recognized runners-up Daniel Viñé Garcia from Spain (second place) and David Swindler from the United States (third place).
The ten 2025 prize winners are:
A humpback whale diving back under the surface of the Atlantic Ocean after taking a breath of air. (Joanna Steidle/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
Photographer of the Year:
Joanna Steidle, United States
A fever of cownose rays approaching a school of menhaden bait fish, taken just a few hundred feet from the coast of Southampton, New York. (Joanna Steidle/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
Second Place:
Daniel Viñé Garcia, Spain
Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano as it cooled. The cracking pattern of the lava formed a skull, creating an eerie natural illusion for a few moments. (Daniel Viñé Garcia/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
Third Place:
David Swindler, United States
Flamingos and pelicans. (David Swindler/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
Photograph of the Year:
Ignacio Palacios, Australia
Second Place:
Talor Stone, United States
Third Place:
Thomas Vijayan, Canada
Polar bear on Svalbard after eating on a walrus carcass. (Pal Hermansen/International Aerial Photographer of the Year via SWNS)
Special Award Winners:
- Barbara Brown, Australia (Black and White)
- PÃ¥l Hermansen, Norway (Drone)
- Colin Leonhardt, Australia (Abstract)
- Fabien Guittard, France (Chairman’s Choice)
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