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The DJI SkyPixel 2025 contest has returned for another year, but with a significant milestone: it’s here to stay. The 10th annual online aerial art competition has taken flight, courtesy of SkyPixel, a vibrant community for drone enthusiasts partnered with DJI, a pioneering drone manufacturer.
This year’s competition continues to adapt and innovate, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of drone expertise. As innovations unfold, this year’s developments transcend mere drones. To pay homage to DJI’s portable “Osmo” camera series, the inaugural “Handheld” category has been introduced in this year’s competition.
In reality, the competition primarily focuses on developing capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), namely drones. Winners will have the opportunity to take home a grand prize package valued at over $170,000.
To participate in the SkyPixel 2025 Photograph and Video contest, you must first register for an account on their website. Once registered, navigate to the contest page and click the “Enter Contest” button.
The registration period for the course is currently open and will close on February. 10, 2025. In preceding years, participants were required to upload their submissions to the SkyPixel online platform. For the first time, contestants are able to submit their entries across all DJI social media platforms.
As SkyPixel celebrated its 10th anniversary, it underwent a significant transformation to become even more streamlined and efficient in its operations. This year’s contest features a streamlined format with just three distinct categories: Aerial Pictures, Aerial Videography, and Handheld Videography. Below are the specific details for each category:
Aerial Pictures
DJI recommends a shot
Entries must be submitted using aerial photography equipment and presented as a standalone work featuring a single image, with a minimum file size of 3MB and a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
Aerial Videography
Where to start?
Without utilizing certified DJI products, this class mandates exacting DJI goods for capturing. Entries must not exceed 5 minutes in length. At least 30 seconds of aerial footage must be captured using DJI drones. In light of DJI’s announcement, we note that besides the Spark, Matrice, and Phantom series, other models such as the Inspire and Agras are also viable options.
Handheld Videography
With these entries, DJI requires your immediate attention.
As with the Aerial Videography class, DJI mandates the use of specific DJI equipment for optimal results. Entries must not take longer than 5 minutes to read. At least thirty seconds of high-quality footage must have been captured on one of the following DJI product sequences: Mavic, Osmo, Spark, or Ronin.
Maximise Your Chances of Winning the SkyPixel 2025 Photography and Videography Contest
Winning the SkyPixel 2025 Photograph and Video contest is no easy accomplishment. Be prepared to face an abundance of competition from the outset. Since its inception nine years ago, DJI’s SkyPixel contest has attracted a staggering 400,000+ submissions from all corners of the world.
There are several methods that can help boost your chances of success.
This year’s theme, “Discover Without Limits,” presents an opportunity to creatively connect our beach setting to the idea of limitless exploration. Instead of simply transporting a standard beach scene, let’s find ways to integrate the concept of discovery and boundless possibility into our design, even if it’s a more traditional coastal environment. As the sun dips below the horizon, I set out to capture the essence of limitless possibility, snapping a photograph that embodies the thrill of the unknown.
While a prominent overall award exists, intermediate recognitions also serve as motivators throughout the process. Each month, we will feature “Recognition Awards.” According to DJI, the honorees showcased below are distinguished for creating content that pushes boundaries by exploring novel trends or innovative artistry.
To provide insight into the audience’s interests, I’ll give you a heads-up on who they are, allowing you to craft submissions that align with their goals and objectives. The panel of picture judges comprises Anne Farrar, Assistant Managing Editor-Pictures at Nationwide Geographic Journal; Weimin Chu, renowned panorama photographer; Daniel Kordan, expert panorama photographer; and Luke Stackpoole, esteemed journey and landscape photographer.
The video judges comprise renowned cinematographer Claudio Miranda, celebrated for his work on films such as Life of Pi, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Top Gun: Maverick; director of photography Chenyu Jin, recognized for her contributions to Blossoms Shanghai and Like A Rolling Stone; MediaStorm founder Tianhong Pan; and adventure filmmaker Sam Newton.
By analyzing the past winners, you can uncover patterns and preferences that will increase your chances of impressing the judges. I’ve shared and showcased the exceptional work of the 2023 SkyPixel contest winners, celebrating their breathtaking aerial photography achievements. Recently, I showcased the impressive and the inspiring work of this year’s SkyPixel award winners, revisiting some of the most striking images from last year’s competition.
What are the prizes?
The SkyPixel Awards ceremony will take place on March 27th, 2026. So what’s up for grabs? This year, three Grand Winners – one from each class – will share a prestigious prize package. However that’s not all. DJI plans to award more than 80 prizes throughout the competition.
The ultimate prize packages feature a treasure trove of exciting elements.
- Photography Grand Prize: A Hasselblad X2D 100C camera kit, including the XCD 3.5-4.5/35-75mm lens and the XCD F4/45P (valued at over $14,000).
- What’s the ultimate prize for a video grand winner? It’s a stunning package worth over $20,000! You’ll receive a DJI Encourage 3 drone, perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial footage. To complement your flying skills, you’ll also get a high-quality DL 18 mm F2.8 lens to elevate your photography game. And to store all your files securely, we’re throwing in a PROSSD 1TB drive. Finally, power through even the longest shoots with two TB51 Batteries, ensuring you never run out of juice when the moment is hot.
- Grand Prize Winner of the Handheld Competition: A comprehensive DJI Ronin 4D-8K cinema camera package, consisting of one DJI Ronin 4D-8K cinema camera, one DJI Transmission system, and two TB50 batteries (valued at over $15,000).
What are some of the notable smaller awards offered on the platform?
What’s behind the veil of secrecy surrounding the enigmatic figure known as “The Drone Lady”? Can her true identity be discovered?
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