Los Angeles, CA—DJI and SkyPixel, an online community for aerial photography and videography, announced the 9th SkyPixel Photo-Video Contest. Running from November 7, 2023 to February 2, 2024, this year’s contest encourages creators to push their creative boundaries. Both companies wish the contest to foster breakthroughs and have contestants pioneer new trends in aerial photography and videography. To reflect the value of the creative process, the total prize package is worth more than $200,000.
“The SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest is a celebration of the remarkable stories that have shaped the art of image capture. Whether from solid ground or soaring through the skies, these stories embody the creative and daring spirit that defines the field. Over the course of nine years, SkyPixel has embraced its users and strived to shape a contest that authentically reflects the desires and aspirations of the global community,” SkyPixel announced.
Moreover, the contest’s inclusive approach has drawn in 260,000 submissions and garnered over a billion views worldwide.
9th SkyPixel Photo-Video Contest
This year’s SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest brings changes that promise to elevate the competition. Three new Monthly Competitions were introduced, in addition to the main competition. Further, each month focuses on a unique category. In November, the focus is multi-focal length. December spotlights FPV images. And January will highlight handheld photography. 
You can also enter submissions to the monthly competitions into the main competition and have them contend for both monthly and overall awards. Additionally, a new creative category for video creators was incorporated. It provides more opportunities for participants to showcase their talents.
Contest Judges
A notable enhancement this year is the panel of judges in the photo and video categories. In photography, there are seasoned experts such as Wen Huang, a World Press Photo judge and senior editor; and Anne Farrar, assistant photography chief editor at National Geographic; Nan Li, the photo director of Southern Weekly; as well as Daniel Kordan, a renowned landscape photographer.
In the video category, the judges include Michael Fitzmaurice, the aerial director of photography of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle; and Xiaoshi Zhao, known for his award-winning work on Forever Enthralled. Bing Xi, a prominent figure in the Chinese TVC industry, and celebrated filmmaker Brandon Li round out the panel.
Contest Prizes
In addition, SkyPixel and DJI will present a total of 79 awards with a total value of more than $200,000. Winners of the Best Work accolade will go home with an Inspire 3 drone in the video category and a Hasselblad X2D 100C in the photo category. Each of the prizes is worth $20,000 and $14,000. Plus, they will be signed as an official SkyPixel Creator and receive a trophy and an award certificate to honor their achievements. Other prizes include the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3, DJI Avata, Osmo Pocket 3, Osmo Action 4 as well as the Osmo Mobile 6. 
Contest Categories
The photo contest consists of four categories. They follow along with what SkyPixel and DJI are looking for in each category.
- The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Embrace the power and beauty of Mother Nature. Share impactful moments of nature that encapsulate its grandeur.
- The Architecture Category – Beauty in Design: Architecture is the marriage of art and innovation. Commemorate these feats of design by showcasing the buildings and structures that inspire creativity.
- The Portrait Category – Portrait in the Sky: Portraits have a unique ability to captivate audiences like no other medium. Eternalize a moment and empower your subjects through a portrait that captures their very essence.
- The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Capture the exhilarating world of sports. Demonstrate the exciting moments and the profound significance your chosen sport holds in people’s lives.
Moreover, you must shoot all photos on a drone. Each image must be at least 3MB with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Please also retain the EXIF data.
The video contest consists of five categories:
- The Nature Category – A Force of Nature: Share moments of profound connection with the natural world and capture its breathtaking magnificence.
- The City Category – Urban Inspiration: Explore how cities have transformative influence over their inhabitants, molding perspectives and communities.
- The Travel Category –Explore Destinations: Capture an unforgettable journey, channeling scenery, people and your love for travel into captivating visual stories.
- The Sports Category – More Than a Game: Capture the power, speed and beauty of sports and show the competitive spirit of going forward.
- Creative – Break the Mold: With no restrictions on subject matter, creators are encouraged to explore novel approaches in terms of creative concepts, narrative styles, and filming techniques.
Further, all videos submitted must include at least 30 seconds of shooting with DJI equipment.
The Submission Details
Submission Start Date: November 7, 2023, 12:00 (UTC+8)
Submission End Date: February 2, 2024, 23:59 (UTC+8)
Award Announcement: March 19, 2024, 12:00 (UTC+8)
Interested participants can visit the SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest website for contest rules and guidelines.
