Ultimate Drone Buying Guide for Total Beginners

Possible Drone Used: SwellPro Splash Drone 3
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $$2,498.00*

This awesome award-winning drone photo will tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers everywhere. In this photo, we see a group of passengers on a small travel boat. A gray whale is playfully bumping up against them, giving them one memorable photo op.

According to Animal Planet, it’s likely that these tourists simply bumped into the whale on one of its migrations. The Gray Whale is a “great migrator,” with some of these gentle giants swimming around 12,430 miles (round-trip) a year. In the summer, they spend their time in the polar waters. In winter, they head down for a vacation to tropical waters.

This photo would be perfect, again, for a drone like the SwellPro Splash Drone 3, which is waterproof. The Drone’s maker, SwellPro, knows that it is popular among the fishing crowd, so it actually sells it with a “Fishing Bundle” for extra.” The Splash Drone 3 would be able to withstand a splash if the gray whale decided to smack his tail on the water.

Possible Drone Used: Potensic T25 GPS Drone
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $279.99

This beautiful photo from Trung Pham Huy is titled The Fishing Net. The Fishing Net was taken during Vietnam’s anchovy fishing season, and the artistry of the photo makes it look like a “floating flower on the sea” from the aerial view. Huy’s drone of choice is unknown, but the aquatic nature of the photo means that a drone like Potensic T25 GPS Drone could come in handy.

Anchovy fishing in Vietnam is big business. Photos of the industry have made it to publications like the Vietnam Times, Daily Mail, and more, though, for these hardworking fishermen, this is just another day at work.

You can buy the Potensic T25 on Amazon. This drone, which has a 4.1/5-star rating on the site, has a 1080P HD live video camera. Its wide-angle camera is adjustable. One of the coolest features of the T25 is its “Return to Home” feature, which means that it will return to its starting point if the signal is lost.

In this case, the PowerVision PowerEye could do the job. With a max range of 5km and a speed of 40 miles per hour, this model could quickly get into position while you’re looking for the best angle possible. It also has interchangeable cameras, which isn’t to be sniffed at. And to think just a couple of decades ago we were making the most of Kodac disposables.

PowerVision PowerEye calls its drone a “revolution in productivity.” It is certainly convenient to carry, as its body is foldable and light, thanks to its collapsible design. The drone has a 3.1/5-star rating on Amazon, which is surprising, considering the beautiful photos that we see it is capable of taking.

Lightning Over Kuala Lumpur @petedemarco / Instagram.com

At almost $3,000 on Amazon these flying titans aren’t cheap, but you can’t put a price on incredibly timed shots like this. The lightning striking the busy city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is both stunning and eerie to look at. It was a case of right place, right time – right drone.

If you’re having sticker shock, you shouldn’t, as the features on this drone make it well-deserving of its high price. The SplashDrone 3+ has multiple layers of weather protection, which help keep it safe and return home. If you lose the controller signal (like in a lightning storm), the 3+ will simply return back to its starting point.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: Amazon  Amazon
Cost: $$909.00*

This shot of a grain field makes it look like there’s a face in it, looking up and smiling like a gentle bearded old man. However, while the photo is undeniably wonderful to look at, it wouldn’t take quite as advanced of a drone as some of the others we’ve seen.

Face in a Grain Field @photographersWorld / dronstagram.com

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is largely hailed as a great all-rounder for anyone looking to get into the drone game. It’s mid-range price is palatable and you could still get insane aerial shots like this with a bit of practice. We love a Sony camera, but can they do this?

The Air 2 has high-ending imaging features, as well as powerful flight performance. Thanks to its half-inch sensor, it’s able to capture amazing trick shots like this one. The Air 2 has 2,320 reviews on Google, and it has an amazing 5 out of 5 stars, indicating that people love this drone.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Robotics Evo
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $3,799.00

Support Remote ID) Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3: 2023 Newest EVO II Pro V3 Rugged Bundle, Son-y 1″ CMOS

It’s hard to tell what this picture even is. It looks like some kind of retro art print pulled out of a ‘60s office on Wall Street, but it’s actually much cleverer than that. This picture is of Leme Beach, a cute little spot close to Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro.

Leme Beach, Rio de Janiero @americovermelho / Instagram.com

To get a shot like this you need a drone with great stability, much like the Autel Robotics Evo. This photo relies on the different patterns and lines to work, so no drone unable to steady itself would do. It’s go big or go home with this one.

Autel Drones might have parts made in China, but the majority of the work and company management is done right here in America. The robotics company has its offices in Bothell, Washington. Its drones, especially the Evo line, are some of the best lithium-polymer-powered cameras on the market. They’ll go wherever you go.

Projects in Brooklyn, New York @sanllacer / dronstagram.com

If you’re not a native New Yorker then you’ve still heard of the projects, but few ever really get to see what the area looks like from up top. This clear as day view gives viewers an insight into the strange shaped buildings – and just how populated the public housing really is.

In the Marcy Houses alone, there are 4,286 residents. Brownsville houses 25,000 people. Fun (if not amazing) fact: rapper Jay Z grew up in the Marcy Projects. After he became a rap billionaire, he turned around and bought a 1.5% ownership stake in the same projects he grew up in.

Flock of Flamingos ©bahadirsansarci/Shutterstock.com

If you too are an aspiring birdwatcher looking to capture some incredible photographs, you’re in luck. A simple drone model that won’t break the bank, but will still take some mind boggling photos, is for sale online at Best Buy for under $100.

If you’re a beginner, the Ryze Tech Tello Quadcopter is a pretty good drone to start with because it is easy to fly. It is a mini drone with an HD camera, two antennas, and long flight times. Ryze Technologies says that even a “beginner” can control the drone “effortlessly.”

Possible Drone Used: DJI Spark
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $499*

Is it a giant animal head caught in a fence? Nope, it’s a gargantuan bird’s nest nestled in electric wire. This photo is so mind-bending that it’s strange to look at, but apparently bird’s nests that large really do exist. While some see them from below, drones like the DJI Spark allow us to see it from a whole new level.

Birds Nest @Rachael Ishaya / Pinterest.com

The DJI Spark is a fairly basic model compared to some of the other drones we’ve seen, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. It could take shots like this without too much fumbling, although its battery life isn’t quite as high as some newer versions.

The DJI Spark is also called the “Selfie Drone” by the company, but, as you can see, you can use it to take a range of photos, not just pictures of yourself. The Spark is currently not going to get a new iteration, though refurbished drones are still listed on the DJI website.

Possible Drone Used: Hotbest Mavic Pro Clone
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $43.99*

Another reason drones are great for photography is that they can help us reach heights we could never achieve without airplanes or helicopters, but are much more fuel efficient and affordable. This image of a giant hole left from a diamond mine in Russia is the perfect example of a picture that no average human could conceive of taking without drone photography.

Diamond Mine (Russia) @Antje Ream / Pinterest.com

Another drone that won’t break the bank, but will still wow your friends and family with incredible pictures is the Hotbest Mavic Pro Clone. While it likely wasn’t the same drone that took this incredible image of an abandoned diamond mine in Mir, Russia, it has all the capabilities to take such images. You can find it online at Walmart or other similar retailers.

There’s very little chance that you could have taken the Mir Mine photo without the help of a drone, as it isn’t very safe. The Mirny Mine, as it’s known, is an open pit mine in Siberia. It is more than 1,722 feet deep and over 3,900 feet wide at the opening, making it something you definitely don’t want to risk falling down.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Q500
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $600*

Let’s face it, this isn’t going to be winning any prizes for best picture quality, but that doesn’t make the image any less impactful. The giant pink bunny sprawled out over a field may be the work of computer trickery, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t start out as a drone snap.

Pink Bunny @Sue Bamford / Pinterest.com

This hilarious photo could have come from the Yuneec Typhoon 4K, a quadcopter equipped with a 4K camera. The all-in-one system has an Android touchscreen controller, which means it can be set up quickly. The Quadcopter can capture video too—1080p/120fps—though let’s hope it never gets video of this bunny trying to stand up.

A Yuneec Q500 could get a job like this done – and why wouldn’t you want a snap of a giant bunny in wasteland? Art comes in many forms and this isn’t the weirdest we’ve seen by a long shot. Although, it is possibly one of the funniest.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot BeBop
Where to Buy: eBay
Cost: $500*

Not every drone has to cost over a thousand dollars to take an interesting photo. One like the Parrot BeBop is under $500 but can still capture shocking snaps like this. Little did that man know when he was taking a casual swim that he was within just a few feet of a huge shark.

Shark next to man @CBSDFW / Youtube.com

It’s worrying to know that drones see much more than we can see, even though they’re much further away than we are. Just one wrong move and that swimmer could’ve been shark bait. Luckily (at least we hope) the man escaped unharmed.

It’s likely that he was fine. As the NOAA says, sharks have a scary reputation, but they really don’t attack people. Humans are too much work—they’d rather chow down on marine mammals and fish. There are over 300 species of sharks, but only a dozen are known to attack, and even those only attack when confused or curious.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Mini
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $450*

The DJI Mavic Mini might be a tiny drone, but it packs a big punch. This gorgeous photo has heavily enhanced to show the full beauty of a Vietnamese fishing boat casting its net, but it’s not entirely unreasonable to think a $450-dollar Mini could snap something like this.

Fishing Boat in Vietnam @phtrung0611 / Instagram.com

Billed as the “tiny drone you want in your Christmas stocking” according to DP Review, the drone has all the quality of larger DJI models. Pictures like this one encapsulate the beauty of simple things that happen every day. To us, it’s a work of art – but to the fisherman, it was just another day at work.

And this photo, though beautiful, could be one of millions. Around four million people are employed in Vietnam’s fishery sector. Aquaculture employs 2.6 million, which 1 million fish for shrimp and the other 1.8 are marine fishers. It’s one of Vietnam’s most profitable industries, though, like we said, likely just another day at work for this man.

Possible Drone Used: Hubsan X4 H502S
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $400*

There are many high altitude drones on the market, including the Hubsan X4 H502S. This little piece of tech may not be the best at what it does, but with the right operator it could take photos just like this tranquil shot of a Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon @balazsbusznyak / Unsplash.com

We don’t know where this shot was taken, but the cool ice blue compared to the road and the green forest makes for a wonderful visual. It just goes to show that we walk past things of pure beauty every day – we just don’t always realize it.

On Amazon, the Hubsan X4 H502S has a 3.6/5-star rating. The drone is GPS and a 720p HD camera. The drone has a little bit higher rating on Google, scoring a 4.5/5, but on BHPhotoVideo.com, it has a 2.5/5. The reviews are mixed, with some people finding it inefficient and others saying it’s the best.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $800*

Before the DJI Mavic Air 2 came the DJI Mavic Air. The tech may have been upgraded since then, but this drone still got the job done. With brilliant resolution, the Air could have been the one to capture this still of a camel in the desert.

Camel’s Shadow @abstractaerialart / Instagram.com

If the shadow wasn’t there, you probably wouldn’t even realize there was a camel there in the first place. It’s a simple scene that works incredibly well. You can almost feel the heat radiating out from the photo – and that’s no small feat.

As aforementioned, the DJI Mavic Air would be a good drone to take this photo, even in the scorching hot desert where this camel lives. The Air has a maximum flight distance (no wind) of 6.21 miles. The maximum wind speed resistance it can tolerate is 18-23MPH, which is pushing it, as desert winds reach 28MPH on average.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot ANAFI
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $700*

The Parrot ANAFI might not be as widely used by photographers as DJI models, but it can still take quality pictures. This small drone is tiny but mighty. Throw it up into the air and you just might get a wonderful aerial shot like this.

Fish-Shaped Island @water.shapes.earth / Instagram.com

The photo is of a fish-shaped island in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. The island’s name is Gaz. Gaz is a tiny island, and it is one of very few islands in the world with this shape. Gaz is part of Brijuni, a national park just off the West Istrian Coast. It makes up one of twelve tiny inlets (and two large islands) in the park.

It’s amusing and great to look at for a number of reasons. We’re used to seeing fish swimming in the ocean, but not fish-shaped islands. It offers up a perspective that we just aren’t used to seeing.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Robotics EVO
Where to Buy: Autel Drones
Cost: $$1,049*

Autel has produced some great drones, including it’s slightly older EVO version. With four to five star reviews across the board, it’s not hard to see why customers keep going back for it time and time again. Who knows, this picture of an abandoned water park could be the work of an Autel.

Abandoned Water Park, Dubai @dxbdrone / Instagram.com

Abandoned structures have been sources of interest for many for years as they provide a snapshot to a different time. For urban explorers, getting some drone shots allows them to take things to the next level, without posing much of a risk.

However, if you’re an Urbex adventurer, you might want to steer clear of this waterpark, as it will be getting a revival soon. The waterpark will be revived for $490 million, getting apartments, shops, a cultural center, restaurants, and more. Soon, the waterpark’s drone photos will be full of life and people.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 3 Standard
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $700*

The DJI Phantom 3 is great to look at. It may be a little on the older side, but back when it was first released it had everything drone lovers were looking for, from stability to great shots. This shot captures another side to a car park that we never get to see.

@abstractaerialart/Instagram

With smooth lines – and some arguably horrendous parking – it just goes to show how tiny and insignificant us humans look from the sky. When we’re trying to park finding a space can be a nightmare, but do we ever realize just how many cars surround us? We might now!

DJI says that its Phantom 3 is a “drone for beginners.” It is easy to fly, and it is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The Phantom 3 has a fully-integrated remote, live HD view, increased flight range, and is compatible with the DJI GO App. On Google, the 3 has a 4.5/5-star review.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599*

What’s Russia without ice hockey? Photographer Maksim Tarasov captured this photo of a rural ice hockey rink in Russia, made by the players themselves. Though there’s no word on what drone was used to capture this photo, the DJI Mavic 2 would be perfect for such a long-distance photo.

Rural Ice Hockey @t_a.r_o / Instagram.com

The Mavic 2 is portable, and it has a nearly five-mile range. The drone isn’t for people on a budget, though the Hubsan H501S and Phantom 3 4K are two choices for people trying to save a little cash. If you’re looking to travel to these icy regions of Russia, dress warm as temperatures can easily sink to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $799*

Drone photographer Ovi D Pop won the “Abstract” Category of the Drone Awards with “Weather Snake,” a photo so neatly divided that it almost looks like an optical illusion. Ovi D Pop took an aerial photo of a road in the middle of a Romanian forest near Derna in Bihor County. The dichotomy in the photo was stunning.

Weather Snake @WIRED / Twitter.com

The commune of Derna is so close to the northeastern Romanian border that it is called Felsoderna in Hungarian. It borders Chislaz, Bursturi, Spinus, and Popesti. Romania itself can have some wild weather, with temperatures sinking to -37.3 degrees Fahrenheit one year. Less than a decade later, temperatures hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

The drone used is unclear, but the aerial shot might have been accomplished with a drone such as the DJI Mavic Air 2, which lets you “Master the Skies,” according to the maker. It has a 5/5-star rating on Google. Though not cheap, the artistry it lets photographers accomplish makes it worth it.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Typhoon H Plus Hexacopter
Where to Buy: Drones Direct
Cost: $1,862*

Getting close enough to photograph wildlife is hard for even the most experienced photographer, so when drones finally hit the market it opened up a ton of new doors. Suddenly, we could get views of incredible animals that we never had before.

Hippos in Tanzania ©zekegraphics/stock.adobe.com

This jaw dropping snap of hippos bathing in Tanzania shows us so much about the animal kingdom. On top of that, the green, grey, and orange makes for a stunning visual that just can’t be matched. A drone similar to a Yuneec Typhoon H Plus Hexacopter is perfect for animal photography.

The drone is for sophisticated photographers, and it comes with its own travel bag. With its one-inch 4K camera, it can capture photographs like the Tanzanian hippos. The Typhoon H Plus has triple-axis sensor-driven image stabilization, so, even when it’s flying in the bright sunlight and scorching heat of climates like Tanzania, it can still take the shot.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Pro 2
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,468*

The Dutch tulip fields get hordes and hordes of visitors every year. Some people just want to show up and snap a photo or two on their phones, while other photographers take the trip a little more seriously. With a DJI Mavic Pro 2, you could be taking inspiring snaps just like this one.

Dutch Tulip Fields ©/

Go high enough and the tulips can look like blurred lines. That’s more than what any Apple iPhone can do. This just goes to show there’s a million ways that drones can turn already beautiful scenes into completely different works of art.

There are few better drones to capture the beauty of the tulip fields in Holland, which is one of the region’s most-beloved tourist attractions. Most of the farms in Holland can be found in the Noordoostpolder in Flevoland. Tulip-growing started out as the preferred hobby of the wealthy, but the middle class took it up as a symbol of prosperity.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom Pro V2.0
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $2,500*

It may seem easy to throw a drone up in the air, press a few buttons and hope that what comes out is something worthwhile, but over the years these machines have become important pieces of tech. Serious photographers may turn to the DJI Phantom Pro V2.0 to take stunning aerial shots like this.

@Taneli Lahtinen/Unsplash

This drone costs a pretty penny and is at the higher end of the market, but the quality of photos can be vastly superior to other cheaper models. This snap was taken in Lofoten, in Norway. The island’s outline is clear while the soccer pitch at its center stands out like an emerald heart. You won’t find a piece of tech like this at Costco.

The V2.0 is an improvement on the prior Phantom 4 Pro. It has an OcuSync transmission system, lower-noise propellers, and improved ESCs. The V2.0 was relaunched in the beginning of 2020, and, though it uses the same cameras as its predecessor, it has many improvements over the Phantom 4. DigitalTrends rated it a 10/10.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: Wex Photo Video
Cost: $4,000*

Fall leaves have always been an inspiration for artists across the globe, regardless of their medium. The stunning visuals that changing colors provide aren’t to be missed. Nature in all its glory nearly always has the best views – this picture is no different.

Fall Leaves @dronestagram / Instagram.com

If detailed optics like this are your thing, then look no further than the DJI Inspire 2. With high ratings it’s understandable that it has a high price to match, but when you consider the ability of the flying fantastic, it’s worth every dime. Just make sure you purchase the real thing and not an eBay knock off.

And trust us, drone knockoffs are surprisingly common on eBay. For example, an unbranded/generic DJI Mavic Pro Camera drone costs just $49.99. Though that price might seem appealing, you pay for what you get. Many YouTube reviews have looked into comparisons of the generic and real drones and found the latter to be far better.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot HydroFoil MiniDrone
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $88*

This stunning image won the Drone Awards “Photo of the Year.” Photographed by Jim Picot, this intriguing, heart-shaped photo features a shark swimming inside a school of salmon. As the shark is chasing the baitfish, the shape turns into an uncanny heart shape.

Love Heart of Nature ©Jim Picôt / droneawards.photo

The exact drone used for this image is unclear, but the Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone is always a solid option when you’re taking photographs near water. The MIniDrone can glide through water at speeds of up to 6.2 miles per hour. The drone has a 3.8/5-star rating on Amazon. The Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone is good for “air and sea adventures,” according to the manufacturer.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $3,000*

The people walking through Kuala Lumpur every day probably don’t realize that the Petronas Twin Towers, when seen from the angle of a drone like the DJI Inspire 2 (which is a good drone for taking pictures at this height), look almost like an alien structure come to earth.

Alien Structure on Earth ©Tomasz Kowalski / droneawards.photo

The lighting on the Towers gives off Independence Day vibes. The Petronas Twin Towers are 1,230 feet tall, and they are alight at night, lighting up the vibrant Malaysian city. From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers were actually the tallest buildings in the world (until the Taipei 101 surpassed them).

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI.com
Cost: $2,029*

Stunning art can take years to create, but drones can make everlasting masterpieces out of just one photograph. This incredible image of a dock surrounded by colorful well-placed boats was taken by Instagram user Abstract Aerial Art.

Docked Boats @ abstractaerialart / Instagram.com

They used a DJI Phantom 4 Pro to take this eye catching photo that makes the dock look remarkably flower-like. The lake around the boats looks completely black, making the boats stand out even more against the dark background. This drone certainly isn’t cheap so you can’t pick it up on sites like AliExpress.

This drone has a one-inch sensor, and it shoots 20MP stills and 4K 60fps video. Its maximum flight time is thirty minutes. It differs from its predecessor because it is 60% quieter, meaning that the DJI Phantom 4 Pro that took this photo wasn’t disturbing any lake-goers when it took its photo.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $3,000*

In the People Category of the Drone Awards, this photo, called “Cross the Field,” won the “Highly Commended” award. It featured a mother, her daughter, and the pair’s herd of cows walking across a pasture after a hard day of work. The grass is so wavy and green that it almost looks like a sea itself.

Cross The Field ©nubbsgalore / tumblr.com

The drone used is unclear, but one of the best wind-resistant drones out there (a necessity, judging from the wind blowing the grass in this photo) is the DJI Inspire 2. The Inspire 2 has an impressive camera, good flight time, and offers “the best” wind resistance, according to a FunOffline.com review.

Possible Drone Used: SwellPro Spry
Where to Buy: Swellpro.com
Cost: $899*

The 2018 Drone Awards saw some of the world’s most beautiful aerial photos that year, all courtesy of dedicated photographers. One such 2018 award-winner was a photo of a lobster village, taken by Trung Phan Huy. The abstract was commended. The lobster farm was located in the Hon Yen coastal area, in the Phu Yen Province.

Lobster Village ©Trung Pham / imgur.com

Trung’s drone of choice was not listed, but a waterproof drone that could still be able to capture the artist, almost graphical nature of this village is the SwellPro Spry. The Spry has a 4.5/5-star rating on Google, and it connects to an app on your phone for full functionality.

Possible Drone Used: Ruko B7 4K
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $150*

Stuart Chape took this aerial photograph of a fishing village. It is yet another look inside the world of fishermen and women, a bird’s-eye view that we likely wouldn’t have gotten without the help of a drone. Chape’s photograph was a 2018 award-winner. His drone snapped the shot in the Solomon Islands.

Fishing Village ©Wikipedia.org

The Solomon Islands are a group of hundreds of South Pacific Islands. The snapshot of the coast is just one of millions of villages like it, and yet the snapshot is uniquely beautiful. A drone that could withstand wind and salty air, like you’d find off the Solomon Islands’ cost, is the Ruko B7 4K, a tough drone that is still suitable for beginners.

Possible Drone Used: PowerVision PowerEgg X Explorer
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,000*

Not all incredible drone photos have to be taken from mile-high spots. Some of them can get just high enough to offer up an entirely new perspective from above. The PowerVision PowerEgg Z Explorer may not be able to ascend quite as high as some other drones, but it’s just as worthwhile.

Koi Fish @abstractaerialart / Instagram.com

The PowerEgg X Explorer is actually one of the best drones for capturing water or aquatic photos, like this koi fish one. It does well in the rain, and it is often used to film at-sea rescue operations. It can take off and land from water when you have the drone’s waterproof accessories installed.

At first glance this picture looks like a mix of black and orange paint with flecks of gold, but in reality it’s dozens and dozens of Koi fish swimming together at a farm in Oxfordshire, England. It’s not something you would ever see on a walk or even while watching Netflix as the angle is just so unique.

Possible Drone Used: Altair Tomahawk Outdoor Drone w/ Camera
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $199*

AM Photo Co was behind this beautiful drone photo of Bird Island in Australia. A drone was the perfect choice to use for this photo as an attempt to get near the birds would have likely scared them off. Not to mention, Bird Island is a protected nature reserve.

Bird Island ©AM Photo Co / Shutterstock.com

Bird Island itself has been around for six thousand years when it separated from the Australian mainland when sea levels rose. The island is made of Sydney Basin sedimentary rocks, and it is a total bird-fest. More than twenty species of birds have been recorded nesting on the island. Bird Island can be seen from above, with a drone like the Altair Tomahawk Outdoor Drone, or it can be seen from a nearby lighthouse on Norah Head.

On YouTube, the Altair Aerial Company has a lot of demonstrations for those who have just purchased a Tomahawk Outdoor Drone. It teaches you how to pair it to your TV remote, calibrate the drone, set it up, and more. Altair says that the Tomahawk is “stable,” “durable,” and holds up “much better” against the wind than its “two beginner offerings.”

Possible Drone Used: Traxxas Aton Quadcopter Drone
Where to Buy: Traxxas.com
Cost: $399*

Another photo that nature photographers will love is this one of the Flamingos at Lake Logipi. For those of us used to seeing flamingos in smaller quantities at zoos or nature preserves, this veritable pink army of them is both shocking and delightful. Lake Logipi is an alkaline, saline lake at the northern end of Kenya’s Suguta Valley.

Flamingos At Lake Logipi @u/iamgulshansingh / Reddit.com

To catch these flamingos from such a high altitude, the photographer would have needed a high-altitude drone, such as the Traxxas Aton Quadcopter Drone. It’s not only able to reach new heights, it is also insanely fast, as demonstrated on Traxxas’ YouTube channel. The maker called it the “ultimate flying machine.”

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,267*

Some drones can be ridiculously expensive, but you get what you pay for. Most drone lovers agree that when it comes to general photography, a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is a good all rounder that could potentially take shots just like this one. For just $1,267 you could have your very own.

Narrow street between woodland ©oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

This model can be purchased on sites like Amazon, and it’s not hard to see why it would be popular. It’s another wonder from DJI. The Mavic 2 has a 1.66-inch 12 MP sensor. It has two-times optical zoom, letting it get close up to its photo subjects. The Mavic 2 Zoom is the latest of the Mavic line, coming in after the Mavic Pro was wildly successful and popular.

We don’t know if the drone was used to take this wonderful shot of an English road with a field on one side and the sea on the other – but if you buy this model you could quickly learn to take one just like it.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X7 Camera
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $6,499*

Florian Ledoux won the top prize at the Drone Awards with their photo, titled “Above the Polar Bear.” “Above the Polar Bear” featured an aerial view of a polar bear clinging to an iceberg. The shot won the 2017 Pixel Sky Contest. Taken above the 74° North, Ledoux hoped that his photos would inspire people to care more about Arctic wildlife and the environment.

The Polar Bear @WIRED / Twitter.com

The drone Ledoux has used in many of his photographs, possibly including this award-winner, is the Inspire 2, mounted with a Zenmuse X7 camera. The DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter is often paired with the Zenmuse for optimal photographic potential.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $899*

Photographer Robert Corinaldesi took this Drone Awards winner, which showed an aerial view of swimmers. Corinaldesi stated that the sea was the swimmers’ “refuge,” creating a “blue carpet” between the “white foam” of the sea’s waves. “On the Sea” is not for the faint of heart, if you’re someone afraid of the water.

On The Sea @WorldPhotoOrg / Twitter.com

“On the Sea” was taken in a climate that had salty air and possible water splashes, so a drone that could have been used was the DJI Mavic Pro, a powerful drone that has a maximum transmission range of over four miles. The drone is a favorite among photography professionals.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Z500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter
Where to Buy: Yuneec.com
Cost: $1,300*

Carmine Chiriaco’s “Dubai Marina” is an aerial view of the pier of the Dubai Marina. It gives a contrasting view with the ocean water, creating an all-new angle for a space that thousands of people visit every day. The buildings in Dubai are architectural wonders, and “Dubai Marina” lets us see them from the sky.

Dubai Marina ©Carmine Chiriacò / droneawards.photo

The Yuneec Z500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter is a possible drone that could have been used for Chiriaco’s project. The Typhoon is a high-altitude drone, with the ability to reach 3,291 feet in height. Though not as high as the DJI Phantom line, which can reach almost 19,700 feet, the Typhoon is still a solid drone for those looking to get into high-altitude photography.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $599.99*

Unlike geese, herons are a bird that pretty much everyone likes. People often think that herons only reside in reeds or swampland (as that’s the most likely place you see them). However, that perception is inaccurate, as herons build their nests at the tops of giant trees.

Where Herons Live @oko.magazine / Facebook.com

Dmitri Viliunov let us see where herons call home with his aerial photograph, titled “Where Herons Live.” This ethereal, almost painting-like photo won the Wildlife Category at the Drone Awards. The DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter could have been used for “Where Herons Live.” It has the altitude capabilities to get to a height where the herons nest, but it is small enough not to spook them.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $988*

Everyone’s lives changed when the Coronavirus pandemic struck. Lockdowns and quarantines made social distancing a harsh reality, and “The Lockdown,” a photo by Bachir Moukarzel, demonstrated the way that usually-busy highways and thoroughfares were abandoned when the restrictions were put into place.

The Lockdown ©Bachir Moukarzel / droneawards.photo

The eerie, empty street in the photo was once Dubai’s busiest highway, where nearly 7,000 vehicles an hour traveled. The drone used might have been the high-flying DJI Mavic Air 2, which The New York Times described as “the best drone” for photographers looking to take aerial, high-altitude shots. That was the publication’s pick for 2020, the year this photo was taken.

Possible Drone Used: Hubsan Zino Pro 4K
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $439*

Mehmet Aslan’s “Carpet Field” was “Highly Commended” in the “People Category” of the Drone Awards. The photograph features hundreds upon hundreds of differently-colored rugs of all shapes and sizes that stretched across Turkish fields. Aslan, the photographer, said that around fifteen workers were taking a nap on the rugs, likely tired after a long day of rug-making.

Carpet Field ©Mehmet AslanReport / droneawards.photo

The reason that the rugmakers lay the rugs out in the sunshine is to draw out different colors. The natural light changes and enhances the pigmentation of the rugs. Aslan’s drone of choice is unclear, but the Hubsan Zino Pro would be great for capturing a panoramic, high-altitude, detailed picture such as this.

Possible Drone Used: SwellPro Splash 3
Where to Buy: Swellpro.com
Cost: $1,199*

The 2018 Drone Awards featured a beautiful shot, titled “Water Lily” by Le Duong. The photograph was taken in Vietnam. It is one of many that Le Duong has done featuring women at work in the country. The photograph was taken in Mekong, Vietnam. The water lily season of the Mekong Delta, which lasts for just a few months in the fall, is striking.

Water Lily @u/Nomsfud / Reddit.com

The lilies not only captivate tourists, they also are picked and harvested by locals to make additional income. The drone possibly used for a photo like this could have been the SwellPro Splash 3, a drone that is great for aquatic aerial photography.

Possible Drone Used: SwellPro Spry
Where to Buy: Swellpro.com
Cost: $899*

This wildlife award-winner is titled “Blacktip Shark.” Photographer Adam Barker took this photo of a blacktip shark swimming among hordes of fish off the Abacos Islands, in the Bahamas. The Abacos Islands are a 120-mile chain of islands that offer natural wildlife for photographers and snorkelers alike.

Blacktip Shark @WIRED / Twitter.com

Blacktip sharks, along with turtles and eagle rays, are most often seen at the Walker’s Cay National Park. Blacktip sharks are usually pretty timid, scoping out divers and swimmers from a safe distance. The only time that they’d get aggressive is around food (so, in this photo). The drone used was potentially the SwellPro Spry, a good drone for taking near-water shots in humid climates.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,499.99*

Before the pandemic, Warsaw, Poland was a bright, vibrant city. During the summer, it would be filled with the sun umbrellas of nearby restaurants, along with crowds of people. Rafal Ganowski’s drone photo, “The Heart of Warsaw” chronicled the massive change that the pandemic wrought to Warsaw.

Heart Of Warsaw @Rafal Ganowski / droneawards.photo

The once-lively city was now abandoned, as people shuttered away in their homes waiting for the virus to dissipate. The drone used could have possibly been the Autel Evo II, which has a 48 MP camera, omnidirectional sensors, and a 3.3-inch OLED screen located in the remote (so, no phone necessary to fly the drone).

Possible Drone Used: MJX Bugs 3 Pro
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $267.99*

Another award-winner from Mehmet Aslan was “Homecoming,” which raked in the accolades in the “Wildlife” categories of various competitions. “Homecoming” featured a water buffalo herd passing by a foggy lake on its way to shelter, where the herd would rest for the night.

Homecoming ©Mehmet Aslan / droneawards.photo

There is a beautiful rainbow in the photograph, giving it a painting-like quality that is mesmerizing. The photograph was taken in Turkey. Water buffalos in Turkey once numbered a million in the 1970s, but, by 2010, that number dropped to just 85,000 because of wetland destruction. One of the best drones for nature photography like this is the MJX Bugs 3 Pro.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot Anafi
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $699.99*

Though 2020 has ravaged countries, people still haven’t lost their will to protest about issues that matter to them. One photograph, titled “Black Flag,” proved that. Taken in Rabin Square on April 19, 2020, the photograph showed thousands of Israeli protesters maintaining social distancing in their own chalk-lined squares.

Black Flag @tomerappelbaum / Twitter.com

Tomer Appelbaum’s photograph showed that activism doesn’t die out even in the face of adversity. This photograph was taken at night, possibly with a drone such as the Parrot Anafi, which is a compact, resistant drone that has been listed as one of the best drones for nighttime photography.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Pro 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,449*

Krzysztof Krawcyzk was the photographer behind “Lovers in a Field,” which featured a newlywed couple, lying in the middle of the field, still wearing their tuxedo and white dress. The photographer said that he was “looking for some abstraction.” He and his subjects had a “boat, drone, and a lot of time.”

Lovers On The Field ©Krzysztof Krawczyk/commons.wikimedia.org

Krawcyzk said that the weather conditions included strong winds, and that was able to create the “deer eye/eye of the tiger” effect that is seen in the photo. One of the best wind resistant drones, which you’d need to successfully create a photo like this, is the DJI Mavic Pro 2, which has a wind resistance of 24MPH.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599*

Described by one publication as one of the best aerial photographs ever taken, the Lotus Temple Photograph is stunning and nearly ethereal. The photographer’s subject is the Lotus Temple, which is a Baha’i House of Worship located in Delhi, India. Many photographers have traveled far to take a picture of the temple, which is designed in the shape of a lotus blossom.

Lotus Temple @r/Dimension20 / Reddit.com

Though pictures abound, very few aerial drone photos, especially with the unique lighting of this one, exist. The Lotus Temple Photograph might have been taken by a drone like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2, which can reach the high altitudes necessary for this landscape shot.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Pro 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,449*

Shot on a high-definition embedded drone by researchers in Uganda, this impressive shot documents the rare instance of a local lion finding rest (or possibly protection) high up in a tree. It took photographer Alexander Braczkowski months to get the lions used to the drones before they would reveal their true natural states to the lens.

Tree Lion @Guardian / Twitter.com

This odd behavior – indicative so far only to these African lions – suggests to researchers that these legendary felines have been forced to forage further and further from their normal hunting methods in search of food. Still, this shot is impressive as it reveals the beautiful big cat in all its glory.

Possible Drone Used: Ryze Tech Tello Quadcopter
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $99*

Photographs of the “Rainbow Mountains” in China swept social media in 2016, and people were in awe at the beautiful, otherworldly colors that rippled through Zhangye. M. Scheja took this aerial photo of part of the mountain range. The possible drone used for this photo could have been the Ryze Tech Tello Quadcopter, which is suited for outdoor photography such as this.

Rainbow Mountains ©M. Scheja / Shutterstock.com

So, what makes these mountains so colorful? The Rainbow Mountains colors are all-natural. The mountains themselves are made of cretaceous siltstones and sandstones. The iron and trace mineral deposits in the stones, deposited before the Mountains even formed, cause the brilliant colors seen in this photo.

Possible Drone Used: PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,132*

With five-star ratings across the board, the PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard has gained a lot of fans in the droning world. While some photographers are rightly hesitant to purchase it because of its smaller sensor, it’s still a very capable little machine – especially in good light.

@abstractaerialart/Instagram

This drone has 4K/6pfs UHD, and it also has AI face recognition (though that probably wouldn’t have helped it with the crocodiles). The drone can fly in 20-knot wind resistance, though crocodiles don’t usually live in windy areas. The PowerEgg is one of the most well-liked small drones on the market.

This drone can be purchased on Amazon for around $1,130 dollars. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s not the most expensive one on the market, either. Use it right and you could be snapping photos of alligators in no time – just make sure they don’t snap back at you first.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $799*

Ververidis Vasilis took this beautiful, dramatic aerial photograph of soccer fans watching a game in Greece. The smoke circling around the brightly-lit field gives this photo an almost ethereal look. Football (AKA soccer, if you’re American) is one of the most popular sports in Europe.

Football Fans in Greece ©Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Now, with the coronavirus pandemic, shots like these, featuring thousands of fans, are a memory that we hope will become a reality again. Though the drone used is not listed, a drone that would have been great to take such a high-altitude, dramatic nighttime photo is the DJI Mavic Air, which will cost about $799—but, if you’re looking to get into professional photography, it’s worth it.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mini 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $449*

Dmitry Tkachenko took this photo of Atlantic Road in Norway. This aerial shot is a beautiful glimpse at what is just another ordinary day of traveling for so many. Atlantic Road (AKA, the Atlantic Ocean Road) is a 5-mile stretch of County Road 64. It runs through the Averoy and Hustadvika municipalities, including an archipelago in More og Romsdal.

Atlantic Road, Norway ©Dmitry Tkachenko Photo / Shutterstock.com

Constructed in July 1989, Atlantic Road has held up through some wild weather, including hurricane after hurricane and below-freezing temperatures. A drone that may have been used to capture this panoramic view is the DJI Mini 2, another specialty from DJI Drones that operates well, even in frigid Northern European weather.

Possible Drone Used: Contixo F18 RC Outdoor Quad Camera
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $169.99*

Avigator Thailand took this photo of shipping containers, waiting to be loaded onto a ship. The aerial photograph makes these containers look like small, colorful blocks, giving an otherwise-dull subject a colorful, bright new look. This photograph was possibly taken by a drone like the Contixo F18 RC Outdoor Quad Camera, which is well-suited to outdoor photography.

Shipping Containers © Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock.com

This photograph might be uniquely beautiful, but, in reality, it is one of millions. The shipping industry in Thailand consists of millions of workers transporting billions of packages. Last year alone, the shipping industry grossed $8.78 billion in profits. The Thai Laem Chabang port is the twentieth-largest port in the world.

Possible Drone Used: Swellpro Spry
Where to Buy: Wellbots
Cost: $899*

Dmitry Pustovalov took this incredible snapshot of a surfer surfing on azure waves. The drone used to take this award-winning photograph is unknown, but it likely was one like the Swellpro Spry. Any of the Swellpro drones could have been used to take this photograph, as the photographer needs a waterproof drone in the event that ocean spray splashes up.

Surfer Captured by Drone ©Dmitry Pustovalov / Shutterstock.com

Not to mention the clarity necessary to take a photo so sharp that it would reflect even a slight rainbow coloring on the lower left side. The way the sunlight plays off the azure waves makes this photograph a true work of art.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2
Where to Buy: Store.DJI.com
Cost: $799*

Pakawat Thongcharoen is a travel photographer who captured this unique drone view of Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil. The particular area shot by Thongcharoen is part of a nature preserve. The dunes in Lencois Maranhenses (the name means “bedsheets of Maranhao,” the city in which Lencois is located) are very unique.

Paradise, Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil @Pakawat Thongcharoen / Shutterstock.com

The dune field captured by the drone formed from sediments that built up over time. In certain areas, the Lencois Maranhenses are not part of a preserve, and you can skibunda—go sledding down the sand dunes. The possible drone used to take this photo (in a hot, humid climate) could have been the DJI Mavic 2, which holds up well in the heat.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mini 2
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $499*

Anton Watman was the photographer behind this aerial look at the beautiful Holi Festival, which is an important yearly event for followers of Hinduism. The date follows the Hindu calendar. In March of 2020, the Holi Festival took place on Monday, March 10, whereas in 2021, it’ll take place on March 29.

Holi Festival from above © Anton Watman/Shutterstock

Though Watman’s drone of choice is unknown, the DJI Mini 2 might have been used, as it would be able to capture this “Festival of Colors” in all its glory. The Holi Festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Colored powder is used in the festivals to make it as beautiful and bright as possible, representing love and all of the good in the world.

Possible Drone Used: Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $799*

“Mada’in Saleh,” a photo taken by Gab Scanu, is an aerial picture of an ancient Saudi Arabian archaeological site. On Instagram, the photographer called it the “single most incredible sight” that he had “ever witnessed.” The Australian travel photographer also shared that he used the Mavic Air to take the photo.

“Mada’in Saleh” by ©Gab Scanu/ Instagram.com

So, what is Mada’in Saleh? Hegra, as it is also known, is an archaeological site dating back to the Nabatean Kingdom. The site has earned a reputation as a cursed place, as the Quran told a story of the residents there being punished by God for idol worship. The Saudi Government has tried to encourage photographers and tourists to come to the site in an attempt to get rid of its “cursed” reputation.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Q500 Typhoon 4K
Where to Buy: Shop.Yuneec.com
Cost: $1,199*

Qinghua Shui took this photo, titled “Pilgrimage of Millions.” It won the first prize in the “People Category” of the Drone Awards that year. If you look closely, you’ll see that there are, indeed, millions of people in this high-flying aerial photograph, which depicted the Hajj of 2018. The possible drone used could have been the Yuneec Q500 Typhoon 4K, which is a drone that is good for reaching high altitudes.

“Pilgrimage of Millions” by ©Qinghua Shui/ Instagram.com

The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is the holiest city for followers of Islam. According to Islam, Muslims have to carry out a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Each year, the Hajj draws at two million pilgrims.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,350-$1,450*

Francesco Cattuto took “Assisi Over the Clouds,” a high-altitude drone photograph of Assisi, a town in Italy. This hill town is located in the Umbria region in central Italy, and it is famous for being the birthplace of one of the patron saints of Italy: St. Francis. The beautiful town includes the Basilica of St. Francis, which has thirteenth-century frescoes that portray the lives of St. Francis.

“Assisi Over the Clouds” by ©Francesco Cattuto/ Instagram.com

“Assisi Over the Clouds” is a look at the city from a perspective many don’t get to reach. A possible drone used was the DJI Phantom 4, a drone that works well at high altitudes. The DJI Phantom 4 can hit a peak altitude of 19,685 feet.

Possible Drone Used: Autel EVO II
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,300*

The photographer and drone used are unknown, but there is no denying that this is one of the most beautiful photos on this list. It captures the Katshki Pillar, located in Imerti in Western Georgia. The pillar has recently been restored, thanks to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation.

Katskhi Pillar, Georgia ©Andrei Bortnikau / Shutterstock.com

The Katshki Pillar is made of limestone, and it has been around for thousands of years. In pre-Christianity times, it was dedicated to the fertility god. The possible drone used to capture this photograph is the Autel Evo II, which was listed by Digital Camera World as one of the best drones from 2020.

Possible Drone Used: Swellpro Spry
Where to Buy: Wellbots
Cost: $899*

Mark Carwardine entered this photo into the Siena Drone Photo Awards in 2020. Titled “Munk’s Mobula Rays Schooling,” the photo shows off a phenomenon that many people don’t get to see often. The photo depicts a school of Devil Rays, which often congregate in tropical or coastal waters. Mark Carwardine is a British zoologist who has a show on BBC, called Last Chance to See.

Munk’s Mobula Rays Schooling ©MARK CARWARDINE/ Instagram.com

He is especially interested in marine wildlife, having written over forty books on the topic. The possible drone used for this photograph would be the Swellpro Spry, which could handle the salty, wet sea air without becoming damaged.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Where to Buy: DJI Drones  
Cost: $1,149*

For a second, when you look at this photo, it almost looks as though you’re looking at an up-close picture of an underwater reef. When you take a step back, you realize that it is actually a unique aerial vision of a forest, courtesy of a drone like DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, which has the clarity and altitude capabilities to take this kind of picture.

Forest Path ©MEHMET ASLAN/ Instagram.com

Titled “Forest Path,” the photo was taken by Mehmet Aslan. The photograph zeros in on a herd of sheep traveling through the forest to get back to their home. “Forest Path” was a runner-up in the Siena Drone Awards contest.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,299*

“Skating Shadows” by Vincent Riemersma takes an ordinary concept (seeing your shadow) and makes it extraordinary, thanks to the use of a drone like the Autel Evo II, which would be capable of taking such a clear photo, even in icy conditions. “Skating Shadows” was inspired by the famous camel photo in National Geographic, which took the same concept and applied it to camels.

“Skating Shadows” by ©Vincent Riemersma/ Instagram.com

The Autel Evo II is an 8K drone camera with a 4.3/5-star rating on Amazon. It not only takes 8K Ultra HD Video, it also takes 48MP photographs. “Skating Shadows” was a winner in the “Sport Category” of the Drone Awards. 

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,449*

At the Siena Drone Photo Awards in 2020, Paul McKenzie’s “Outer Space Flamingos” was an award-winner (in addition to probably having one of the most creative titles out there). McKenzie, an Irish photographer, has taken many photographs of these beautiful birds, often lying in mud for hours just to get a good snapshot.

Outer space flamingos ©PAUL MCKENZIE/ Instagram.com

“Outer Space Flamingos” was taken at the East African Soda Lakes, a series of alkaline lakes that are home to flamingos. The reason the lake is dark and galaxy-like behind the birds is because they stamp their feet on the black, muddy lakebed, which helps stir up food from the bottom. The possible drone used to take this photo was a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which works well, even in the hot, humid climates that surround the Soda Lakes.

Possible Drone Used: PowerVision PowerEgg Explorer
Where to Buy: Best Buy  
Cost: $799*

Xiaoxiao Liu took this haunting photograph, appropriately titled, “Entrance to Hell.” The photograph wouldn’t have happened without a hercule an effort. Liu walked forty miles over two days, trying to find the best position to capture the active Kilauea Volcano. Located on Big Island, Hawaii, the Volcano was in the middle of an eruption.

Entrance to Hell by ©Xiaoxiao Liu/ Instagram.com

Lava flowed into the Pacific, creating the smoky dichotomy between the sea and the lava. The possible drone used is the PowerVision PowerEgg, which is a rugged enough drone to handle an atmosphere like the one surrounding Kilauea. The camera is AI-enhanced, using 4K Ultra HD.

Possible Drone Used: PowerVision PowerEgg Wizard
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,146*

Byron du Bois captured “Warehouse Fire,” which led him to be chosen as a runner-up in the Drone Awards in 2018. Du Bois’ “Warehouse Fire” depicted a smoke-filled fire in Transnet’s warehouse. Transnet, a South African railway company, is still under investigation with regards to the fire, but results have found that they didn’t keep up on serving the hydrants.

Warehouse Fire by ©Byron du Bois/ Instagram.com

Though the warehouse fire took place in Rossburgh, it still engulfed Durban in smoke. The hectic scene kept firefighters busy for days. Du Bois’ drone of choice is unknown, but it’s possible he used a drone like the PowerVision PowerEgg Wizard, a powerful outdoors drone that could capture the photo without Du Bois having to get close to the terrifying scene.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mini 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $449*

Haiquan Xiang took this Siena-award-winning photograph in 2020. Titled “Follow by Shadows,” this photo is another example of the way that drones can capture otherwise ordinary phenomena and turn them into something magical. Xiang’s photo features three zebras, trailing much-larger shadows behind them.

Followed by shadows ©HAIQUAN XIANG/ Instagram.com

The possible drone used to capture this could have been the DJI Mini 2. Though smaller than the other DJI products, the Mini 2 is still a good drone for outdoors photography. “Followed by Shadows” was shot in the plains of Africa. They were likely crossing the plans to get to the savannah woodlands, which is their usual habitat.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones  
Cost: $1,519*

Anders Carlson took this beautiful family photo, “Mother and Calf,” on February 26, 2019. He used a Phantom 4 Pro to take the photo, which is one of DJI’s most expensive (and highest-quality) drones. Carlson’s photo featured two humpback whales traveling through the ocean on a “windy day in Kona, Hawaii.”

Mother and Calf by ©Anders Carlson/ Instagram.com

Humpback whales are among the most ubiquitous of whales, and you can find them in every ocean on the planet. They’re easy to spot, as their body shape—knobby head and long pectoral fins—are distinct from other whales. Their gestation period is 11 months, and the babies (like the one in this photo) stay with their mothers for the first full year of their lives.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $799*

James Rushforth is the artist behind “Crater Row,” which he entered in the Siena Drone Photo Awards in 2020. “Crater Row” was also entered in the British Photography Awards. “Crater Row” depicts Rushforth’s “favorite row” of craters, located in “Iceland’s vast interior.”

Crater Row JAMES RUSHFORTH/Instagram

Rushforth explained on Facebook that the unique red on the rims is caused by oxidation of the lava’s iron minerals coloring the scoria. The surrounding basalt is untouched by this oxidation, so it contrasts sharply. Rushforth described the scene as “otherworldly,” especially as it is in such a “remote location.” The drone he used was possibly the DJI Mavic Air 2, one of DJI’s top products.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot Anafi EPV
Where to Buy: Amazon  
Cost: $800*

Ignacio Medem is the photographer behind this Siena-award-winning photograph, titled, “Coloured Watermix, Huelva, Spain.” This Spanish scene looks almost like something out of a fairy tale, and it depicts the Rio Tinto (“Red River”). The Rio Tinto travels through southwestern Spain into the Andalucian Sierra Morena Mountains.

Coloured water, Huelva, Spain ©IGNACIO MEDEM/ Instagram.com

The unique coloring is caused by five thousand years or ore mining. The chemicals from this mining have led to acid mine drainage. While these chemicals have caused the beautiful Rio Tinto colors, they are an environmental disaster. Medem’s possible drone of choice could have been the Parrot Anafi EPV, which comes with reality goggles and a backpack for the most dedicated nature photographers.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,350-$1,450*

Photographer Peter Virag used a DJI Phantom 4 drone to capture an aerial shot of the Red Sand Garden. The shot was taken from almost 394 feet in the air, which was perfect to create an all-new look at the unique garden. The Red Sand Garden is located in Cranbourne, Australia at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Red Sand Garden ©Peter Virag/ Instagram.com

“Red Sand Garden” shows the way the unique red sand contrasts with the gray plants. When you think of a garden, you think of green and bright colors—“Red Sand Garden” challenges that depiction. The northern hill’s plants are Acacia binervia and Spinifex sericeus, which help stabilize the hills of sand.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Pro 2
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,468*

Bachir Moukarzel, a certified commercial drone operator and photographer from Dubai, captured “Concrete Jungle.” “Concrete Jungle” is a bird’s eye view of a Dubai cityscape. Bachir’s photographs are well-known on Instagram, and they often feature high-up views of cities, portraying them in ways that the rest of us on the ground wouldn’t get to see.

Concrete Jungle @ImageLab/

The DJI Mavic Pro 2 is a possible drone used to capture this amazing photograph, as it could achieve the height necessary to rise above the skyscrapers, all while taking a clear, precise photo. The Mavic Pro 2 costs around $1,468 from vendors on Amazon, or you can purchase it from the DJI website directly.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,350-$1,450*

User @luckydron (real name: Luis Saugar Domingo) captured “Peace,” which won several prizes at urban drone photo contests. The 24-year-old photographer, according to his Instagram hashtags, used the DJI Phantom 4 to capture the arresting scene. “Peace” was shot in Madrid.

Peace @NationalGeographic/Instagram.com

Domingo said that he was traveling through Madrid and looking for a place to test his new drone. He began flying it over the city, and he thought that the Phantom 4 captured a “really cool and symmetrical” photograph. Domingo said it was “hard to take[e] a picture like that,” But he was happy he got the once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Possible Drone Used: PowerVision PowerEgg X Explorer
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,000*

Caleb Kenna entered “Spring Maple Tree Shadow” into the Siena Drone Awards. Kenna is yet another drone photographer that uses aerial photography to capture the interesting dichotomy between shadows and solid objects. Kenna works as a freelance photographer for publications like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and more.

Spring Maple Tree Shadow PHOTO: ©CALEB KENNA/ Instagram.com

Kenna took “Spring Maple Tree Shadow” in Weybridge, Vermont. He said that he has used a drone for three years to photograph the natural scenes that Vermont has to offer. Right now, “Spring Maple Tree Shadow” is at Edgewater Gallery, where it is on sale for $450-$1,000. The possible drone Kenna used was PowerVision Explorer, a favorite among nature photographers.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Spark
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $595*

If you saw this photograph at just a glance, you’d think it was a man falling off the side of a blue building. However, when you look closer, you can see that it is a cleverly-positioned photograph of a man lying on a tennis court. The photograph, which was taken with a DJI Spark, took first prize in the “People Category” of the Dronestagram 2017 contest.

End of the line, by ©Martin Sanchez/ Instagram.com

Martin Sanchez was the photographer, and he shot his photo in New Jersey. The photographer said he happened upon the tennis court while driving, and he immediately pulled over, realizing that the crisp blue background would be perfect for a photo. Clearly, Dronestagram judges agreed.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot HydroFoil MiniDrone
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $88*

Manuel Enrique Gonzalez Carmona entered “Tree” into the Siena Drone Photo Awards of 2020, and it won a “Commended” in the “Nature Category.” “Tree” isn’t quite the leafy green foliage that you’re used to. Instead, Carmona’s “tree” is created through a concentration of minerals and water, which led to a tree-shaped pattern.

Tree ©MANUEL ENRIQUE GONZÁLEZ CARMONA / Instagram.com

Nature created the tree, which Carmona described as “ephemeral,” and it could just as quickly wash it away with heavy rain. The possible drone used to take this photo could be the waterproof Parrot HydroFoil Mini Drone, which can get up close to watery scenes and not risk damage.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $799*

User @jcourtial took this photo, titled “Summer Trim,” which was a first-prize-winner in the 4th Annual Drone Photography Contest’s “Nature” category. Taken in Provence, France, “Summer Trim” depicts a farmer trimming a row of lavender fields. Provence’s lavender fields are one of its most famous natural attractions.

Summer Trim ©REX/Shutterstock.com

Located north of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, these fields flower in June, July, and August. Thousands of tourists a year see the fields, and “Summer Trim” is a rare aerial shot of just one person on the land. The possible drone used might have been the DJI Mavic Air 2, which, as seen from this list, is a favorite among outdoor photographers.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $988*

Whether you love or hate the snow, there’s no denying that it makes for some beautiful pictures. Aerial photography in winter is a great way to capture the natural scenery, as photographer Martins Vanags found. He took an aerial photo of a winter forest after a snowstorm, and the result was very beautiful.

Winter Forest ©Martins Vanags/Shutterstock.com

A possible drone used to capture this aerial photograph is the DJI Mavic Air 2, which has become a favorite among photographers. The Mavic Air 2 has a peak altitude of 3.1 miles, making it more than capable of flying above the treetops to capture this photo.

Possible Drone Used: Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV Drone
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $89.99*

Warsaw, Poland is a beautiful city during the day, and it is just as captivating at night, as photographer Grzegorz Marcinek proved with this aerial photograph. Taken at dusk, it provides a bird’s eye view of the city, which is Poland’s most populous, home to 1.8 million people.

Warsaw at Night ©/

It’s unclear what type of drone was used to capture this photograph. It might have been a thousand-dollar drone, or it could have been something far more affordable, such as the Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV Drone. This drone is one of the cheapest on the list. It comes with a 1080HD camera and RTF take-off/landing capabilities.

Possible Drone Used: Holy Stone HS110D
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $67.49*

Instagram user @SVongpra captured this photograph of Koh Tao Island, located in Thailand. The photograph shows the rocky shoreline, dense forests, and crystal-clear blue water, all in one picture. Koh Tao Island, for those who aren’t familiar, is an island that is home to beautiful beaches like Sai Ri Beach, Mae Haad Beach, and Chalok Baan Kao Bay.

Green Forest and Blue Water, Thailand ©SVongpra / Shutterstock.com

Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It’s unknown what drone @SVongpra used to take this picture-perfect snapshot, but an affordable drone like the Holy Stone HS110D could have done the job. The HS110D comes with 1080HP camera and a 120-degree wide-angle. Currently, it’s on sale on Amazon.com.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Mini
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $359*

Photographer Reed Plummer took this photograph, aptly titled “Salmon Circles.” He tagged it with #CentralCoastDrones, which is a drone rental service located in New South Wales. Plummer’s photograph captured a natural phenomenon, where huge shoals of salmon swam in a perfect circle.

Salmon Circles @Reedplummerimages/Instagram

According to The Daily Mail, schools of fish often swim in circles when they want to remain in one place. Salmon travel together in groups called “shoals.” They choose to swim together because it’s safer that way, and they’re all feeding on the same food. Plummer’s drone of choice is unclear, but he might have used the DJI Mavic Mini, which is one of the most affordable (and travel-convenient) drones from DJI.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Global Inspire ONE X5R
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $2,599*

Instagram user @ferdigrapher captured this photograph, which he titled, “Hello Mr. Elephant,” of an elephant looking quite interested in the drone he was using. @Ferdigrapher was shooting an ABC News project in Ngorongoro in the Arusha Region of Tanzania when he decided to fly his drone around and see what animals he could find.

Hello Mr. Elephant @ferdigrapher / Instagram.com

He captured a photo of this elephant using a DJI Inspire ONE X5R. This drone is a small professional drone with M4/3 imaging. Mr. Elephant doesn’t appear to be afraid of the drone. More than likely, he thought it was a very strange bird or a very large bug.

Possible Drone Used: Ryze Tello
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $89*

Daniel Bouquets took this photo of the shipwrecks off the coast of Moreton Island, Australia. The drone he used is unknown, but a drone that is both affordable and high-quality is the Ryze Tello, which you can find on Amazon for $89. And drones like the Ryze Tello are really the only way you can view something like the Tangalooma Shipwrecks unless you’re a fan of snorkeling around sharks.

Moreton Island Wreck ©Daniel Bouquets /Shutterstock.com

The Tangalooma Wrecks are a huge Moreton tourist attraction. The Queensland Government scuttled (deliberately sank) these ships in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Since then, the wrecks have attracted over 100 fish species, dolphins, dugongs, sharks, and wobbegongs, who have settled there as a haven.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Spark
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $494*

Taken by user Travel Mania, this is a very unique aerial view of the roads and interchanges that form the Bangkok Expressway in Thailand. When you look at these meticulously-planned highways and roads from a distance, they almost look puzzle-like. The drone possibly used to capture such an interesting bird’s eye view could be a DJI Spark.

Bangkok Expressway ©Travel mania / Shutterstock.com

The Spark is a miniature drone that is perfect for traveling because of its compact size. It has a maximum speed of 31MPH in “Sport Mode.” At Walmart, it’ll cost $595, but there are cheaper deals on Amazon, where it sells for $494.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2
Where to Buy: DJi Drones
Cost: $1,539*

Instagram user @obofili took this photo with a DJI Drone (the exact DJI product use is unlisted, though it might have been the photographer-favorite DJI Mavic 2) in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The picture shows two Blacktip Sharks, AKA Carcharhinus melanopterus, swimming around the tropical coral reefs, looking for fish.

Blacktip Reef Shark @obofili/Instagram

The schools of fish move to let the sharks pass, though they probably cannot evade them for long. Photographs like @obofili’s are important, as they highlight the beauty of the sea creatures living in these tropical reefs. These reefs are some of the most threatened natural habitats in the world.

Possible Drone Used: Potensic T25
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $149.99*

Sugrit Jiranarak took this amazing, painting-like photograph of Mount Bromo at sunrise. The panoramic view could have been taken with an expensive DJI product or an affordable drone like the Potensic T25, which you can find on Amazon for $173. This drone comes with 1080HP and an advanced GPS system.

Mount Bromo ©Sugrit Jiranarak / Shutterstock.com

When it comes to Mount Bromo, a drone is a great way to capture the beauty of the crater without getting too close to it. Mount Bromo is an active volcano. It is 7,641 feet high, making it not the highest peak in the Tengger massif, but certainly the best-known. Mount Bromo is one of East Java, Indonesia’s most-visited tourist attractions.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,299.99*

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and this photograph of a road decked out in autumn colors is yet more proof of that. Piotr Krzeslak is the photographer behind this autumn road, which looks like it comes straight out of a painting.

Autumn Road ©Piotr Krzeslak / Shutterstock.com

The possible drone used to capture this colorful image might have been the Autel Evo II. Though not as pricey as most other high-quality drones, the Autel Evo II is still top-notch. Made by Autel Robotics and Sony, this 8K drone has a 48MP sensor that Autel says is “superior” to any other aerial drone out there.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,179*

User @qualtaghvisuals captured this aerial photograph in Ubud, Bali Island in Indonesia. The drone used was possibly a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, as that would have the altitude necessary to take such a picture. The photo is a bird’s eye view of green rice terraces at full vegetation. These structured fields are vast, expansive, and extremely beautiful.

Green Rice Terraces ©qualtaghvisuals /Shutterstock.com

According to one Indonesian travel site, the “most beautiful” of all the rice terraces are found on Bali Island. The bright-green rice paddies are a hugely important part of the Indonesian economy. Indonesia itself is one of the world’s biggest rice producers, producing over 50 million tons of rice per year.

Possible Drone Used: Mavic Pro
Where to Buy: eBay
Cost: $989*

Sandrine Aubeza (Instagram handle: @sandrinehecq) took this photo using a DJI drone and @sandmarc filters. The DJI drone she used was the Mavic Pro, which you can find on the DJI site for $1,449. This powerful drone comes with a triple-axis gimbal 4K camera.

Tails Up @sandrinehecq / Instagram.com

Its maximum transmission range is 4.1 miles, though Aubeza got much closer than that to take this photo of a whale, half-in, and half-out of the water. She took the photo in Australia. There are few continents better for whale-watching than Australia, which is home to over forty-five species of whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

Possible Drone Used: Parrot Anafi FPV
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $599*

M. Scheja took this photograph, which is another aerial angle of the Rainbow Mountains, located in Gansu, China. The good thing about the Zhangye Danxia landform is that there are so many different aspects and angles to capture because the colors differ with every square foot.

Sandstones of Zhangye Danxia ©M. Scheja / Shutterstock.com

The beautiful pattern comes as a result of deposits of minerals, including sandstone. The Rainbow Mountains were formed 55 million years ago when the Indian and Eurasian Plates collided. They are just as vibrant now as they were then. Scheja didn’t list their drone of choice, but a high-quality drone that would be great for this type of nature photography is the Parrot Anafi FPV.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,179*

Instagram account @droneofficial posted this photo of sheep, taken by Instagrammer @lorenzodcr_. The caption of the photo asked, “How much peace do sheep transmit?” Sheep are certainly peaceful animals, and they travel in herds, as you can see from this aerial photograph.

Peace Sheep @droneofficial / Instagram.com

Sheep are very gregarious animals, and they travel in herds not just for protection against predators, but because they’re social butterflies. The drone used might have been a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. The Mavic 2 has a high-quality camera for taking such a clear photo. It is also a quiet drone, so the sheep wouldn’t get scared and bolt if they heard it buzzing above them.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,299.99*

User @CaptainWang took this image of a highway overpass in an unnamed city. Though they took the aerial photograph on a cloudy day, it is still a bright, clear view of the puzzle-like formations that our highways and roadways often take. The possible drone used is unlisted.

The Overpass ©Captain Wang / Shutterstock.com

A drone that could capture this type of industrial photograph is the Autel Evo II, which you can find at Best Buy for $1,299.99. The Evo II is a newer drone. The 8K drone is also available on Amazon for $1,295, for those looking to save $499. The Evo II’s price has, since the spring of 2020, been knocked down $200 across the board.

Possible Drone Used: Ryze Tello
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $89*

People don’t really think of Eastern Europe as very “beachy,” but it actually is. The golden sands of Varna, Bulgaria are an example of why Eastern Europe has become a very popular vacation destination for Western Europeans on holiday. Photographer Michael Dechev took an aerial view of a crowd of remarkably-evenly-spaced white umbrellas on a Varna beach.

White Umbrellas ©Michael Dechev / Shutterstock.com

Dechev’s drone was unlisted, but it could have been a Ryze Tello. The Tello is a mini-drone with an HD camera. It is very easy to fly, and it is also affordable. Even the DJI Tello Boost Combo, which is a collaboration between Ryze and DJI, costs $135. The non-Combo is a little cheaper, selling on Amazon for $89.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Air II
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $2,089*

Namibia is one of the most beautiful countries, not just in Africa, but in the entire world. Donal Boyd (Instagram handle: @donalboyd) captured this ethereal, gorgeous photo of an elephant standing against the natural green, tropical backdrop of Namibia in the early morning.

Departure. @Donalboyd / Instagram.com

The slight haze was, according to Boyd, caused by the downpour the night before. Namibia, like many humid, hot climates, is very rainy in some spots (particularly the northeast). The elephants don’t seem to mind, as they get a chance to cool off. In the country, temperatures in the nineties and even low one-hundreds are as common as the afternoon and evening rains.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Typhoon H Plus
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,349.99*

This photograph was taken by social media user @HelloRF Zcool. It is an aerial shot of the Xinjiang River, and the colors are striking. The drone used is unclear, but it might have been the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus, a hexacopter that can shoot a 360-degree, 20MP image. The H Plus has triple-axis, sensor-driven image-stabilizing technology.

Xinjiang River ©HelloRF Zcool / Shutterstock.com

The Xinjiang River, also known as the Aksu River (which means “White/Clear Water” in Kyrgyz and Uyghur) is 175 miles long, and its drainage basin, located in Kyrgyzstan, is 5,0000 square miles. This ph

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Mini
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $599.99*

If you weren’t looking closely, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell what you were seeing when you look at this aerial photograph. The photo is of a yellow, blooming rapeseed field. The Brassica subspecies is known for its vivid yellow hue, and it is cultivated because its oil contains a lot of erucic acids. Basically, rapeseed is used to make canola oil, which is used in just about everything.

Yellow Field ©Smit / Shutterstock.com

Social media user @Smit took this photo in Ukraine. The lines come from tractor tracks, and the sunshine makes the colors even brighter. The possible drone used for this photo could have been the convenient, traveler-favorite DJI Mavic Mini.

Possible Drone Used: SwellPro Splash Drone 3
Where to Buy: SwellPro.com
Cost: $1,199*

Kyle Munson took this aerial photograph of two gray whales, which appear to be a mother and her calf, judging from the sizes, migrating. The possible drone used might have been the SwellPro Splash Drone 3, a drone that is great near water. The waterproof drone would have been impervious to any sea spray.

Gray Whales Migrating ©Kyle Munson / Shutterstock.com

Gray whales’ migration patterns are no joke. Every year, they migrate 10,000-12,000 miles round-trip from one calving lagoon to another. They travel five miles an hour and cover around seventy-five miles per day. Their southward migration takes place in September and October, and their destination is the warm Baja and Mexican lagoon. Their summer home in the Arctic seas.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Mantis G
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $699*

John Dvorak is the photographer who took this alien-like snapshot that will certainly pique the interest of Signs fans. This “labyrinth in the desert,” as Dvorak called it, is a circling, spiraling pattern created in the sand. This photograph was taken in the Arizona Desert, possibly with a drone like the Yuneec Mantis G.

Labyrinth in the Desert ©John Dvorak/Shutterstock.com

Signs fans might be bummed out by the explanation, but this labyrinth is more likely an art sculpture than anything else. The foldable Mantis G is great for travelers, and it has a lightweight, 4K camera that is easy to carry while you’re hiking or looking for signs of aliens.

Possible Drone Used: Mavic 2 Zoom
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,179*

Ekaterina Kondratova took this photo of a lovely natural scene in Finland, where there is a dense, green forest on one side and a crystal-clear blue lake on the other. The lake’s waters are so blue that the clouds reflected on them almost make the lake itself look like a small slice of sky.

Blue Lake, Green Forests, Finland ©Ekaterina Kondratova / Shutterstock.com

The drone used to take this photo is not listed. It could have been the Mavic 2 Zoom, another nature photographer favorite. The drone appears to be the cheapest on the DJI site. Best Buy has the quadcopter listed for $1,289.99, while DJI Drones has it for $1,179.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $2,599*

Szilard Toth is the photographer behind this beachy photo, which encapsulates the “Golden Sands” vibe that so many people associate with Sydney, Australia. Toth took his photograph with a “high-resolution drone.” While the specific drone is undetailed, it was possible a DJI product like the DJI Inspire 2. DJI Drones makes some of the highest-resolution drones out there.

Sydney ©Szilard Toth / Shutterstock.com

The golden-white tone of the sands and the crystal-clear blue of the water make a perfect contrast. Though this photo is undeniably unique and beautiful, it could have taken place anywhere, as Sydney, Australia is home to over one-hundred beaches.

Possible Drone Used: Intel Falcon Optacopter
Where to Buy: B&H Falcon
Cost: $10,000*

The Intel Falcon 8+ Optacopter is the closest competitor that the DJI Mavic Air 2 has, though the former is far more expensive than the latter. This professional UAV has a panoramic camera that offers “a range of perspectives.” The 8+ might have been the drone behind this expansive shot of Trabzon, Turkey’s Aybasti Persembe Yaylasi, known as the “Thursday Plateau.”

Trabzon, Turkey @mijlof / Instagram.com

This high meadow is so beautiful, with its rolling green grasses and trickling streams, that it is one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions. Instagrammer @mjilof took this “incredible” photograph at the end of his 300-mile road trip across Turkey.

Possible Drone Used: Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,449*

Bachie Moukarzel (Instagram handle: @bachir_photo_phactory) took this photograph, which he titled, “What’s for lunch!” with a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone. The aerial photograph was taken in Dubai, UAE. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone is one of the best drones for this type of photograph, as the drone can withstand temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s For Lunch @bachir_photo_phactory / Instagram.com

In Dubai, the summer temperature exceeds that in the afternoons, reaching 109 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s no wonder that this is a “lunch” photograph, as opposed to an “afternoon snack.” In the winter, things are cooler, with temperatures in the high seventies during the afternoons—perfect drone weather.

Possible Drone Used: Mavic Air
Where to Buy: B&H Photo
Cost: $700*

A done photographer captured this rare snapshot of a pack of proboscis monkeys, most likely using a lightweight (and low-noise) consumer drone like the DJI Mavic Air. Typically found on the island of Borneo, these rare monkeys are known for their strange-looking (but highly useful) noses – hence their name.

Proboscis Monkeys © Don Mammoser / Shutterstock.com

Making this imageall the more incredible is the fact that few proboscis monkeys are left in the wild. While there are more than a dozen protected areas where these monkeys can thrive, their numbers have been steadily dropping worldwide for the last 20 years.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $3,000*

Hanbing Wang took this drone photo, which he titled, “Exploration” for the SkyPixel competition a few years ago. Needless to say, this photo was a winner, as it captures the slow, methodical path of Bactrian camels walking through the Taklamakan desert in China. The photo was perfectly timed, appearing to form a near-exact pattern of camel footsteps.

Exploration Hanbing @Wang / SkyPixel.com

The possible drone used to capture such a photograph could have been the DJI Inspire 2, which has an operating temperature of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The DJI Inspire 2 has a range of 4.3 miles and has the latest Lightbridge tech from the famed drone-maker.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 RTK
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $6,500*

Photographer Cheng Han snapped this drone photograph, possibly with a high-tech drone such as the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, which gave viewers an all-new perspective on an oft-traveled bridge. Titled “Overbridge,” this drone photo is an aerial view of the Baling Bridge, located in China’s Guizhou Province.

Overbridge @诚涵 / SkyPixel.com

The Baling Bridge is very, very narrow and quite high up, with a clearance of 1,214 feet, crossing over the Baling River Valley. It is one of the highest bridges in the world. Even people who are afraid of heights have to acknowledge this bridge’s convenience—it cut travel across the Baling Valley from one hour to four minutes.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Prithvi B was the photographer who took “Morning Walk,” a beautiful, ethereal picture of a beach in Australia. The photograph was an award-winner at the SkyPixel contest, and the photographer used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro to take the snapshot. This high-quality drone is the flagship product from DJI.

Morning Walk @Prithvi B / SkyPixel.com

It has a Hasselblad camera and one-inch sensor. You can buy it at Best Buy for $2,049.99, where it comes with a DJI Smart Controller. You might also find a better deal on the DJI website or B&H Photo-Video-Audio, if you want to buy it used. The Mavic 2 is for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Possible Drone Used: Intel Falcon 8+ Optacopter
Where to Buy: B&H
Cost: $10,000*

This photo was taken by social media user @Canloker, and it was a prize-winner in the SkyPixel “Beauty” category. The photo offered viewers a bird’s-eye view of an icy, cracking river in Northern China. The cracks in the ice made the river look surreal, something that a drone was able to capture from afar.

Ice River @Canlomkoer / SkyPixcel.com

The possible drone used to capture “Ice River” was the Intel Falcon 8 Optacopter, which is designed to stand up to harsh conditions, like the kind that would freeze over a river. Intel says it is stable and consistent, even in the face of “high winds” and “weak GPS signals.”

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Arthur Kanatov took this photo, aptly titled “Hypnotic.” Taken in Krasnodar, Russia, the photo captured a feat of modern architecture, creating a swirling garden that was so symmetrical as to be hypnotic. The labyrinth-like garden was captured by a Mavic 2 Pro drone by DJI Drones.

Hypnotic @Arthur Kanatov / SkyPixel.com

Krasnodar is the site of a lot of interesting architecture, namely its steel-lattice water tower, which was designed by Vladimir Shuhkov in the early 1900. Another architectural feat in the Russia city is the 1909 Hall, an opulent concert hall that often is home to the Krasnodar Philharmonic Society and its concerts.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic Mini
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $400*

Ge Zheng shot “Fishermen Closing the Net,” which gave viewers an inside look at the fishing process in China. This picture, which featured a Chinese fisherman hard at work amid four yellow nets, won the Grand Prize at the SkyPixel competition. The location of “Fishermen Closing the Net” was Yacheng Bay, China.

Fishermen Close The Net @Arthur Kanatov / SkyPixel.com

Traditional methods of fishing are still used quite frequently in China, and these methods date back to 2,800 B.C., when fishermen would use nets made of hemp. “Fishermen Closing the Net” might have been taken with a DJI Mavic Mini. The Mini is one of DJI’s most affordable, convenient products.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Social media user @Mikhoshka submitted this photo to the SkyPixel 6th Anniversary Aerial Photo and Video Contest, and it was an award-winner. The beautiful photograph, titled “Fields of Gold,” captures rolling fields in Kezenoyam in Chechnya. The region is also home to Lake Kezenoyam, which is the Caucasus Mountains’ deepest lake.

Fields of gold @Mikhoshka / SkyPixel.com

@Mikhoshka used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone to capture “Fields of Gold.” The Mavic 2, as you can see from the photograph, can reach high altitudes of up to 16,404 feet (5,000 meters). It is perfect for capturing panoramic natural views. It can fly in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for chilly Russian weather.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Photographer Boyan Ortse submitted “Crispy Landscape” to SkyPixel, and the photo was a stunning representation of something we don’t see very often: a pink lake. Ortse’s photograph, which he captured using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, features a woman in a sunhat standing next to Pink Lake.

Crispy Landscape @Manish Mamtani / SkyPixel.com

Pink Lake is located in the Goldfields-Esperance part of Western Australia. It is noted for its visibly bubblegum-pink appearance. However, it hasn’t been pink since 2017. The pinkness is caused by salt concentrations, and, as those have been low in recent years, the pink color is now gone. If conditions change, this 245-acre lake could turn pink again.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Another SkyPixel entrant was “Juxtaposition,” taken by Manish Mamtani with a DJI Mavic Pro drone. The photograph features a car junkyard that, despite its bland, blue-grey appearance, is surrounded by beautiful autumn colors. Mamtani pointed out that both the junkyard and autumn were quite similar.

Juxtaposition @Manish Mamtani/SkyPixel.com

Mamtani said, “Nature [is] getting rid of leaves, [while] humans [are] junking the cars.” He said that one was a “natural degradation,” while the other was “pure junk.” There’s no denying that this aerial photo lives up to its name, as the junkyard seems like a small cold center in the midst of the fiery landscape surrounding it.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 3
Where to Buy: Adorama
Cost: $399* (Used)

Brendon Dixon captured what he called a “Spillway Selfie,” which was a picture of him laying down on the Huia Dam. Dixon’s entrant into the SkyPixel contest was a second-prize winner. Dixon used a DJI Phantom 3 to capture this photograph, a drone that is one of DJI’s most affordable and, according to the drone-maker, the “perfect drone” for a “beginner.”

Spillway Selfie @Brendon Dixon / SkyPixel.com

The Huia Dam is located in Auckland, New Zealand, and it has been around for centuries, though the Upper Huia Dam is far older than the Lower, having been opened in 1929 (the Lower opened in 1971). The Dam supplies most of the water for Auckland, NZ.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Ben Skaar used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro to capture this photograph, which he titled, “The Leaves are Turning.” The photograph captured the peak foliage season in New Hampshire (September). As Skaar put it, “The whole landscape looked [like it was] on fire.” He submitted his photo to the SkyPixel 6th Anniversary Contest, where it took home accolades.

The Leaves are Turning @benskaar / SkyPixel.com

New Hampshire, in the fall, certainly is one of the most beautiful states in America for those looking to see the bright yellows, oranges, and reds of leaves changing. The state brings in thousands upon thousands of tourists each year, all looking to see the autumn colors.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599-$2,049*

Vladimir Evrov took this photo, which he titled, “Snow Vibes” in Bulgaria using a Mavic 2 Pro. The aerial photograph featured a cold, snow-covered day in the small, Eastern European country. Evrov captured himself right in the middle of making a snow angel.

Snow Vibes @vladimir.evrov / SkyPixel.com

As mentioned above, the Mavic 2 Pro can fly in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Though Bulgaria might look quite wintry in this picture, temperatures actually are an average of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that Evrov’s drone wouldn’t have a problem. The crystal-clear image is why Mavic 2 Pro drones are so often used by professional nature photographers.

Possible Drone Used: Holy Stone HS100G
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $200*

Mauro Pagliai took this incredible photo, which he titled “Green Waves.” The photograph won the silver medal in the SkyPixel contest, beating out thousands of other entrants. “Green Waves” was shot in the beautiful Siena, Italy countryside, which is known for its rolling green hills and glittering, golden sunshine.

Green Waves @Mauro Pagliai / SkyPixel.com

Siena is smack-dab in the middle of Tuscany, and, in addition to its lovely countryside, it is known for its medieval, brick, castle-like buildings like its Piazza del Campo and Torre del Mangia. The possible drone used to capture this picture was the Holy Stone, which is an affordable model that you can pick up locally.

Possible Drone Used: Yuneec Typhoon H Plus
Where to Buy: Amazon
Cost: $1,349.99*

Titled “Melting Pot,” this surreal image was captured by Piotr Parzybok. The photo features a city lit up at night, with a colorful night sky behind it. The photograph was so well-liked by critics that it won an “Honorable Mention” at the SkyPixel competition in 2016.

Melting Pot @Piotr Parzybok / SkyPixel.com

The possible drone used to capture this photograph was the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus, which has become a favorite of professional drone photographers. The H Plus, which you can purchase on Amazon for $1,349.99, is a hexacopter with a one-inch, 4K camera. It uses Intel RealSense Technology to capture crystal-clear images. The H Plus is the second-gen model from Yuneec.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II PRO 6K
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,799*

This photograph is credited to SkyPixel, and it was a winner in one of their categories in the 2016 competition. Titled “Cool City,” it featured groups of people standing around and skating in a frosty winter atmosphere. The caption on this photograph was, “City cool…people play amid the fountains.”

Cool City @SkyPixel.com

The brightly-colored winter gear provides a nice contrast against the white-and-blue background on which they’re standing. A possible drone used to capture this picture is the Autel Evo PRO 6K, which you can buy at Best Buy for $1,799. The minimum temperature for this drone is 14 degrees Fahrenheit, something the photographer no doubt took heed of before flying it to take this picture.

Possible Drone Used: EXO X7 Ranger
Where to Buy: EXO Drones
Cost: $399*

This photograph is aptly titled, “Where Did You Park the Car?” Though it didn’t win any awards at the SkyPixel 2016 competition, it was still listed by The Guardian as one of their favorite photos from the contest. The photograph was taken of a huge parking lot. Though it seems so ordinary, the bird’s eye view makes it seem staggering.

Where Did You Park The Car? ©/

Looking at this photo, it makes way more sense that we’re all so easily able to forget where we’ve parked our cars. The possible drone used to take this high-altitude, crystal-clear photograph is the EXO X7 Ranger, a $399 drone from EXO Drones.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II PRO 6K
Where to Buy: Autel Drones
Cost: $1,795*

Y Hsien Loong captured this drone photograph, which was then titled, “Asymmetrical Lines.” The photograph received an honorable mention at the 2016 SkyPixel Competition. “Asymmetrical Lines” featured a blue umbrella against a blue-and-yellow background. The umbrella and background made this drone photograph somewhat of a study in geometry.

Dji_0022 @Y显龙 / SkyPixel.com

“Asymmetrical Lines” might have been taken by the Autel Evo Pro 6K, a drone from Autel. That drone comes with a gimbal camera that has a variable aperture of f/2.8 to f/11. On Autel Drones, it is $1,795, but you might be able to find it cheaper, depending on where you look.

Possible Drone Used: Autel Evo II PRO 6K
Where to Buy: Best Buy
Cost: $1,799*

Social media user @hyperfocal took this picture, titled “Pavlopetri.” The aerial photograph captured an island in Greece of the same name. Pavlopetri, in the photograph, is a tiny white sand island surrounded by beautiful, crystal-clear, blue-green waters. The story of the 5,000-year-old location is fascinating.

Pavlopetri @hyperfocal / SkyPixel.com

Pavlopetri is a sunken city, and it is one of the oldest submerged (AKA “lost”) cities of its time. It is the oldest lost city in the Mediterranean by far. It has an almost completely-intact town, including tombs, buildings, and streets. It was only discovered in 2011, but it has drawn flocks of tourists since then, all eager to get a glimpse of the miniature Atlantis.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Spark
Where to Buy: Walmart
Cost: $595*

This lovely, sunny photograph was captured by Denis Belitsky for Shutterstock. Titled “Beautiful Boats,” it features several colorful boats docked in the Mediterranean Sea off the coat of Oludeniz, Turkey. The picture is a classic summer seascape, with azure water, ships, and a sandy beach in the sun.

Beautiful boats ©Denis Belitsky / Shutterstock.com

Belitsky might have used the DJI Spark to capture this photograph. DJI says that the Spark is one of its best drones for beginners, though even professionals are fond of this tiny powerhouse. You can pick it up for $595 at Walmart, though look around on second-hand sites to see if there are cheaper options.

Possible Drone Used: SkyDio 2
Where to Buy: Skydio.com
Cost: $999*

Social media user @phtrung06 took this photo, which was titled, “Hon Kho Salt Field.” It featured salt miners hard at work. It was entered into the SkyPixel competition, where it was a fan favorite. The aerial photograph let viewers see the process of working in a salt field, something that uses far more traditional processes than you might have expected.

Hon Khoi Salt Field @phtrung0611 / SkyPixel.com

The Hon Kho Salt Fields are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Vietnam’s Nha Trang. The Salt Fields are one of the largest in the region, yielding 737,000 tons of salts per year. The mounds of natural salt are all harvested by hand from the shallow fields, as depicted in this photo.

Possible Drone Used: Freefly Alta 8
Where to Buy: Store.FreeflySystems.com
Cost: $17,495*

User @Whosane took this SkyPixel photo, titled “Al Qudra Desert.” The photo, which might have been taken using a drone like the Freefly Alta 8 or a similar, high-quality product, showed off the golden sands of the Al Qudra, which is a tourist attraction and desert in Dubai.

Al Qudra Desert @Whosane/SkyPixel.com

The Desert is far less barren than you might expect, and people travel there all the time for sightseeing. The Al Qudra has nature preserves and places to barbecue. You can even purchase food from local food trucks that serve tourists. Of all the deserts captured on this list, Al Qudra is perhaps the most people-friendly (though you wouldn’t want to live there with no shelter).

Possible Drone Used: Freefly Alta 8
Where to Buy: Store.FreeflySystems.com
Cost: $17,495*

Posted by the social media user @Dronecopters, this photograph provides a beautiful contrast of sea and shore, traveling a range of the color spectrum. The aerial photograph is titled “Cote Rocheuse.” The algae covering the rocks at the shoreline adds a pop of bright color.

Cote Rocheuse By Dronecopters @Dronecopters / SkyPixel.com

This aerial photograph was possibly taken with a drone like the Freefly Alta 8, which is around $17,500. Another drone that could have been used for this is the SwellPro Splash Drone. The Swellpro is splash-resistant, meaning it can get up close to windy, water shorelines without becoming damaged. You can find the Swellpro at Wellbots for around $1,199.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Inspire 2
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $3,000*

Social media user @drone.nest posted this aerial photograph of a truck that had an unfortunate accident in Russia. As there is no fire or severe damage, it’s hopeful that no one was injured and the spill was just an inconvenience. Driving in Russia is always an adventure, to say the least, and most spills like this are caught on dash cam.

A Collapsed Truck In Russia By Drone Nest @drone.nest / SkyPixel.com

This one just happens to be aerial. The possible drone used to capture such a photograph is the DJI Inspire 2, a fan-favorite from DJI Drones. The Inspire 2 is a professional drone, costing around $3,000 on the company’s website.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Phantom 4 RTK
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $6,500*

This stunning photo looks so ethereal that it could be a fantasy painting. Photographer @thedon captured this scene, which he submitted to a SkyPixel contest a few years ago. He titled it, “Between Two Worlds,” no doubt referencing the heavenly skies touching down to earth in the hazy photograph.

Between Two Worlds @thedon / SkyPixel.com

@thedon (real name: Szabi Ignacz) didn’t specify where he took this photo, but it might have been taken in Romania, where he captures a lot of his nature photography. Romania is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and otherworldly sights such as this are commonplace for the small towns and villages there.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Where to Buy: DJI Drones
Cost: $1,599*

Photographer @Caesarpmr captured this SkyPixels photograph, which he titled, “The Red Umbrella.” The photograph features two very different parts of a field—one black and one green, split by a bright red umbrella. The contrast made it a fan favorite in the SkyPixels contest into which it was entered.

The Red Umbrella @Caesarpmr / SkyPixel.com

The possible drone used might have been the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which is beloved among professional drone photographers. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is another option, as that comes with a 1/2.30inch 12 MP sensor. It has a twice-optical zoom. The Mavic 2 Pro, by contrast, comes with a Hasselblad with a one-inch sensor.

Possible Drone Used: DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter
Where to Buy: B&H Photo
Cost: $6,599*

While it might cost you a couple of pretty pennies to take such an impressive photograph, if you have the extra cash lying around it could be worth it to snatch up a professional drone like the DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter.

Shah Alam Stadium, Persian Sukan, Shah Alam, Malaysia @Fahrul Azmi / Unsplash.com

The drone is able to take incredibly high-quality images from high up in the air, allowing you to see things that perhaps no human has seen before, or to put familiar sights in a new perspective. In this case, an image of a football field taken from above looks eerily like a human eye.