The Most Beautiful Images Captured By Drones

Technology has allowed us to make some incredible strides in recent years. The advent of the drone has given us access to images of some of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions of the world. Here are a selection of drone images you simply have to see to believe.

Fall Scene

This spectacular image shows an aerial image of one of Romania’s remote winding highways. The stretch of road winds through the surrounding forest dressed in the red, gold and burnt orange leaves of autumn.

The stillness of the image makes the viewer almost want to dive into the beauty of the scene. The vibrant colors exude Fall happiness.

Mars Landing

Shot by famed Turkish drone photographer, Aydın Büyüktaş, this image looks more like a scene from a sci-fi film than the plains of America.

The photo shows the otherworldly red hills of a remote highway stretching across Arizona. From above, the hills look more like planetary craters.

War Zone

The ongoing civil war in Syria has left the country devastated by mass crossfire. This image shows tanks hurtling into an area previously occupied by civilians.

As the great machines kick up dust from the scorched earth, one can see the damage years of war have caused the surrounding region.

Danger Zone

Drones have allowed us the technology to capture images in regions that would otherwise be too dangerous to tread by humans.

Here, a drone captures another drone flying high above an Icelandic volcanic eruption. The lava, running between two mountains, creates the illusion of a lake of fire.

Urban Sprawl

With a growing population of 24 million people, Shanghai is one of the world’s most dense and thriving metropolises.

This image captures one of the city’s multi-level downtown interchanges at rush hour.

Forest Landing

Buried deep in 10 acres of dense wood, just outside Portland, Oregon, is what appears to be an abandoned Boeing 727.

Astonishingly, the plane is actually the home of Bruce Campbell who has transformed the disused aircraft into an unconventional living space. Here, the plane is captured from above.

High Above

High above the sprawling streets of Barcelona stands the turrets and peaks of the city’s Sagrat Cor Church.

Located on a hill, here, clouds swirl around the elaborate statues of the church’s unbelievable facade.

Abandoned Beauty

Few people have heard of the republic of Abkhazia. In the early 90s, the small region was ravaged by widespread killings and ethnic cleansing.

In the wake of the violence, many areas were subsequently abandoned. Vast regions have now become a twilight zone of empty buildings. This college has long been forgotten, now overgrown with greenery and dilapidated.

High Living

The Katskhi Pillar is located in the western region of Georgia. The naturally-occurring rock is home to a famous Georgian church which is home to a local monk.

Maxime, the 59-year-old monk, receives packages of food and supplies from followers twice a week. A 131ft ladder is needed to be scaled in order to reach lower ground.

Otherworldly Awe

Mardalsfossen waterfall in Romsdal, Norway, is one of Europe’s highest waterfalls. The vertical drop measures 1,175 ft.

The swirling clouds create the illusion that the waterfall is floating rather than resting on a mountain face.

The Great Dive

This spectacular image is the result of human capacity, technology and meticulous timing. “He is over sixty, he is the world record holder for the Guinness waterfall diving.

In China’s famous spout of the Yellow River and the great falls of the water tower in Heilongjiang province, he surprised the world with his leap,” shared the prize-winning photographer.

Soaring High

In a magnificent display of synchronicity, this eagle was captured a thousand feet above ground by a hovering drone. Birds of prey and drones have a contentious relationship.

The large and curious birds are known to pluck the machinery out of the sky, mistaking them for another bird.

Home Alone

Justen Soule is one of the leading names in drone photography. This fairytale-like image was captured by the photographer in 2017 in Alexandria Bay between New York and Canada.

As the season turns to autumn, the lone house becomes a magnificent, unique and vividly-colored scene.

A Day’s Work

It’s strange to think that there are some jobs that entail scaling the heights of a building in order to ensure the windows are clean.

These workers are captured cleaning a skyscraper in the heart of Moscow city. The cityscape is magnificently reflected against the glass, mirroring the warmth of the sunset sky.

Lively Lillies

A woman is photographed harvesting water lillies in a pond in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

The photo, submitted by a Vietnamese author known as helios1412, won second prize in the People category of 2017’s International Drone Photography Contest.

Optical Illusions

What appears to be a dry and cracked desert floor is in fact a lake.

‘Cracked Mud Boating’ by drone photographer Milo Allerton, captures a family enjoying a boat ride in Burke Lake in Virginia.

Hallowed Hippos

In a rare event, this group of hippos was captured in swimming in the muddy waters of the Serengeti National Park in South Africa.

The semi-aquatic mammals have webbed feet while their eyes and ears are placed high on their skills allowing them to remain above the surface of the water.

Fantastic Fort

It’s been three centuries since this Dutch fort was in use. It now serves as a historical museum and the epicenter of a small eastern town in Holland.

The star-shaped walls are beautifully lined with dense forest.

Lotus Flower

Located in remote fields of Dehli lies the spectacular Lotus Temple. Designed by a famed Iranian architect, the structure echoes the natural beauty of the highly symbolic lotus.

The image is especially revered since it is now illegal to fly drones in the surrounding area.

Whale Watching

This snorkeler unknowingly swims mere feet away from one of the world’s most majestic creatures. Humpback whales are known to grow up to 16 meters in length and can live for up to 50 years.

This aerial view captures the enormous size of the incredible aquatic mammal.

River Runs

This seemingly otherworldly image was captured by drone photographer Max Foster.

 
The award-winning artist took this image as part of a series entitled ‘Elemental.’ The aerial view, taken from 1500 ft, shows the swooping lines of the Delta river in Iceland.

Mexican Madness

Mexico City is the sprawling and densely populated capital of Mexico.

With a spectacular population of 21 million people, the Mexico City is the most populated city in the Western Hemisphere. Here, an image shows thousands of homes located on the city’s vast hills.

Camel Crossing

This image by Abdullah Alnassar is a breathtaking aerial view of the rich red sand dunes of Saudi Arabia. White camels make their winding way across the dunes in search of water.

The colors, and the expansive shapes of the desert, are truly impressive from above.

Duck Dynasty

Raising ducks is a common practice in Asian countries. Many farmers depend on their livelihood.

The ducks are used for meat and feathers. Here, a Vietnamese duck farmer makes his way across his property.

Divine Beauty

This breathtaking image is actually twelve drone images stitched into one.

The landscape image shows the ethereal beauty of Iceland, with its towering mountains and ice blue rivers cutting across the land.

Fairytale Scene

With its vivid colors, sweeping hills and distant mountains, this image appears to be a surreal depiction of a fairytale landscape.

The drone-captured image was taken in Santa Maddalena in Italy. The man-made invention has allowed us to be awed be the sheer magnitude and beauty of nature.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is stunning from above, even if it is shrinking. As Lonely Planet reported, Tel Aviv-based landscape photographer Tzvika Stein uses drones to capture aerial views of the threatened body of water. “It’s beautiful and fascinating and very unique.”

The rich tones and vibrant blue of the water juxtaposed against the rich orange and brown of the sand, is really a sight for sore eyes and makes the viewer want to jump in.

Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls

Famed for its turquoise water, Cascada de Tamul is the result of two rivers merging—the Gallinas River and the Santa Maria River—which create a 300-m wide waterfall.

The best way to view the waterfall is from the river in a traditional wooden panga (canoe), which you’ll help paddle upstream.

Namaste

The breathtaking Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world, and this picture expertly depicts why.

The stillness and calmness of this scene really pictures the spiritual essence of India.

Fields Of Gold

Noordwijk, South Holland, The Netherlands, in all its glory. The bird’s eye perspective drones offer, hovering closer to the ground than a helicopter ever could, has been dubbed “revolutionary.” In the saturated world of digital image, this new angle can give photographers an artistic edge.

“We’ve spent the last 100 years taking images at ground level, so as soon you change the perspective slightly, everything looks different, everything looks beautiful,” Romeo Durscher, an aerial photographer and director of education at DJI, tells TIME.

Magical Spirals

Spiral Jetty is an earthwork sculpture constructed in April 1970 that is considered to be the central work of American sculptor Robert Smithson.

Rarely do we get the opportunity to turn our perspective upside down, but thanks to prominent aerial photographers, this spectacular image shows off the texture and outstanding natural beauty of the scene.

The Perfect Blue

High above the crystal blue waters of Vietnam, this image was captured, a perfect reflection of nature and man-mande design working side by side.

These are the lobster-breeding farms of the Phu Yen province. The shapes and colors combined are truly magnificent.

Dizzying Heights

This image was the first prize winner of the 2016 International Drone Footage photography awards.

The image, shot from a dizzying height, shows a climber scaling the side of a mountain face in Kalbyris forest in Denmark.

City Slums

Though home to the largest number of the world’s billionaires, India is also home to Asia’s largest slums.

Known as Dharavi by the surrounding locals, the slum rests on the outskirts of Mumbai. Though the country’s economy continues to boom, India faces a horrific poverty epidemic. It is estimated that the slum houses 1 million people.

Cave Wonders

This stunning image shows a traveler exploring the Melissani cave on the Greek island of Cephalonia by boat. the colors are mesmerizing.

If one looks closely, they can almost hear the calming sounds of the water, and the breeze zipping through the trees. This is paradise personified.

Marigolds

This aesthetically pleasing image shows women in Asia picking marigolds in the fields. The symmetry and bright colors, gives this piece a calming yet happy feel.

This piece makes the viewer want to be there, picking marigolds, laughing with the ladies, and enjoying a bright summer’s day.

Wave After Wave

This drone picture conveys a Portuguese surfer braving the cold of February. You can almost hear the waves crashing and humming.

We wonder what it must have been like for that surfer, in the midst of the action, adrenaline pumping, cold water thrashing against the surfboard.

Stairway To Heaven

The long staircase leading to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Portugal.

The Algarve has long been a favorite spot for holiday makers, due to the beautiful beaches, idyllic weather, and stunning scenery. This image paints a pretty good picture, of how perfect a holiday there would be.

Rising Waters

In Alexandria Bay between New York and Canada, when water levels rise and fall colors begin to take root.

This little house in the middle of the water personifies serenity and calm. A world away from the noise pollution, and hectic city life.

Manta Ray

We love the symmetry in this photo. This shows two sunbathing ladies and two friendly rays happily swimming together in Sri Lanka. The calmness and stillness of the scene here is just lovely.

The symmetry and perfect lines here, make this picture a winner in our books. The azure waters and soft white sand, make us want to be there in that exact moment.

Shipwrecks

This shipwreck from World War II was taken in Coron in the Philippines.

There are many surviving ships in this area, which has become a haven for divers is one of the most visually pleasing in the world.

Road Trip

A couple in a classic blue Ford Mustang Convertible, driving on historic Route 66.

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? This just sets the scene, wind whipping through their hair, great tunes, roof down on the open road, it doesn’t get better than that.

Scooting Along

Here we can see two scooters crossing the bridge in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Everything about this picture creates the sense that it is moving, and we can almost hear the revving of the engines, and the hushing of the waves as they crash towards the bridge.

The azure turquoise is mind-blowingly beautiful. We feel as though we are a part of their adventure, and so here the photographer has really captured the essence of the scene, and created a snaphot in time.

Tanzania

Located in the remote western part of Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most picturesque places in Tanzania.

The park borders Lake Tanganyika, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world. Getting to the park is an adventure as it is accessible only by air and boat.

Salt Flats

The salt fields are also the speciality of Bac Lieu. Bac Lieu is the salt basket of the Mekong Delta, with extensive salt fields along the coast.

The salt fields of Bac Lieu are divided into squares and rows with lots of sparkling white salt under the sun.Two scooters crossing the bridge in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Polar Prince

In the furthest reaching corners of Greenland, dominated by ice, snow and mountain-sized glaciers, polar bears roam the pristine landscape.

During the winter months, the temperature can plunge to -58 °F. Here, a polar bear crosses between two pieces of ice glaciers.