Lake Maharloo, near Shiraz in southern Iran, is a pink-hued salt lake admired for its striking colors and abstract patterns. Yet these beautiful and abstract patterns are caused by the inflow of urban wastewater, and combined with prolonged drought and overuse of groundwater, human activity is turning this fragile ecosystem into a damaged, abstract landscape, threatening wildlife and local communities. The series documents Maharloo’s transformations and draws attention to the urgent water and environmental crisis.
I was fortunate enough to capture a volcano in Iceland at the end of July. When I launched my drone to survey the landscape, I was delighted to discover that the lava had sculpted a phoenix with outstretched wings upon the earth, perfectly complementing the fiery crater below. The scene of the phoenix rising from the ashes, reborn through fire—a vision straight from the pages of ancient texts-had truly materialised before my very eyes!
Iceland is once again ablaze — a fierce and mesmerizing volcanic eruption is unfolding near Sundhnúkagígar, painting the land with rivers of molten fire. But this time, nature is putting on a show like no other.
Two powerful lava flows have emerged from separate craters, snaking through the rugged terrain with a fiery purpose. In a breathtaking twist, they are now merging into one, forming a single, massive stream — a natural spectacle that seems almost choreographed. As the flows converge, the glowing currents twist and pulse, creating hypnotic patterns that can be seen from miles away, lighting up the Icelandic night like a living, breathing organism.
This photographic work showcases the magnificent night view of the Gaowei Town in Tianshui, Xinjiang. It was captured at January 19, 2025, from a high-altitude perspective, perfectly presenting the unique layout of Gaowei Town. The city\'s lights resemble a brilliant galaxy, radiating outwards from the center, complementing the snow-covered mountains under the night sky. The contrast of cool and warm tones creates a visually striking image. The photographer skillfully captured this moment, freezing the unique style and serene atmosphere of the city, showcasing the charming allure of Gaowei Town, where nature and culture intertwine.
Embrace of the Sky
Swept the drone high above the winding road to catch what might be the widest rainbow I\'ve ever witnessed, curving all the way over Kirkjufell\'s proud silhouette and down into the dark blue bay.
Chased fleeting light, battled wind, nearly lost the battery. But some moments are worth every shiver. Grateful Iceland decided to show off today.
Lake Maharloo, near Shiraz in southern Iran, is a pink-hued salt lake admired for its striking colors and abstract patterns. Yet these beautiful and abstract patterns are caused by the inflow of urban wastewater, and combined with prolonged drought and overuse of groundwater, human activity is turning this fragile ecosystem into a damaged, abstract landscape, threatening wildlife and local communities. The series documents Maharloo’s transformations and draws attention to the urgent water and environmental crisis.
Iceland is once again ablaze — a fierce and mesmerizing volcanic eruption is unfolding near Sundhnúkagígar, painting the land with rivers of molten fire. But this time, nature is putting on a show like no other.
Two powerful lava flows have emerged from separate craters, snaking through the rugged terrain with a fiery purpose. In a breathtaking twist, they are now merging into one, forming a single, massive stream — a natural spectacle that seems almost choreographed. As the flows converge, the glowing currents twist and pulse, creating hypnotic patterns that can be seen from miles away, lighting up the Icelandic night like a living, breathing organism.
Petals of Labor:
Where the water meets the sky, the daily harvest becomes abstract art. A moment of perfect pattern in the Mekong Delta, where humanity and horticulture bloom as one.
Glacial meltwater spreads across volcanic sands, forming branching shapes that resemble roots reaching through the earth. From above, the river becomes an abstract tapestry of gold and deep blue—nature painting with motion and sediment.
This is an aerial photograph of a flock of greater flamingos wading through shallow waters. Capturing this image was challenging because I took it from a helicopter flying at a speed of 90 knots, leaving me with very limited time to take the shot. I used a focal length of 546 mm to capture this close-up image without disturbing their habitat. Additionally, I was flying at an altitude of 1,000 feet, which ensured that their habitat remained completely undisturbed.
Camera - Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Lens - Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C
Captured from a rising drone perspective, this photograph reveals the breathtaking symmetry and spiritual intensity of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh , India. The glowing circles of fire, drifting incense, and gathered devotees form a living tapestry of light and devotion along the ancient riverfront. From above, the scene transforms into a mesmerizing pattern—where ritual, culture, and the timeless flow of the Ganga meet in one luminous moment.
The Eid-ul-Fitr Congregation was held in India. According to the organizers, over 5,000 devotees participated in the Eid congregation. The prayers started early in the morning with devotees coming from various parts of the region. Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival of joy celebrated globally.
After a night of work, fishing boats on Tri An Viet Nam Lake anchor in Ben Nom area, creating a poetic scene. Fishermen rush to bring fish in time for the early market.
\\\"Edge of Ice and Sand\\\" This aerial photograph captures the dramatic boundary between glacial meltwater and volcanic sand in Iceland’s largest glacier river system. From above, the landscape reveals an intricate transition where ice, water, and sediment collide, forming organic textures that resemble veins, waves, and erosion patterns. The image emphasizes the constant transformation of the land, shaped by powerful natural forces acting over time. Seen from this perspective, the river becomes an abstract expression of Iceland’s raw geology, where fragility and strength coexist in a continuously evolving balance.
Lost in the vast expanse of Gujarat, I stumbled upon a breathtaking spectacle: the ethereal beauty of Kutch. A kaleidoscope of colors painted the landscape, reminiscent of Jupiter’s swirling clouds. It was as if I had stepped into a realm beyond imagination.
Stokksnes Beach in Iceland reveals the magic of black sand and whimsical dunes shaped by the wind. In the distance, the
majestic Vestrahorn mountain rises, its steep slopes mirrored in the calm waters. The contrast between black sand, golden
dunes, and rugged mountain beauty creates a landscape that feels otherworldly.
Seen from above, the road becomes something entirely different — no longer just a path, but a golden vein pulsing through the autumn landscape.
Its curves flow with a quiet sense of purpose, tracing a delicate line between the muted browns and fading greens of the forest.
There’s a calm intensity in the way it winds forward, as if carrying the last warmth of the season before winter folds over the mountains.
For a moment, the world feels suspended — a heartbeat drawn in gold across the earth.
This is a view of Mount Bromo taken in Indonesia.
I snapped the shutter at the moment it erupted from the active volcano.
The sky and the earth are tinted pink by the morning glow, and the ground is filled with a sea of clouds.
From above, the volcanic sands of La Arena Beach in Puerto de Santiago stretch like a dark canvas against the turquoise embrace of the Atlantic Ocean. Captured in a perfect Top Down perspective, the shoreline becomes a striking contrast of textures: rugged black sand meets the foaming waves in a rhythmic dance, while sunbathers appear as tiny specks, scattered like colorful brushstrokes on a painter\\\'s palette.
Photographed by drone in the Icelandic Highlands, this scene shows a vast system of glacial rivers winding between craters, lakes and lava fields. Shortly before a storm, a beam of light broke through the clouds, illuminating the sediment-laden water and revealing the structure of the landscape. From the air, the complexity of the terrain is transformed into a living map of geological processes: volcanism, erosion, melting and sedimentation converge in a single image. This ephemeral moment, where light and weather aligned, allowed us to capture the scale and wild character of one of the most remote regions of the country.
Under the aerial photography perspective of the drone, the spectacular scene of the fish dew factory can be seen in full view. Countless neatly arranged jars, like loyal guards, stood quietly in the factory area. And on these jars, a group of hard-working workers are busy working. Wearing simple but neat work clothes, they shuttled and climbed flexibly between the altars. Holding a tool, he carefully stirred the materials in the jar, skillfully and focused. The sun shines on them, outlining a firm and simple outline. They use their sweat and hands to contribute to the production of the fish sauce factory, and also write stories that belong to workers in this world.
The camel drank from the sea for a long time until he turned to stone. Winter came, the sea became covered with ice, and he froze, his muzzle covered in ice.
An aerial view captures the vibrant Sa Đéc flower village in Vietnam, brimming with blooms for the Lunar New Year. Rows of brilliant chrysanthemums and other festive flowers create striking bands of color across the flooded fields. A single wooden boat, navigated by a person, glides through the shimmering water, underscoring the tranquil, picturesque preparation for the spring festival.
Lake Maharloo, near Shiraz in southern Iran, is a pink-hued salt lake admired for its striking colors and abstract patterns. Yet these beautiful and abstract patterns are caused by the inflow of urban wastewater, and combined with prolonged drought and overuse of groundwater, human activity is turning this fragile ecosystem into a damaged, abstract landscape, threatening wildlife and local communities. The series documents Maharloo’s transformations and draws attention to the urgent water and environmental crisis.
In July 2025, whales (mainly Bryde\'s whales) appeared in the waters of Nhon Ly (Gia Lai province, Vietnam), attracting the attention of tourists and photographers to record the spectacular scene when they hunted near the shore. The appearance of whales shows that the marine environment of Nhon Ly (Quy Nhon Dong ward, Gia Lai province, Vietnam) is very favorable, opening up the potential for ecotourism in the area.
This hill rises above the dark volcanic fields of the Highlands. Bright green bands of moss wrap around the slopes like natural
contour lines – shaped by rainfall, winds, and the volcanic layers beneath. Wherever moisture lingers, the moss comes alive,
painting the rugged terrain with patterns that feel almost otherworldly.
\\\"Rivers of Fire and Ice\\\" A drone view of Iceland’s Highlands at sunset reveals braided rivers winding through volcanic terrain. Warm light ignites the mountains and craters, contrasting with the cool glacial waters and creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape.
Iceland\'s glacial rivers carve pristine pathways across the rugged terrain, their blue waters weaving intricate patterns through the landscape. Birds soar above this natural canvas, their flight forming a perfect counterpoint to the flowing streams below a rare moment where earth\\\'s elements align in sublime composition.
\\\"Veins of the Highlands\\\" Dark volcanic slopes are crossed by vivid green moss lines leading toward a solitary mountain and a glacial lake in Iceland’s highlands. Captured under heavy clouds, the image reveals how life slowly reclaims volcanic land, tracing natural veins across one of the most remote landscapes on Earth.
This image was taken from a bird\'s-eye view and presents us with a unique, almost abstract sight. On the reddish-brown surface of the water, a flock of birds – presumably waterfowl – moves in a line, following one another in an orderly fashion. Their movement leaves a lighter, foamy streak that creates a dynamic contrast with the darker background. At the center of the composition, a solitary bird is slightly separated from the group, as if guiding them or simply watching its companions.
At a dried fish settlement in Chattogram, rows of raised bamboo platforms stretch across the ground, used daily for preparing and drying fish. The scene shows a carefully ordered system shaped by work rather than design plans. Fish, platforms, and human movement come together in repeating lines, turning routine labor into a quiet architectural pattern built from necessity.
The HuangPu River is just like a question mark and shows the irony of the balance between atmospheric and fast devolopment.
26 photos panorama, so there\'s no EXIF, but I can provide all the RAW files of this photo if it is necessary.
After a long journey through the hills and volcanic landscapes of the Highlands , we stumbled upon another magical place – a tranquil lake resting at the foot of black lava slopes. The wind had completely died down, turning the surface into a perfect mirror where the sky and clouds danced endlessly. In that moment, the silence was so dense that even my own breath felt loud.
Climbing onto a higher rock, the lake looked like a droplet of water lost in an ocean of frozen lava and moss. The palette was minimalist — black, grey, blue, and that surreal shade of green Iceland reveals after rainfall.
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Iceland’s mainland, the Westman Islands captivate with dramatic cliffs, volcanic craters, and
the world’s largest puffin colony. This image was captured moments before a storm, in that fleeting pause when the light fades
and nature seems to hold its breath.
Холодный воздух ложится на ещё тёплую воду реки, рождая туман. Он стелется шелковым покрывалом, растворяя берега и делая мир мягким, таинственным. Знакомые очертания уходят в молочную дымку, оставляя лишь тихий всплеск воды и шепот опавших листьев.
After several hours of driving along rough gravel roads , we finally reached one of our goals – a glacial lake nestled inside an old crater, deep in the Icelandic Highlands. Standing on the edge of the water, you can’t help but feel like a tiny speck in the universe. But the real jaw-drop moment came when I launched my drone and saw how small our car looked against the endless “lunar” landscape. The moss covering the surrounding hills was so vividly green after the heavy rains of the past week that it almost glowed — at times looking almost unreal, even poisonous green.
This part of Iceland definitely makes it into my personal top 5 most beautiful and exciting places I’ve ever seen.
This photo was captured in the Gangdise Mountains of Tibet. The snow-capped mountain shown is Loinbo Kangri, the main peak of the Gangdise range. Traditional perspectives of Loinbo Kangri are mostly concentrated on the southern side, whereas this image offers a northeastern viewpoint. The northeastern slope of Loinbo Kangri resembles a massive snow wall, with the lake in front of it gleaming like a gem embedded at the base of the wall.
Some places cannot be described with words or captured in photos. They must be seen, felt, and lived. When I first saw this
lake, shining like a precious gem in its magical blue color, I thought it wasn’t real. But while editing the photos, I realized it truly
is that blue. A surreal place from planet Iceland.
Amid the urban chaos, a single white car sits quietly at the heart of the intersection—illuminated and alone, surrounded by the relentless movement of the city. Its solitude is striking, a brief moment of stillness in the centre of endless motion.
An aerial vision from a drone, striking visual fusion of nature and anatomy, this abstract image captures the land\'s rugged textures, evoking the appearance of skeletal structures. The contours of the farms resemble ribs and vertebrae, blurring the line between organic life and the earth\'s raw, enduring form.
Photographed by drone during the first moments of dawn in the Icelandic Highlands, this image shows a mosaic of glacial rivers, volcanic lakes, and mountains bathed in low-lying light. Beneath a layer of shifting low clouds, the landscape rapidly shifts from cool to warm tones, creating a natural contrast that lasts only a few minutes. From the air, the river patterns reveal the complexity of the terrain, shaped by the interplay of active glaciers, past eruptions, and erosive processes that continue to reshape the region. The scene captures the wild essence of one of the country\'s most remote territories.
This shot is one of those moments for me—a panoramic view captured with my drone at Glen Coe during my photo trip in May. This iconic location is nothing short of majestic: the Lagangarbh Hut sits boldly in the heart of the valley, surrounded by the meandering River Coupall, with the towering presence of Buachaille Etive Mór standing sentinel in the background. Just as the sun dipped low, the sky erupted into a breathtaking display—clouds ablaze with hues of gold and magenta, painting the scene with an almost otherworldly glow.
It’s incredible how lifting the drone just a few meters can completely transform your perspective, revealing a grandeur you didn’t know was there.
An aerial view of Kalsoy in the Faroe Islands, rising steeply from the cold waters of the North Atlantic. From above, the island’s layered volcanic slopes form clean, horizontal lines that wrap around its pyramid-like shape before dropping into the sea.
Muted tones of grass and rock contrast with the deep blue water, while low clouds hang over the distant peaks, reinforcing the sense of isolation. The scene feels quiet and elemental. A raw landscape shaped by wind, ocean, and time.
An aerial glimpse into the raw artistry of the Earth, where a volcanic crater emerges like a living canvas painted by fire and time. Vibrant tones of crimson, yellow, and deep charcoal spread across the cone, revealing the geological forces that once shaped this landscape with explosive energy.
From above, the volcano resembles a surreal eye gazing into the horizon, its vivid rim contrasting against the surrounding dark terrain carved by ancient lava flows and erosion. A solitary winding road at the base introduces a subtle human element, emphasizing the immense scale and untamed power of nature.
This image celebrates the beauty of geological transformation—where destruction and creation coexist—capturing a rare moment where color, texture, and form merge into a dramatic portrait of the planet’s dynamic soul.
An aerial study of glacial meltwater carving its path through the volcanic plains of southern Iceland. The intricate, braided network of rivers creates a natural tapestry of silver and obsidian, set against the vibrant resilience of arctic moss. This perspective transforms a rugged geological process into a delicate, fluid abstraction, highlighting the complex and fragile vascular system of our planet’s northern reaches.
One of the last flights over Iceland\'s highlands before the season ends. As summer gives way to winter, the setting sun casts a final glow over the moss-covered terrain, marking the close of another year in one of Iceland\'s most remote and striking landscapes.
Captured in winter at the legendary Patmos Island in Chemal, Altai. This shot was taken not from a drone, but from a suspension bridge, allowing for a unique perspective that transforms the landscape into a graphic abstraction. Shot on a Canon 6D Mark II paired with a vintage Soviet Jupiter-37A lens. The soft yet detailed rendering of the old glass perfectly conveys the fragile texture of the Katun river ice and the ruggedness of the rocks, creating an effect akin to a painting where nature itself is the artist.
An aerial top-down perspective of Eystrahorn (Krossanesfjall), a jagged gabbro monolith rising from Iceland’s southeastern coastline. This composition emphasizes the aggressive, serrated geometry of the mountain’s ridges as they meet the dark volcanic sands of the coast. By utilizing a drone\\\'s unique vantage point, the image captures the raw, prehistoric architecture of the Eastfjords, focusing on the interplay between the sharp textural shadows of the scree slopes and the deep, moody tones of the North Atlantic shore.
A drone-captured perspective of Mount Bokty, a singular limestone formation in the Ustyurt Plateau of Western Kazakhstan. This aerial view emphasizes the distinct, multicolored horizontal strata formed by millions of years of sediment from the ancient Tethys Ocean. By framing the mountain against the stark, salt-encrusted floor of the surrounding desert, the composition highlights the \"pyramid-like\" geometry of the peak. This perspective allows the viewer to appreciate the vast, geological scale of the landscape and the rhythmic patterns of natural erosion that define this remote region.
I found a place in Kuala Lumpur where I could fly over the world\\\\\\\'s second tallest building. I took off my drone and captured this sunrise photo of the Merdeka Tower and the calm fog.
bà con nông dân lên liếp và phủ bạc trồng dưa hấu , việc phủ bạc giúp giữ ẩm và ngừa sâu bệnh . Nhìn từ trên cao những bờ liếp tạo nên đường nét thật tuyệt vời
Across Iceland’s vast and silent highlands, a river winds its way through the dark terrain, like a vein etched into the land. Low clouds press down on the horizon as warm light reflects off the water, turning the river into a flowing line of gold. The contrast between volcanic earth and glacial runoff reveals an ongoing process of formation and change. From above, the aerial view exposes the structure and rhythm of nature, where the river is not merely part of the landscape, but the landscape itself in motion.
Hidden beneath a dense canopy, these abandoned cabins slowly dissolve back into the forest. Paths fade, roofs darken, and nature quietly resumes its rhythm. From above, the geometry of human presence remains visible, but only as a trace — a reminder that time favors what grows, not what is built.
At dawn, the distant snow-capped mountains were bathed in the warm hues of the morning glow. On both sides of the deserted road lay endless rime. At this moment, a passing car shattered the serene scene.
Nestled in the highlands of Ngada, Kampung Adat Maghilewa stands as a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of East Nusa Tenggara. Traditional houses with towering thatched roofs, sacred stone altars, and deep-rooted ancestral traditions create an atmosphere that feels both spiritual and timeless. Maghilewa is more than a village — it is a story of identity, harmony, and respect for generations past.
Kayaking through Greenland\\\'s icebergs revealed an unexpected discovery from above: the Arctic transforms into a cosmic landscape where dark waters become space and ice fragments scatter like stars. This aerial perspective captures the thrilling essence of polar exploration and adventure.
Beach preparation on the Italian coast in early spring, filmed with a drone. The dunes where sand is accumulated in winter are flattened by large bulldozers. Only from above can you see the textures and patterns that are woven on the coast.
A braided glacial river, tinted in soft emerald hues, winds its way across vast black volcanic plains, guiding the eye toward a monumental flat-topped mountain that rises with quiet authority. Heavy clouds gather above, allowing shafts of light to selectively reveal textures and contours, creating a dramatic interplay between shadow and illumination. The scene balances raw power and serenity, where rugged geology transforms into a visual symphony of lines, depth, and atmosphere.
– Рейтинг фотографов по странам и городам строится на основе 3-х лучших фотографий автора и их относительной позиции в каждой отдельной номинации. Рейтинг в номинации "Мобильная фотография" учитывается в меньшей степени для формирования рейтинга. В списке по странам и городам показывается одна фотография автора с лучшим рейтингом.
– В списке опубликованы только работы которые прошли 2-й этап голосования.
– В рейтинге лучших фотографий учитывается только одна — самая сильная — работа от каждого автора. Даже если у фотографа опубликовано несколько работ, в расчёте позиции используется только одна, с наивысшим рейтингом. Поэтому порядок фотографий в списке может не совпадать с итоговым положением автора в рейтинге.
– The rating of photographers by countries and cities is based on the three best photos of the author and their relative position in each separate nomination. Rating in the nomination "Mobile Photography" is taken into account to a lesser extent for rating formation. The list by country and city shows one photo of the author with the best rating.
– Only those photos have been published in the list that passed the second stage of voting.
– Only one strongest photo from each author is counted in the Best Photos ranking. Even if a photographer has several published works, only the highest-rated one is used to calculate their ranking position. As a result, the order of photos in the list may not match the author's final ranking position.
