Drones have their detractors, and we should certainly keep these flying machines in check. But there’s no denying that they have improved the field of aerial photography — and archeology, conservation, and science — immensely. Not everyone can afford to fly around in a helicopter to get stunning shots from the sky, but just about anyone with some savings can invest in a drone and do the very same thing.
The Drone Awards allows those who have honed their skills at drone photography to submit their best shots and showcase their talent. In 2018, the Drone Awards received more than 4,400 submissions in six categories — abstract, nature, people, sport, wildlife, and urban — from amateur and professional photographers from around the world. Here are the winning photos of this year’s contest. 
