Check Out These Stunning Photos from the U.K. CAA’s #shotonmydrone Contest

The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently announced the winners of its annual #shotonmydrone photo contest.

The competition was made to showcase the beautiful photographs that drones can capture from the sky.

But it was also created to highlight safe drone use in the U.K.—when announcing the winners, the CAA made sure to underscore the fact that all the winning photos had been captured “from 400ft or below.”

This year the competition received over 800 entries in four different categories:

• Urban day
• Urban night
• Countryside
• Christmas

In addition to these categories, an overall winner was selected for best photo of the entire competition, and a winner was selected by the U.K.’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

The photos were judged by Sir Stephen Hillier, the chair of the CAA; Anna Henly, an award-winning professional photographer, drone pilot, and photography tutor; and Tim Robinson, the editor of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Aerospace magazine.

We’ve had over 800 entries and I’ve been absolutely amazed at the high standards that we have seen. All of the submissions, particularly those of our four winners, show what can be achieved with this incredible technology. It is also really important for the Civil Aviation Authority to sponsor a competition like this because it helps encourage responsible drone usage, while helping to ensure that drones are properly integrated in our airspace.

– Sir Stephen Hillier, Civil Aviation Authority Chair

All of the winning photographs will be displayed at the London headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society, an organization that was established in 1866 and that is “the world’s only professional body dedicated to the aerospace community.”

Now let’s take a look at the winning photos.

Overall winner & Urban Night winner

Photographer: Andy Wells

The overall winner for the competition, and of the urban night category, is Andy Wells who captured the liveliness of a Poole roundabout illuminated in the darkness by surrounding cars and buildings.

Credit: Andy Wells

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Countryside winner

Photographer: Glen Cairns

Best countryside shot is awarded to Glen Cairns, whose photo of the Glenfinnan railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Scotland captures the area’s astounding natural beauty.

Credit: Glen Cairns

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Christmas winner

Photographer: Steve Banner

For the Christmas image award, Steve Banner’s shot of Little Haywood Staffordshire in December captures the town as it is covered by snow, transporting viewers back to joy of the festive period.

Credit: Steve Banner

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Urban Day winner

Photographer: Andy Betts

Andy Betts won the urban day category for his vibrant image taken in Kent, featuring a striking rainbow of lorries.

Credit: Andy Betts

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NATS winner

In addition to the above winners, employees at the U.K.’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS)— the main air traffic control provider in the country—selected their own winning photo. This photo will be displayed at one of the NATS key centers of work.

Photographer: Matt Hoyland

Credit: Matt Hoyland

Want to see more stunning aerial photos and videos? Take a look at the winners of Skypixel’s 7th annual Aerial Photo & Video Contest.