If The Drone Didn't Capture This, No One Would Believe This
Whether low or high, we all see the world from unique view points. However, many of us miss out on views high, oh so very high, above our heads. Few experiences allow us to explore the sights from different angles. Thankfully, with the advent of professional and consumer grade drones, we now have access to a plethora of beautiful drone photos. Taking a look at natural landscapes, city skylines, rows upon rows of urban living accommodations, and more has never been more fascinating. Looking through the eyes of a bird suddenly became a real possibility.
Beautiful drone photos are able to take us to new heights, literally and metaphorically. Technology is finally allowing the rich and poor, tall and short, to experience the same beautiful earth. Take a seat, buckle yourself in, and let’s take a short flight to the skies above to observe and appreciate the sights we have never seen before.
A Dangerous Shot
If there is ever a time when you’re worried about your drone batteries dying, it’s while you’re capturing footage directly above a bunch of sleeping alligators. Good luck getting that expensive piece of equipment back if it does!
Deadly Explosion
Each time a major fire breaks out, firefighters shut down the surrounding streets in order to prevent anyone from getting hurt. Therefore, it’s usually impossible to access the scene of the mishap.
When this man heard the sound of an explosion, the first thing he did was set up his drone to get footage of the catastrophe. In the blink of an eye, that giant suburban home became nothing but a pile of debris.
Giant Whale And Its Little Buddy
It’s a widely known fact that whales are the largest animals on earth. This drone pic gives you an idea of just how huge they really are.
This picture was taken in Australia’s famous Montgomery Reef, and it shows a human-sized crocodile swimming next to a 50-foot-long humpback whale.
Devastation Of War
Everyone knows that Syria’s ongoing civil war has caused over 300,000 casualties and has reduced dozens of homes and even villages to ashes.
This drone pic gives us an idea of the sheer scale of the destruction caused by the continuous bomb raids.
Total Lack Of Privacy
Drones provide us with striking aerial views of urban and natural landscapes that would be impossible to capture otherwise; however, they pose a threat that is not usually discussed.
Unfortunately, many people use drones to invade others’ privacy. For instance, this woman was enjoying the bright summer sun when she realized a drone was filming her every move.
Stone Giant
This picture was taken near Edinburgh, Scotland. Curiously, this 100-foot-long figure was created by the iconic sculptor and convicted murderer Jimmy Boyle.
The artwork was eventually removed from its original site due to construction plans. In fact, the only part that remains is the giant’s foot.
Crazy Traffic
It’s common knowledge that China is the world’s most populated nation. If you’ve ever wondered what traffic in such an overpopulated country looks like, this picture will do the trick.
If you’re one of those who complain about traffic a lot, then try picturing yourself along the Beijing-Macau Expressway during rush hour. This will definitely make you look at things from another perspective.
Desolate Stadium
Formally the home of the iconic football team Detroit Lions, the Silverdome was once Michigan’s largest stadium.
Once the team moved to a different stadium back in 2002, the Silverdome was left in ruins. This picture shows the building in one of its lowest moments in history.
Giza Pyramids
Formerly one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the Giza Pyramid complex is one of the world’s most visited landmarks.
Here’s an aerial view of the Giza Pyramid complex. The Giza and Khafre pyramids are the larger structures found on the left, while the smaller structure is the Menkaure pyramid.
Barcelona’s Street Planning
Barcelona is Europe’s sixth most visited city, and it’s most famous for Gaudi’s modern structures. La Sagrada Familia is Spain’s most visited landmark.
However, Barcelona is also famous for its symmetric urban planning, as observed in this aerial view of the city.
Top Of The World
Drones have revolutionized mountain climbing, as they allow people to take unique footage of some of the world’s highest corners.
This group of adventurers is minutes away from reaching the peak of a rocky cliff. The flashing colors of their hiking clothes provide a stark contrast to the mountains bleakness.
French Paradise
Ten miles away from the French resort town Saint-Nazaire, there’s a small coastal commune called Pornichet.
Once a busy port, Pornichet’s harbor is currently filled with picturesque boats and yachts, which come in all colors and sizes.
Greek Cruises
The Greek city of Piraeus is home to the largest port in Europe and the second-busiest passenger port in the world.
Each year, over 20 million passengers embark on boats or cruises on their way to paradise islands like Mykonos or Santorini.
Caribbean Mountains
Most people traveling to the Caribbean choose mainstream destinations like Cuba, Dominican Republic, or The Bahamas. However, there’s another nearby country that isn’t usually on people’s bucket list: Haiti.
Home to over 10 million people, Haiti is famous for both its beaches and mountains. In fact, it’s the most mountainous country in the Caribbean.
Arequipa City Square
Even though Peru is most famous for the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, the country is filled with charming historical cities and ruins.
Arequipa is one of the country’s most touristic cities, and it’s most known for its square named Plaza de Armas. In this aerial pic, you can fully appreciate the square’s perfect symmetrical layout.
Ilha Da Madeira
This multi-colored gorge brimming with trees and waterfalls is located in the Portuguese Ilha da Madeira, one of Portugal’s most touristic islands.
This semi-tropical island is famous for its towering, forested mountains, and it’s also one of the best spots in the whole world to go whale-watching.
French Alps
This drone pic was taken just a few miles from Chamonix, one of the most iconic landmarks of the French Alps.
Not only is Chamonix a famous ski resort, but it’s also known for having hosted history’s first Winter Olympics. Nature lovers, this is the place to go.
Glogow
Most people traveling through Poland tend to visit cities like Krakow, Warsaw, or Gdansk, but the country is home to dozens of other charming villages.
Glogow happens to be one of the country’s most ancient towns, and even though most of its historic center was destroyed during World War II, it’s still worth a visit.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital city as well as the country’s main financial, economic, and cultural hub. Its architecture offers a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and modern styles.
Just like in other European cities such as Amsterdam or Bruges, Ljubljana’s streets are separated by picturesque channels and waterways.
Cloudy Sunset
Sharing photos of sunsets on Facebook and Instagram has become somewhat of a trend these days.
The thing is, some sights are so quaint you can’t help but share them. This dreamy drone pic features a field near the shores of a lake. The rolling clouds sure make it quite the picturesque take.
Newport Beach
When Newport Beach was founded back in the early 1800s, the land was sold at only $1 an acre. Never could they have imagined that the settlement would eventually become one of the country’s busiest port cities.
This drone pic offers a panoramic view of Newport Beach’s famous maritime harbor. If you look closely, you can observe the faraway mountains surrounded by a thin layer of clouds.
Corniglia, Italy
Drones are one of the best ways of getting perfect sunset pictures. This landscape image was taken in Corniglia, a small village in Northern Italy.
Corniglia is home to only 150 residents, so if you’re looking for a remote destination off the beaten track, this is your perfect choice. Keep in mind that you must climb 382 steps to reach the village, so make sure you’re in good shape.
Snow-Capped Mountains
Here’s yet another aerial picture of vast, towering mountains. You can even make out a few white houses scattered throughout the valley.
This picture was taken in Canada somewhere along the Saint Elias mountain chain. This area is home to Mount Logan, one of America’s highest mountains.
Prienai, Lithuania
Prienai is a small rural village located in Lithuania. Due to its beautiful natural surroundings, many tourists come here to practice skydiving or parachuting.
When viewed from atop, Prienai’s lakes and the surrounding forest seem to form a human face —one that conveys despair and confusion.
Tank graveyard in Siberia
Abandoned Soviet tanks in Siberia. Only a massive distribution of drones gave us a possibility to see pictures like this one
Iceland’s Volcanoes
Considering it's located just miles away from the Arctic, Iceland is Europe’s most remote nation. Due to it being a it’s a very mountainous island, it makes an excellent destination for backpackers and nature lovers.
However, Iceland is also famous for its countless volcanoes, many of which are still active. The vibrant colors of the lava contrast with the whiteness of the surrounding glaciers.
British Parking
British people have a reputation for playing by the rules, and this drone pic is proof of that.
If you look closely, you’ll realize that there isn’t even a single car that’s parked out of line. On top of that, the contrasting shades of red, blue, and white make the picture even livelier.
Curious Lion
It’s not that common for photographers to get that close to a lion in their natural habitat, but that’s what drones are for.
Not only is this a perfectly timed photo, but it also depicts every single detail of the lion’s face to perfection. You can even see the minuscule flies swirling by.
Lake Tahoe
This drone pic shows the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, located near the California-Nevada border.
Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s largest sources of freshwater. In fact, it has 37 trillion gallons of water.
Romanian Wind Farm
The Fântânele-Cogealac Wind Farm is the largest onshore alternative energy farm not only in Romania but in all of Europe.
The farm has nearly 240 wind turbines, which produce 10% of Romania’s green energy production.
Abandoned Ship
This drone pic shows the rusty remains of a sunken ship. But ever since the sinking, it has taken on a life of its own.
The worn-down pieces of machinery are now covered in trees and plants. It’s basically a miniature forest in the middle of the sea.
La Jolla, CA
Curving along the Pacific Ocean coastline for seven miles, La Jolla, California, sites within the city of San Diego, California. The seaside and hilly area is stunning, particularly viewed from the Scripps Institution fo Oceanography – pictured here.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Even though Indonesia is composed of more than 17 thousand islands, it only takes one to make a vacation worth remembering. Actually, it only take a personal pool and private home…
Alvor, Algarve, Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest nation states in Europe despite being a hotbed of invasions and wars throughout history. Today, it ranks highly in regards to democracy, peacefulness, social progress, and prosperity.
N.Y.C
Over 8 million people lives in an area just above 300 square miles – making it the most densely populated city in the US. Whether from street or by air (via drone), NY, NY is considered the financial, media, and cultural capital of the world.
Philippines
Taken on one of the over 7,600 islands of The Philippines, the country of many islands is rich in volcanic history but not home to lush tropical rainforests. We suggest you take a walk as the islands are home to the world’s second-largest location gold deposits.
Guyam Island
Nearly 500 miles Southeast of Manila sits Guyam Island in the Philippine Sea. As the island is only 210 ft by 276 ft large, the tear-drop location is best used as a quick island-hopping destination.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Home to a population of near 100,000, Fairbanks contains the second largest population in Alaska. The desolate woods seen here may be home to military training, dog mushing, and mesmerizing northern lights viewings.
Santorini, Greece
It’s completely understandable that Santorini, Greece is known by its breathtaking sunsets and cliffside views. Interestingly, however, this Aegean Sea island is home to a volcanic caldera – a fancy word referring to a volcanic crater.
Volcanic Lightning
Volcanic eruptions and lightning strikes are each scary natural disasters. But imagine the two occurring at the same time? Now that’s scary! Yet, it’s a real, natural phenomenon called volcanic lightning. Volcanic lightning occurs as flashes appear when residue charges and creates electricity.
Electricity can be produced from ash, rock, or colliding ice, depending on each situation. Thankfully Volcanic lightning is sporadic. So, if you see it, just run as far away as possible!
Spotted Lake
Located northwest of Osoyoos in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the spotted lake looks like any other lake in the winter and spring seasons. But, most of the water evaporates during the summer, leaving behind a polka-dot landscape of yellow, green, and blue spots.
The colorful pools make the lake look like a work of photoshop. But, this is not the case. In addition, these pools are a result of a high concentration of minerals that slip off the surrounding hills. Each mineral turns the water into a different color, hence the multicolored pools.
Cumulonimbus Clouds
Cumulonimbus clouds are one of the most menacing-looking types of clouds to grace the sky. They are one of the few kinds of clouds that cover low, middle, and high layers. They rise and are thick, signaling that rainfall or a thunderstorm is coming.
These dense clouds form from water vapor and trend upward due to air currents. Though they tend to look like pieces of giant, floating cotton, they look even more beautiful when there is a sunrise or sunset. Just a hint of pink or yellow from the sun makes the clouds much more beautiful.
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Blue lava sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie. However, it is a natural phenomenon that easily confuses people. Blue lava can be found in the ring of volcanoes bordering the Banyuwangi Regency of Java in Indonesia, specifically in the Kawah Ijen volcano.
This volcano has an incredibly high sulfur content that turns its flames blue. Also known as the blue volcano, this wonder looks gorgeous at night. However, during the day, they become a dangerous sulfur mine. So, if you want to see this sight, do so safely and go with a guide who can help you.
Darvaza Gas Crater
After giving this photo a look, one might assume the fiery hole was photoshopped. However, this is a natural crater located in Darvaza, Turkmenistan. This crater is not only authentic but has been burning for decades and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
If the fire weren’t scary enough, tourists would have seen spiders flock towards and later dive into the pit. Between the fire and the spiders, this is a real-life nightmare. But, for anyone fascinated by fire, it is the perfect tourist destination!
Catatumbo Lightning
There have been stories going around about people getting struck by lightning for centuries. While it is infrequent, people are deathly afraid of lightning, and with good reason. If you are someone who is scared of lightning, you should avoid the Catatumbo River in Venezuela at all costs.
Lightning strikes Lake Maracaibo, where the river ends over a million times a year. There are so many lightning strikes here because the area produces the most ozone in the world, colliding with cold and warm air. If anything, at least the lightning strikes look cool from afar!
Eye of the Sahara
The “Earth’s Eye” or the “Eye of the Sahara” is located directly in the Sahara Desert’s Adrar Plateau. The structure’s eye resembles a bright blue bullseye and is so big that it is a known visual landmark used in space by astronauts.
Often referred to as the Richat Structure, the 25-mile vast elliptical dome is carved entirely out of sandstone. It contains rocks that predate the appearance of life on Earth and scientists trace its formation back to the days of Pangaea. Talk about an old structure!
Alien Clouds
Looking at these clouds, people might often mistake them for UFOs. But, spotted anywhere from the United States to Ireland, these lenticular clouds are the same shape as alien spaceships if they were to grace the sky.
“Mother Nature’s UFOs,” as the Weather Channel calls them, only appear when weather conditions line up exactly right to allow these clouds to appear. Seeing this natural phenomenon will make anyone feel like they are on another planet!
Eternal Flames Falls
Hiking is a popular pastime in America, especially during the spring, summer, and early fall months. People can’t get enough of hiking a trail to see a beautiful waterfall. But imagine being on your path and realizing that part of it is on fire?
This is the reality at the accurately named Eternal Flame Falls located in Orchard Park, New York. Though researchers are unsure of how the gas came to be, the cave does contain more propane and ethanol than other gas seeps. Maybe that’s it. Who knows?
Death Valley’s Moving Rocks
National park goers and other eager visitors of Death Valley National Park in California have noticed one peculiar thing over the years. Somehow, they noticed that the rocks present seemed to move on their own, leaving behind noticeable trails on old, dry lake beds.
One of the scariest things about this phenomenon is that nobody has ever seen these “sailing stones” move. Of course, just like everything else, people have their theories. But, the actual reason is that these rocks have ice on the bottom of them, making them glide effortlessly across the sand in the wind.
A Colorless Rainbow
Rainbows are known for having an array of beautiful colors. But imagine seeing a figment that looks like a rainbow with all of the color drained out of it? Those are known as white rainbows. They come in two forms: fog bows and moonbows.
Fog bows are cousins to rainbows. The only difference is they appear in the fog rather than in the rain. On the other hand, moonbows occur when moonlight is reflected through water droplets, not sunlight. They say you can’t have a rainbow without a bit of rain, but it seems like you can have one without color.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is located in southeast Siberia. Known as the “Galapagos of Russia,” this lake is the largest freshwater lake in the world and contains a fifth of the Earth’s clean water supply, acceptable for drinking.
One of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Russia, if not in the entire world, the lake is known for having turquoise floating sculptures. When the lake freezes, these “gems” rise to the surface, and their color makes them appear unreal. Yet, they are absolutely real and incredibly gorgeous.
La Jument Lighthouse
Photograph: Jean Guichard
Place: Sea of Iroise, west Brittany, Ouessant, France
This picture by French photographer Jean Guichard was taken on Thursday, December 21, 1989. In it, we can see the guard Theodore Malgorne standing in the doorway of the La Jument Lighthouse during a heavy storm.
La Jument Lighthouse was built in 1911 on a rock also named “La Jument” (“The Mare”, in English), about 300 meters off the coast of Ushant Island. It is 48 meters high, and since 2017, it is classified as a historical monument.
Mir Mine, Siberia
Place: Mir mine, Siberian tundra
Fun fact: This is the largest excavated mine in the world. The diamond deposits were discovered in 1955 by a team of Soviet geologists.
The Mir mine, also called Mirny mine, is located in the town of Mirny, in Sakha Republic, in the Siberian region of eastern Russia.
Two years after its discovery, the mine began to be exploited, and activities have never stopped since. A quarter of the world’s diamonds come from this mine, which is 1200 meters in diameter and 525 meters deep.
Dubai During Lockdown
Photograph: Bachir Moukarzel
Place: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lebanese photographer Bachir Moukarzel has been practicing aerial photography since 2014. This photo is from his latest project entitled “The lockdown-Dubai”.
This project went viral on social networks, so much so that it was featured on CNN, Al Arabiya, BBC, and many other worldwide TV stations. This is a great way to gain visibility while keeping busy during confinement!
Stork Nest
Photograph: Szymon Pawlak
Place: Poland
The idea to photograph this stork nest came to the photographer in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he finally took the picture with his drone. It is an extremely long process to plan a photo, don’t you think?
But the result is really very interesting. Who has ever had the chance to see the inside of a nest in real life? That’s the beauty of aerial photos; they allow us to see things from another angle!
Look Behind You!
What happened: A huge whale followed some sailors during 15 minutes.
Aborted danger: The whale was friendly and the sailors didn’t even noticed they were followed!
One wonders if, afterwards, the sailors were disappointed not to have seen the whale behind their boat or if, on the contrary, they were frightened? After all, it must be scary to see a whale twice as big as your boat following you so closely!
Nevertheless, the scene gives a very impressive aerial photo, and fortunately, there was not even any fear, so even less harm!
Swimming With Turtles
Where are the sea turtles found: They are found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean
Did you know: All species of sea turtles are vulnerable or threatened
There are several protection or restoration plans to save sea turtles, but unfortunately, pollution, poaching and by-catch in fishing gear are accelerating their extinction. Really, how sad is that?
In more detail, there are a total of 7 species of sea turtles; three are classified by the IUCN Red List as either “endangered” or “critically endangered”, three others are classified as “vulnerable”, and the seventh has the classification “data deficient”.
Lonely Predator
Photograph: Bachir Moukarzel
Thought: One cannot help but wonder what this lion was thinking when he saw the drone above him!
Maybe he was thinking of a plan of attack! Or maybe he just thought it was a particularly exotic bird… It’s hard to put yourself in the shoes of a lion, after all!
Bachir Moukarzel is a native Lebanese photographer who lives in Dubai since 2002. He began exploring aerial photography in 2014, and he has since won several awards for these kind of photos.
Bushfire
Photograph: Robert Irwin
Place: Cape York, Queensland, Australia
Robert Irwin is the son of the late Australian conservationist and film-maker Steve Irwin. At the age of only 17, he won the Natural History Museum’s wildlife photographer of the year people’s choice award with this image of a bushfire advancing through a woodland near the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
It is hard to imagine the fear of the people who were near this place. Nevertheless, one cannot help but find this photo absolutely beautiful and poetic. As if, sometimes, desolation can perfectly rhyme with beauty.
Tsunami Result
Place: Sulawesi Island, Indonesia
When: December 2018
Indonesia was hit by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on September 28, 2018. Then, three months later, on December 22, 2018, the Sunda Strait tsunami was generated from the area of Mount Anak Krakatau as a result of a volcanic flank failure.
The most significant damage was found on the west coast of Banten and on the south coast of Lampung. These two disasters left nothing but devastation behind.
A silent killer
Place: Phuket Island, Thailand
Where the crocodile came from: He allegedly escaped from a nearby crocodile farm
It is easy to imagine how an animal can feel when it is stuck in a place it does not like. Imagine if it were you! It is, therefore, understandable that this crocodile wanted to escape from the farm where he was.
He must be so happy to be free at last! He begins a brand new and incredible adventure, after all! But one wonders where he was going to go. Does he have plans? Is he looking for travel companions, perhaps?
