This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

These Drone Photos Are So Good They'll Blow Your Mind

That's not even an exaggeration.
1st Prize Winner in Sports and Adventure category. Moab rock climbing in Utah.
maxseigal/Dronestagram
1st Prize Winner in Sports and Adventure category. Moab rock climbing in Utah.
1st Prize Winner in Sports and Adventure category. Moab rock climbing in Utah.
maxseigal/Dronestagram
1st Prize Winner in Sports and Adventure category. Moab rock climbing in Utah.

Flying high above the ground and operated remotely, drones can be used for military engagements, surveillance purposes -- and taking extraordinary photographs.

Many people use drones to capture remarkable images from locations that lie beyond their physical reach. Aerial photographers from around the globe submitted more than 6,000 pictures to the third annual Dronestagram contest, an international competition supported by National Geographic.

After careful consideration, judges selected winners for three photography categories: Travel; Nature and Wildlife; and Sports and Adventure.

Max Seigal, the photographer who shot the above image of the climber in Moab, Utah, said using a drone has enabled him to take photos that would have otherwise been impossible to capture.

"Two years ago I started flying drones, and I quickly realized their potential to capture stunning, never-before-seen views," he explained. "I've been hooked ever since!"

Check out the other incredible winning shots from this year's Dronestagram competition:

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.