55 photos that capture the beauty of the world from the air

Frank OlitoApr 22, 2020, 21:16 IST

Henningsvær, Norway.Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

Using drones and helicopters, photographers all over the world are capturing beautiful scenery from the sky.
Natural landscapes like oceans, trees, volcanoes, and deserts have all been photographed from the air.
News events, like Princess Diana's memorial and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, have also been captured in aerial photos, adding new dimension.
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Sometimes you need a different perspective, and aerial photographers understand that better than anyone.

These photographers capture everyday moments from the sky, creating some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring images. Everything from nature to infrastructure can be captured from the sky, using drones and helicopters.

These pictures of water, trees, roads, natural disasters, and current events prove that the view really is better from the top.

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When Boeing airplanes were grounded, an aerial photo captured the moment with satisfying symmetry.

Grounded airplanes in Seattle. Lindsey Wasson/ Reuters

The airplanes were grounded at a Boeing Field in Seattle.

In 1997, aerial pictures captured crowds paying their respects outside of Kensington Palace immediately after Princess Diana's death.

Kensington Palace in the UK. AP

Thousands of people left flowers, creating massive piles at the front gates.

Aerial photography can also add dimension to current events.

Six Flags in New Orleans. AP

This photo captures the effects of Hurricane Katrina on Six Flags in New Orleans, which remains abandoned to this day.

Sometimes people create bizarre structures that are best appreciated from a birds-eye view.

Tianzi Hotel, China. Courtesy of Jordan Hammond

This structure is actually the Tianzi Hotel in China, which depicts three Chinese deities from the ancient world.

"Representing prosperity, good fortune, and longevity, this hotel may well be the most interesting work of art I've ever seen," photographer Jordan Hammond wrote about this photo.

This structure is actually the Tianzi Hotel in China, which depicts three Chinese deities from the ancient world.

Representing prosperity, good fortune, and longevity, this hotel may well be the most interesting work of art I've ever seen, photographer Jordan Hammond wrote about this photo.

Or how dramatically, precariously built, like this seaside village that clings to the side of a cliff.

Cinque Terre, Italy. Courtesy of Henry Do

Cinque Terre is comprised of five small villages on the coast of Italy that are known for their dramatic cliffside locations.

Aerial photography shows us just how vast some cities are, like Athens, Greece, in this case.

Athens, Greece. Courtesy of Henry Do

Athens is the second-oldest city in Europe.Photographer Henry Do describes it as "busy and gritty."

Athens is the second-oldest city in Europe.Photographer Henry Do describes it as busy and gritty.

Architecture can take on a whole new look when photographed from a certain angle.

Copenhagen, Denmark. Courtesy of Henry Do

Photographer Henry Do told Insider that this apartment building is an example of "interesting, modern architecture."

Photographer Henry Do told Insider that this apartment building is an example of interesting, modern architecture.

This beautiful aerial shot captures a group of people participating in International Yoga Day.

Group yoga. Kamil Zihnioglu/ AP

This photo was taken at an International Yoga Day event in Paris, France.

These people getting a facial in China are also stunningly symmetrical.

Group symmetry. China Stringer Network/Reuters

This photo was taken in Jinan, China.

Aerial photos can capture the beauty of humans as well, like this group of people practicing tai chi.

Tai Chi in China. China Daily China Daily Information Corp/ Reuters

This photo was taken in Qinyang in China's Henan province, as a group of people practices the martial arts form in unison.

This is a bird's-eye view of the famous pitchfork dune in the Namibia desert.

Pitchfork dune, Namibia. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This photo was taken at sunrise in the Sossusvlei.

The dry deserts of Namibia are also gorgeous when viewed from above.

Sossusvlei, Namibia. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This desert in Namibia is called Sossusvlei. Marom, the photographer, said that the image captured "an unbelievable misty morning above the intricate dunes."

A volcanic eruption can have devastating consequences for the greenery in the region.

Pahoa, Hawaii. AP

In this photo, lava seeps through land fissures on the Big Island in Hawaii, according to the AP.

Lava is best photographed from a distance.

Holuhraun, Iceland. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This photo was taken in Holuhraun, which is a lava field located in Iceland. The last eruption was in August 2014, and it didn't stop until February 2015. The field of lava is about 33 square miles.

Aerial photos were able to capture the fiery beauty of Kīlauea's last eruption in Hawaii.

Kīlauea, Hawaii. Courtesy Erez Marom

The photographer, Erez Marom, said he accidentally melted his drone camera to get these aerial images.

This photo shows the intricate textures of Mount Bromo, an active volcano in Indonesia.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia. Courtesy of Erez Marom

Mount Bromo is located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which is four hours away from Surabaya. The massive volcano is 7,847 feet (2,392 meters) tall.

This aerial photo of North Korea farmland captures the country in the middle of autumn.

North Korea. David Guttenfelder/ AP

This farmland is located in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Even a palm plantation can create a beautiful pattern from the sky.

Indonesia. Antara Foto Agency/ Reuters

This location can be found in Dumai on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Bales of hay have never looked more symmetrical.

Farmland in France. Pascal Rossignol/Reuters

This photo was taken in Coquelles, which is in Northern France.

These Chinese rice fields resemble a stained-glass window.

Chinese rice fields. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

These are Chinese rice fields that photographer Hägg describes as "one giant, artistic puzzle."

These are Chinese rice fields that photographer Hägg describes as one giant, artistic puzzle.

Get high enough, and the world can begin to show patterns, like these colorful flower fields just outside of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Peter Dejong/ AP

This flower field is located in Lisse's Keukenhof, the largest flower garden in the world.

While not every road in the world is surrounded by picturesque, remote landscapes, aerial photography can even make traffic look gorgeous.

Chengdu, China. Courtesy of Jordan Hammond

This colorful intersection is in Chengdu, China. Photographer Jordan Hammond said, "Having driven across this intersection on multiple occasions during my stay in Chengdu, it was only on my last day that I decided to launch the drone, and it sure blew me away."

This colorful intersection is in Chengdu, China. Photographer Jordan Hammond said, Having driven across this intersection on multiple occasions during my stay in Chengdu, it was only on my last day that I decided to launch the drone, and it sure blew me away.

This scenic bridge in Norway stretches over the Djupfjorden, offering views of the snowy mountain tops nearby.

Djupfjorden, Norway. Courtesy of Stian Klo

The bridge is almost 850 feet long (259 meters), and opened in 2003.

This road in Tuscany, Italy, cuts through farmland.

Tuscany, Italy. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

"One road to lead them all," photographer Hägg said.

Meanwhile, some roads seem to look like floating islands.

A road in Sweden. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

This photo was taken somewhere in Sweden.

This road magically splits seasons.

A forest in Sweden. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

This forest in Sweden seems caught between spring and winter.

Some roads are scenic both on the ground and in the air, much like this one in South Dakota.

South Dakota. Courtesy of Morgy Love

"Probably one of the most underrated places I've ever been," the photographer, Morgan Love, said about this road in South Dakota. "I don't know what I expected from the Dakotas, but it wasn't this."

Probably one of the most underrated places I've ever been, the photographer, Morgan Love, said about this road in South Dakota. I don't know what I expected from the Dakotas, but it wasn't this.

Calle de las Siete Revueltas is one of the most twisted roads in Spain.

Calle de las Siete Revueltas, Spain. Deensel/ Flickr

The road has seven sharp twists.

The roads twisting and turning through the Italian Alps are just as magical from the sky.

Italian Alps. Courtesy of Josh Welch

"Mountain roads and hidden golden larches," photographer Josh Welch captioned this photo.

Mountain roads and hidden golden larches, photographer Josh Welch captioned this photo.

This U-shaped road cuts through a dense forest in Madeira, Portugal.

Madeira, Portugal. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

Maderia has been called the "Pearl of the Atlantic" because of its year-round temperate climate and rolling green landscapes.

Maderia has been called the Pearl of the Atlantic because of its year-round temperate climate and rolling green landscapes.

Roads can even be beautiful from an aerial perspective, like this snaking road in Hungary.

Road in Hungary. Balazs Mohai/ AP

Just outside of Budapest, Hungary, this road leads through the snowy Pilis Mountains in Hungary, according to the AP.

This forest of colors is split in the middle by a single, black road.

Sonnhofen, Austria. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

This photo was taken in Sonnhofen, Austria.

This aerial shot captures a rainbow that formed above the trees in Hawaii.

Kauai, Hawaii. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This photo was taken on the island of Kauai, which is known for its tropical rainforest.

The greenery of this forest is contrasted by the red roof and darkened blue waters to its left.

Aerial view of a forest. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Hägg did not disclose the location of this forest.

Some aerial shots of trees can capture a landscape stuck between seasons.

A forest in Sweden. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Photographer Hägg describes this picture as a "small scene in a grand landscape."

Photographer Hägg describes this picture as a small scene in a grand landscape.

Likewise, the forest in Steiermark, Austria, seems to go on forever.

Austrian forest. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

"I am still overwhelmed by those bird views," photographer Schirnhofer said about this image.

I am still overwhelmed by those bird views, photographer Schirnhofer said about this image.

The Gesäuse National Park in Austria looks even better from above.

Gesäuse National Park, Austria. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

Gesäuse National Park in Autria is known for its limestone mountains, dense forests, and stunning scenery.

This dense, Austrian forest stands at the edge of a lake.

Austria. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

If you look closely, you can see a small boathouse between the forest and the water.

This minimalistic photo of snow-capped trees from the sky is nothing short of magical.

Frozen trees. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Photographer Hägg describes this picture as "a patch of frozen trees, an island of silver."

Photographer Hägg describes this picture as a patch of frozen trees, an island of silver.

Like water, trees can look even more impressive from a birds-eye view.

Aerial shot of trees in Norway. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This photo was taken in Senja, an island off of Norway.

When mother nature and man-made structures meet, the effect is always stunning. This jetty on the Amalfi coast in Italy is the perfect example.

A jetty on the the Amalfi coast, Italy. Courtesy of Josh Welch

"Always fascinated by the unique shapes used to try and separate man from the power of water and nature," photographer, Josh Welch, said of this image.

Always fascinated by the unique shapes used to try and separate man from the power of water and nature, photographer, Josh Welch, said of this image.

Even a simple kayak in the Swedish lakes can make the perfect aerial shot.

Swedish Lake. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

"Feels so good to be back on my Swedish lakes," photographer Hägg wrote. "Unpacking the kayak and just go out to find new corners of places I think I already know everything about always surprise me."

Feels so good to be back on my Swedish lakes, photographer Hägg wrote. Unpacking the kayak and just go out to find new corners of places I think I already know everything about always surprise me.

But a boat in the ocean can look equally stunning if caught at the perfect moment.

Boat in the water. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

"No summer without a proper spin," photographer Hägg wrote about this image.

The humpback whales in Greenland are just as majestic.

Whales in Greenland. Courtesy of Stian Klo

This photo was taken in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This humpback whale crossing the ocean near Iceland is a reminder of the life that lives in the waters.

Whale from the air. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Hägg described this photo as a "majestic encounter."

When sunlight hits the icebergs, it creates a dazzling display of colors.

Disko Bay, Greenland. Courtesy of Erez Marom

Disko Bay has some of the largest icebergs outside of Antarctica, and you can take a boat tour of them.

In other parts of the world, like Greenland, icebergs form in the water.

Disko Bay, Greenland. Courtesy of Erez Marom

This photo was taken in Disko Bay, Greenland.

Although the Badlands have next to no vegetation, the beauty is still striking.

Badlands in Central Europe. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Photographer Hägg said this is a "desert like no other."

These Badlands in Central Europe demonstrate some of the most beautiful natural occurrences in the ocean.

Badlands in Central Europe. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

Badlands are terrains shaped by erosion. Here, the Badlands were shaped by water. The photographer described the scene as a "lunar landscape."

Badlands are terrains shaped by erosion. Here, the Badlands were shaped by water. The photographer described the scene as a lunar landscape.

This aerial shot of Henningsvær, an island off the coast of Norway, highlights its soccer field.

Henningsvær, Norway. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

Henningsvær is known as a fishing village, but residents still love their soccer.

The Faroe Island's green cliffs are also inspiring from the air.

The Faroe Islands. Courtesy of Michael Schirnhofer

The Faroe Islands consist of 18 smaller islands, each with steep cliffs, mountains, and endless waterfalls.

Some coastlines seem surreal, like this one on the Faroe Islands, which has a lake sitting atop a cliff.

Faroe Islands. Couresty of Michael Schirnhofer

The Faroe Islands is an archipelago in Denmark, that photographer Michael Schirnhofer describes as "surreal."

The Faroe Islands is an archipelago in Denmark, that photographer Michael Schirnhofer describes as surreal.

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia, Africa, has a haunting beauty.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia. Courtesy of Tobias Hägg

The photographer, Tobias Hägg, said this is "where ships and whales go to die."

The photographer, Tobias Hägg, said this is where ships and whales go to die.

The coastline of Kauai, Hawaii, is just as beautiful from above too.

Kauai, Hawaii. Courtesy of Erez Marom

Kauai has been nicknamed "The Garden Isle" for its sprawling landscapes.

While a beachfront view is amazing, sometimes the ocean is even more beautiful from the sky.

Coastline aerial view. Courtesy of Erez Marom

Photographer Erez Marom took this photo on the coastline of the Dead Sea.

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55 photos that capture the beauty of the world from the air

When Boeing airplanes were grounded, an aerial photo captured the moment with satisfying symmetry.

In 1997, aerial pictures captured crowds paying their respects outside of Kensington Palace immediately after Princess Diana's death.

Aerial photography can also add dimension to current events.

Sometimes people create bizarre structures that are best appreciated from a birds-eye view.

Or how dramatically, precariously built, like this seaside village that clings to the side of a cliff.

Aerial photography shows us just how vast some cities are, like Athens, Greece, in this case.

Architecture can take on a whole new look when photographed from a certain angle.

This beautiful aerial shot captures a group of people participating in International Yoga Day.

These people getting a facial in China are also stunningly symmetrical.

Aerial photos can capture the beauty of humans as well, like this group of people practicing tai chi.

This is a bird's-eye view of the famous pitchfork dune in the Namibia desert.

The dry deserts of Namibia are also gorgeous when viewed from above.

A volcanic eruption can have devastating consequences for the greenery in the region.

Lava is best photographed from a distance.

Aerial photos were able to capture the fiery beauty of Kīlauea's last eruption in Hawaii.

This photo shows the intricate textures of Mount Bromo, an active volcano in Indonesia.

This aerial photo of North Korea farmland captures the country in the middle of autumn.

Even a palm plantation can create a beautiful pattern from the sky.

Bales of hay have never looked more symmetrical.

These Chinese rice fields resemble a stained-glass window.

Get high enough, and the world can begin to show patterns, like these colorful flower fields just outside of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

While not every road in the world is surrounded by picturesque, remote landscapes, aerial photography can even make traffic look gorgeous.

This scenic bridge in Norway stretches over the Djupfjorden, offering views of the snowy mountain tops nearby.

This road in Tuscany, Italy, cuts through farmland.

Meanwhile, some roads seem to look like floating islands.

This road magically splits seasons.

Some roads are scenic both on the ground and in the air, much like this one in South Dakota.

Calle de las Siete Revueltas is one of the most twisted roads in Spain.

The roads twisting and turning through the Italian Alps are just as magical from the sky.

This U-shaped road cuts through a dense forest in Madeira, Portugal.

Roads can even be beautiful from an aerial perspective, like this snaking road in Hungary.

This forest of colors is split in the middle by a single, black road.

This aerial shot captures a rainbow that formed above the trees in Hawaii.

The greenery of this forest is contrasted by the red roof and darkened blue waters to its left.

Some aerial shots of trees can capture a landscape stuck between seasons.

Likewise, the forest in Steiermark, Austria, seems to go on forever.

The Gesäuse National Park in Austria looks even better from above.

This dense, Austrian forest stands at the edge of a lake.

This minimalistic photo of snow-capped trees from the sky is nothing short of magical.

Like water, trees can look even more impressive from a birds-eye view.

When mother nature and man-made structures meet, the effect is always stunning. This jetty on the Amalfi coast in Italy is the perfect example.

Even a simple kayak in the Swedish lakes can make the perfect aerial shot.

But a boat in the ocean can look equally stunning if caught at the perfect moment.

The humpback whales in Greenland are just as majestic.

This humpback whale crossing the ocean near Iceland is a reminder of the life that lives in the waters.

When sunlight hits the icebergs, it creates a dazzling display of colors.

In other parts of the world, like Greenland, icebergs form in the water.

Although the Badlands have next to no vegetation, the beauty is still striking.

These Badlands in Central Europe demonstrate some of the most beautiful natural occurrences in the ocean.

This aerial shot of Henningsvær, an island off the coast of Norway, highlights its soccer field.

The Faroe Island's green cliffs are also inspiring from the air.

Some coastlines seem surreal, like this one on the Faroe Islands, which has a lake sitting atop a cliff.

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia, Africa, has a haunting beauty.

The coastline of Kauai, Hawaii, is just as beautiful from above too.

While a beachfront view is amazing, sometimes the ocean is even more beautiful from the sky.