Long gone are the days of buying a throwaway camera, taking pictures, and then heading to a shop to have them developed. Now, within a second or two, you can take a picture and see the instant results. And if that wasn't enough, along came the drone. With the power of professional aerial photographers and amateurs alike, we all began to see the world from a brand new perspective - and in the process, witness some totally unexpected things. These photos captured the attention of millions who couldn't believe what they were seeing and blew everyone away.
No Dream Is Too High
This drone image can get your heart racing simply by looking at it! Well, imagine what it must feel like to take a walk along this path. One word of advice: don't look down! With a temple waiting for people to arrive at its summit, the Tianmen Mountain is a staggering 5,000 feet high and can be found in China's Hunan Province. Originally built using wooden planks, the pieces have since been replaced with glass.
That means that every so often people can get a very clear and terrifying look of that giant drop. For anyone not wanting to risk a loose plank under their feet, there's also the option to take a cable car.
Take A Swim On The Wild Side
There are plenty of people who are happy to risk their lives while taking a walk on the wild side, but floating among an ocean full of sharks is a whole other level. The ocean is a fascinating place, that's for sure, but no one can ever predict how a shark is going to act. Basking away in her starfish float position, this woman does not appear to be too distressed but rather relaxing and enjoying the sun.
Rumor has it, the women had no idea so many sharks had swarmed to her, and getting away was a rather tense situation.
Don't Look Up From That Book
What is it with people being so comfortable with sharks, didn't anyone watch the cult classic movie Jaws? Because that was enough to stop anyone from going into the water. Named due to their unique features, the hammerhead shark is known for moving around the ocean in mass groups of around one hundred creatures. And who knows how many others are on their way? It's scary just how close these sharks can get!
Taking some alone time out on the ocean to relax and read her book, this woman was joined by a shark that was the same size as her board!
Not For The Faint Hearted
No matter how many ropes are attached to you, no one can ever be sure exactly how a climb like this one is going to go. Heading out for a lonesome climb, this adrenaline junkie found himself stuck in a rather unfortunate situation. Making it all the way up to this point, he noticed there were loose rocks above his head, and let's face it, there's no quick way down.
Found in Utah, this heart-pumping cliff-face is super popular with professional climbers.
The Missing Man
Back in the late '90s, there was a deeply sad story about a man, who was in his forties, that went missing from Florida. It seemed as if he had vanished from thin air after heading out to work. With people shocked and scared, police were under pressure to break the case. The unsolved mystery continued for 22 years! Until one day, this drone captured an image of a lake.
Taking a closer look, the cameraman discovered the sunken car of the missing man. Unfortunately due to the amount of time had passed no one could work out how the accident ever happened.
For The Rich And The Famous
This remarkable tennis court is the pinnacle of luxury, sitting 1,000 feet above ground on the helipad of the iconic Burj al Arab in Dubai. It offers an unparalleled experience for the affluent, where the rich and famous can partake in a game of tennis while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. This exclusive setting embodies opulence and affords a unique perspective of Dubai's skyline that is unrivaled by anything else.
It's great for anyone playing but it is definitely confusing for anyone walking underneath the building when a tennis ball lands on their head. Ouch!
This Photo Is The Result Of War
This sobering drone image does not evoke excitement but instead depicts the harrowing toll of prolonged conflict in the Middle East. It was captured over a Syrian city, illustrating the enduring devastation wrought by years of war. The image stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges and suffering faced by the region, offering a glimpse into the relentless struggle for peace and stability in this troubled part of the world.
People's homes torn apart, some even had to return to the rubble. Once a thriving city full of people, sadly it is no more. There are broken buildings as far as the eye can see.
The City Of Pripyat
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion is a global byword for disaster. Be it through history lessons or the acclaimed TV series, it remains etched in our collective memory. In 1986, the residents of Pripyat were hastily evacuated, leaving behind their belongings as they fled. This event serves as an enduring reminder of the dire repercussions of nuclear accidents, its legacy haunting the world's consciousness and emphasizing the need for nuclear safety.
The deserted city is still there, almost looking as if it is waiting for people to return. It's dangerous to visit here but this photo gives you an insider look.
From A View That Not Even Birds Get
Drones have revolutionized photography, enabling the capture of unimaginable images. From soaring skyscrapers to remote mountain peaks and even flying over active volcanoes, these unmanned cameras have redefined the limits of visual exploration. They allow us to access difficult locations too hazardous for human presence, pushing the boundaries of photography to new heights, both figuratively and literally, and bringing the previously unreachable within the lens of possibility. This drone photo is one we thought we would've never seen.
Flying above a flowing river of lava in Iceland, this drone gives us an insight into what happens all the way on top of the volcano after its untimely eruption.
Far Above The Clouds
This captivating image, taken high above the clouds in a fog-shrouded Spanish city, showcases the magnificent landmark known as The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor in Barcelona. Its grandeur and architectural beauty rise above the mist, creating a striking contrast against the ethereal backdrop. This photograph captures the mesmerizing essence of this iconic structure, casting a unique and enchanting perspective on the architectural wonders of Barcelona. It has an eerie vibe but nevertheless stunning.
Standing high and strong, this statue of a god commands attention as he stands on top of the church. The image is absolutely beautiful and really makes you see the world in a different way.
Majestic Mammals Above The Sahara
Elephants are known for being one of the most majestic and intelligent mammals to walk this earth. The animal's souls can be so clearly seen through their eyes and they group together as humans do when it comes to their families.
Always protecting the youngest elephant, you can see this running heard of elephants make sure the little ones are in the middle, keeping them away from harm.
Looks Like An Astronaut On Another Planet
Looking like something out of a science fiction movie, this image is truly amazing. Is that a spaceman on another planet about to be covered in lava? Actually, no it's not!
Studying a volcano, this scientist is protected from the heat by his silver suit. Having to get as close as possible, the scientist takes extractions from the volcano to take back to the lab. Now that's a risky job.
Watch Your Back
While taking a walk to find a piece of land for them to graze upon, these elephants found themselves in a very unlucky situation. Not only is the land clear from any luscious green food for the mammals, but a pack of lions noticed them in the distance.
Also out looking for their next meal, the lions circle the small heard of elephants. As you can see, they turn their backs to each other and create a circle, so they have a clear view of the lion's from all angles.
A Stunning Moment Of Beauty
This beautiful picture owes itself completely to the invention of drones. Creating this amazing outdoor piece of art by using paints that are biodegradable, artist Saype lies down on top of his masterpiece.
The blissful image shows a giant painting of a young girl pushing a piece of paper out onto a lake close to her home. The painting was said to be inspired by a moment of beauty the artist captured while at his lake house.
The Chase Is On
Gazelle's are known for their skittish behavior, having to constantly escape from those animals who see them as prey. It would be practically impossible to ever get this close to the animal without a drone. Being on a high alert all the time is rather draining and these poor animals rarely get a break.
Being spooked by the drone, the Gazelle's began to run, but thanks to the flying technology the drone was able to make chase and follow them for a few miles.
The Red River
Found in Cusco, Peru this creepy-looking red river looks like something out of a horror movie but don't worry, there is nothing sinister about it. A beautiful piece of creation by mother nature herself, this Red River gets its color from the mineral deposits found in the clay bed.
Due to erosion, the clay mixing with the water created the red color. Flowing through rolling hills of green, the river really looks like something from another planet.
A Free Meal
This giant mammal is one of the biggest in the world and is said to have been in our oceans for millions of years. Sadly for this humpback whale's time on earth is over and its corpse has floated to the surface of the water.
Taking advantage of an easy meal, sharks begin to tuck into the dead whale. This really is nature at its finest, we can only hope the whale died of natural causes.
Are You A Believer?
Crop Circles have been popping up in movies for as long as we can remember, but the question is, are you a believer? The first-ever crop circles were reported back in 1860 with most turning a blind eye and not wanted to deal with the possibilities of what they could be.
Linked to UFOs and aliens, are these weird circles proof that alien life exists? Or are they just pranks? Nobody knows, except those top-secret forces working over at Area 51 of course.
That's One Giant Explosion
Gas explosions are some of the most dangerous and the results are always devastating. After an unknown gas leak was left, it wasn't long until the house exploded! Luckily, no one was in the house at the time.
Pieces of the house were found for miles and the home was completely toppled with everything inside. Luckily, the garage kept their neighbor safe. What a lucky escape.
A Different View
A drone caught the amazing Sagrat Cor Church, found in Barcelona, Spain from a completely new angle. The church is located on the top of a hill and from the level, the view behind can be seen for miles.
The Roman Catholic Church, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus first opened in 1961. The masterpiece was started by architect Enric Sagnier and was later completed by his son.
Catching An Intimate Moment
Flying over the happy couple, one drone managed to catch a marriage proposal. On the shoreline of this blissful, romantic beach, this man got down on one knee and asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage.
Even more special than capturing this special moment, the sunset created shadows of the love birds. We just hope the couple was able to get their hands on this perfect picture.
Living On The Edge
Everyone feels a special way about their home and some can happily stay in one place their whole lives. This house balances on the very edge of a cliff in Georgia and is the home of a monk.
140 feet high, the church is the highest point of the Katskhi Pillar and sits in a small village. The get to and from the building, there is a long ladder that any visitors have to climb. Some people will do anything for some peace and quiet.
The Star Fort
Being able to see this utterly beautiful site with a birds-eye view is very special. Found in a quiet and quaint town in east Holland, the image shows a Dutch fort from the past.
Shaped in a star, the fort was turned into a museum. At this view, you can really appreciate all the effort that went into the landscaping and building.
What Do You See?
This one certainly makes you look twice and can almost be seen as an optical illusion. So, what do you see here? Did you guess it right? Is that really a boat stranded on dry land?
Well, no it is not! This is the crystal clear Burke Lake found in Virginia. The ground is barren with no life at all, and makes for a great photo and apparently, picnic spot!
The Incredible Above Beauty Of South East Asia
South East Asia is one of the most beautiful places in the world to take pictures. With unique colors, plants, scenery, and more - the possibilities are endless. This woman was captured working out in the Mekong Delta River in Vietnam.
The image gained plenty of attention and actually came in second place in the International Drone Photography Contest, out of around 8,000 entries. Now that's an achievement.
Scaling The Building
Now a job for the faint-hearted, there are some people out there who spend their days scaling skyscrapers and cleaning the windows of gigantic buildings. Strapping in, the abseil down the building, stopping along the way.
Captured in Moscow, you can see the beautiful colors of the sunset as well as the city's reflection in the glass. It may be a lonely job, but it's certainly exciting.
City Life Can Also Be Beautiful
Since drones have become a common thing to see flying high above us, some countries have introduced specific laws to stop people from using them. These laws were mostly bought in to stop any other countries from spying!
In busy cities, roads can intertwine like nature and this shot shows just how perfectly it can be done. Taken over the highway in Shanghai, China, we're not sure if any laws were broken here.
Flying Down The Road
Although this looks like a road making its way through a totally different planet, this image was captured in Arizona. Taking the drone and flying along the road can create this epic effect.
Cool right? This photographer has a great time driving around the US creating images of the roads like no one has ever seen before. Now that's a good life.
The Long And Winding Road
Taking us all the way back to the movie Twilight, this road weaves and winds throughout this ever-changing color of a forest. With reds, browns, and greens, the road is surrounded by amazing views.
The road can be found in Romania, and this isn't the only one. There's plenty of stunning drives to take around the country and if you want to, you can even find camping spots in the woods.
An Italian Escape
The view is utterly idyllic. This quaint town is Santa Maddalena and can be found in Italy. With luscious green lands surrounded by mountains, this beautiful spot is stunning in every season.
With a small population, everyone in the town knows each other and most families have lived there for years, following in their grandparents' footsteps. And we can certainly see why!
Duck This Way
Another vision of beauty, this image from above was taken in Vietnam. Basking in the sun and bathing their feathers, those white spots are indeed ducks! Many people in Asia farm ducks and keep them on vast areas of land.
As this farmer was crossing over a shallow spot of water, the ducks separate and create a walk way for him. Within seconds, the ducks come back together making it almost impossible to see the water.
Desert Lines
What do you see first? The white lines or the amazing shadow markings? Taking in Saudi Arabia over the Red Dunes, photographer Abdullah Alnassar came across these camels.
The camels were looking for a piece of flat dessert to settle and follow each other one by one. As the sun settles on the land, it creates these amazing camel shadows over the dunes.
Stepping Stones
The north pole is a place that very few people will visit in their lives, home to unique people and precious wildlife, the cold can only be tolerated by a few.
Moving from one piece of ice to another, this polar bear is reaching for his next resting place and trying to avoid the ice cold water. Thanks to the size of the drone, it is able to fly directly above the bear without scaring it.
Nature Always Wins
The earth has experienced many different centuries, and land that was once bustling with life has been left for nature to take over. This building was partly knocked down in a battle.
A front area of the building was left and after nature reclaimed the space, it created this stunning view. Surrounded by green as far as the eye can see, it really is breathtaking.
The Little House on the Bay
As time moves on, the earth can often erode due to weather situations and that is exactly what happened here. Once connected to a small town close to the sea, this piece of land managed to move away from the rest.
Floating between Canada and New York in Alexandria Bay, this house offers maximum privacy and those wanting to go can only reach the house by boat. It's not far from the shore, but it's still an effort.
Chasing Waterfalls
If there is ever a waterfall whilst on a trip, most people will head to see it. To bathe in the freshwater and of course get that perfect shot. Mardalsfossen in Norway is one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Europe.
The waterfall drops around 1,200 feet and thanks to the wonders of nature, here the water falls into a misty bottom. The water is known for its icy temperature.
The Luckiest Man Alive
Australian pro surfer Matt Wilkinson was out looking for the next big wave off the coast of Ballina in New South Wales, Australia. Sharks are known to roam the waters there, so it is common for drones, operated by an organization called Surf Lifesavers, to scan the waters and warn surfers of looming predators. The drone spotted a shark swimming right behind Matt, so it warned him and encouraged him to go back to the beach.
Matt hadn't noticed anything until he returned to shore, where he was shown footage of the shark examining him and overall being too close for comfort. As this photo proves, Matt should have definitely thanked his lucky stars that day.