SkyPixel, the world’s largest drone photo and video sharing platform, recently held its first global drone video contest. Aerial videographers of all types were invited to submit videos from three category types: Nature, City, and Sports. After reviewing more than 2,800 entries from over 100 countries and regions, a panel of judges announced the winning entries on Aug 31, 2017.

“I had a great time watching and analyzing these awesome videos in the last two days,” remarked Ryan Hosking, contest judge and Aerial Photography Director of The Revenant.

“People showed some genuine talent, which made it difficult to choose the top entries.”

In the end, the Grand Prize went to Chinese photographer, Liu Xiaoxiao. Her video, Epic of Tanna,  was awarded the 2017 SkyPixel Video of the Year. Phil Pastuhov, contest judge and Aerial Photography Director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, spoke highly of her work.

“The drama of the volcano and beautiful imagery was spectacular. Epic of Tanna is my winner! ”

SkyPixel sat down with Liu Xiaoxiao to understand the person behind the award-winning film.

Contest details: https://www.skypixel.com/events/videocontest2017/

Epic of Tanna: https://www.skypixel.com/videos/648a5e4a-6ed3-42d0-a48c-bb5ad44ee614

 

SkyPixel: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Xiaoxiao: My name is Liu Xiaoxiao. I love photography, as well as diving, windsurfing, badminton, piano, and traveling. Perhaps most of all, I love to help animals, and I worked in a cheetah reserve in South Africa. These are all indispensable parts of my life.

Xiaoxiao’s SkyPixel: https://www.skypixel.com/user/1396395

SkyPixel: What was your initial reaction when you find out you won the contest?

Xiaoxiao: To be honest, I felt grateful more than anything. The entire process from shot preparation to post production seems like it all happened yesterday. I appreciate a platform like SkyPixel, where I can communicate with and learn from other passionate aerial photographers all over the world. I am thankful for the support of my parents, as well as the editing and toning efforts from my friend Peng. And of course, without the advice and inspiration of experienced photographers, I would have never been able to win this award.

 

SkyPixel: How did you become interested in aerial photography?

Xiaoxiao: Both my parents love photography and travel. Every year, I would take trips with them or on my own, taking pictures along the way. At the end of 2016, I planned a month-long excursion across Australia and South America. Most places I would visit were sparsely populated, especially the around Tasmania and the No-Man’s Land in western Australia. These were places I wanted to explore the most.

At this point, I had never tried flying a drone. Considering its advantages in exploring places and finding routes, I bought a DJI Phantom 4 in late November, just 10 days before the trip began.

The first flight completely amazed me. Trying to find the right direction, I was mesmerized by the aerial footage from the drone. I brought it with me as a pathfinder, but it quickly became my camera in the sky. First, I needed to figure out its most basic flying and shooting functions. To no surprise, my first aerial photos were terrible, and my videos even worse! But with the journey still underway, I practiced as much as possible and visited online drone forums for tips. By the time I returned to China, I had become a skilled pilot.

 

SkyPixel: What’s your favorite photographic subject?

Xiaoxiao: Active volcanoes are my personal favorite. But most recently, I’ve loved shooting roads.

I think that every trip, in essence, is about the road. Seeing different roads in different places cut into the earth, spreading across and closing in the distance, offer a unique feeling that’s hard to describe. I have this thought that one day I can collect all these photos of different roads and create an album as a gift to myself. When I’m finally too old to travel, opening this album and seeing these roads will take me back to these trips and every wonderful moment.

 

SkyPixel: Has aerial photography affected your life in any meaningful way?

Xiaoxiao: This might sound cliché, but it’s given me a new perspective to see the beauty of nature. For every drone user, it’s as simple as it is true.

 

SkyPixel: What are your thoughts on where aerial imaging is headed?

Xiaoxiao: Aerial photography in China has witnessed some significant changes in the last few months. I believe many people will share my feelings.

Several irresponsible and illegal drone use cases have led to the issuance of drone-related laws and regulations. This, in itself, is a good thing. However, enforcing these new rules allows no flexibility, which can actually dissuade people from participating in aerial photography, as well as scare those who already do. All I want to do is capture the landscape of my motherland.

 

SkyPixel: What do you plan to shoot next?

Xiaoxiao: My plan for the next few years will still focus on travel photography. I will continue to capture things along my journey and hope more people will be inspired by the beauty of mother earth.

 

Click to see more: https://www.skypixel.com/user/1396395