This aerial shot is unforgettable – providing every little thing from technical precision and ideal timing to a depth of cultural storytelling hardly ever seen in drone pictures.
The picture, titled Containment, capturing a container ship passing by way of Hong Kong residential constructing’s well-known “dragon gate,” has now been shortlisted for the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards – and there is no query why.
Join the announcement
LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards will probably be introduced on March 15, 2026, from 14:00 to 14:45 on the Creator Stage on the Photography & Video Show. For extra data, go to the show’s website.
Captured by self-taught, award-winning British photographer, videographer, and visible artist Derry Ainsworth, the shot displays his ongoing dedication to current Hong Kong by way of his distinctive perspective.
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The winners will probably be introduced at The Photography & Video Show 2026 in Birmingham – and sure, pictures followers can watch the motion unfold in particular person! In the meantime, let’s check out why this {photograph} is a high contender.
Finalist within the class: Travel
Containment by Derry Ainsworth
Tech info
Gear: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (Hasselblad L1D-20c + 28mm f/2.8)
Exposure: 1/320 sec, f/5.0, ISO 400
Ainsworth says about the image, “A lone container ship passes by the front of a residential building in Hong Kong. The ship can be seen through the building’s ‘dragon gate’-a feng shui design feature said to allow dragons to pass through from the mountains to the sea.
“Taken with a drone after patiently waiting for a container ship to pass by through the view of the gate.”
Why it could win
1. Masterful geometric composition
The residential tower features a strong vertical pattern, while the “dragon gate” frames the container ship like a natural portal. This deliberate alignment showcases the architectural rhythm and the fleeting element within it.
2. Patient orchestration of timing
Capturing the container ship precisely at the gate demonstrates extraordinary patience and foresight. The single moment unites structure and motion, turning the scene into a visual narrative of chance and control.
3. Dialogue between human culture and industry
The “dragon gate,” a feng shui feature, contrasts with the utilitarian container ship passing through. This juxtaposition explores Hong Kong’s layered identity – tradition alongside global commerce.
4. Drone perspective for visual impact
Using a DJI Maic 2 Pro enables an elevated viewpoint that emphasizes scale and symmetry. The resulting image transforms a mundane urban scene into a striking, almost abstract composition.
The LCE POTY Awards
The LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards, organized by photograph retailer London Camera Exchange, have a good time excellent pictures throughout 14 numerous classes, together with panorama, portrait, macro, avenue, and extra.
Open to photographers of all expertise ranges, the free-to-enter competitors includes a £10,000 prize fund, a People’s Choice Award, and an Emerging Talent Award.
For extra data, go to the LCE POTY website.
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