Bangladesh photographer Azim Khan Ronnie has spent greater than a decade constructing a unprecedented worldwide repute, incomes over 800 images awards all through his profession.
Now, Ronnie has added one other main title to that listing, successful the International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2026 competition. Using DJI drones, Ronnie’s successful photographs remodel acquainted scenes throughout Switzerland, Bangladesh and India into dramatic aerial compositions.
But past the awards and mesmerizing visuals, Ronnie’s newest achievement carries a wider message about images itself. At a time when AI-generated photographs and digital manipulation are elevating new questions on belief, the award-winning photographer says defending the integrity of images stays central in his work.
International Aerial Photographer of the Year
The story behind the award-winning series
Each of the locations in his award-winning portfolio has a unique story to tell, whether it was the quiet simplicity of rowing on Lake Zurich in Switzerland or the spiritual atmosphere of the Rakher Upobash ritual in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
He explains, “I visited these locations while working on documentary and travel photography projects, and I chose them because I saw the potential to transform everyday scenes into compelling visual narratives.
“Behind each photograph was patience, waiting for the right light, the perfect arrangement of people, or a fleeting moment when everything came together. Those brief moments are what make aerial photography so rewarding.”
Ronnie’s trusted aerial gear
“For aerial photography, I use the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 Classic, allowing me to create images that reveal scale, patterns and perspectives impossible to capture from the ground,” he explains.
Photography’s integrity matters
Ronnie explains, “My post-processing philosophy is based on enhancement rather than manipulation. I believe editing should strengthen an image without altering its truth or narrative.
“Every adjustment is made with the goal of accurately reflecting the atmosphere, light and emotion I experienced when I pressed the shutter.
“Especially in my documentary and photojournalistic work, I am committed to ethical editing practices that preserve the integrity of the photograph.
“For me, post-production is the final step in realising the image I envisioned in the field, not creating a different reality.”
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