When I first began at Digital Camera World earlier this yr, I wrote an opinion piece taking pictures down drone pictures – to the displeasure of many readers.
Well, since then, I’ve seen so many incredible photographs taken with drones that my opinion has progressively shifted, however this picture from US-based skilled photographer Kah-Wai Lin has me totally transformed.
Lin’s picture was lately awarded third place within the single picture class on the 2026 International Aerial Photographer of the Year (IAPOTY) Awards. This was the second version of the competitors, and Lin walked away with $250 (roughly £190 / AU$360) and shall be featured within the awards e book showcasing all 101 finalists.
I feel the top-down drone perspective is what makes this shot so particular. Yes, you might simply seize the essence of this picture with a body taken at eye stage, nevertheless it wouldn’t depict the immersive nature of the mud cloud surrounding the herd of untamed horses, nor the ethereal, golden-yellow daylight illuminating the scene.
Lin captured this picture utilizing a DJI Mini 4 Pro in Cappadocia, Turkey. Yılkı (wild) horses have been domesticated for over a millennium within the Anatolia area – previously often called Asia Minor – which makes up a big portion of modern-day Turkey.
Since historical instances, Turkish villagers have tamed wild horses for agricultural work and transportation, the normal enduring at this time primarily for tourism functions.
The photographer opted for a 6.7mm focal size (24mm full-frame equal), f/1.7, ISO 100 and a 1/160 sec shutter velocity, which I feel completely balances freezing the animals’ motion whereas permitting a sliver of movement blur which nearly leaves a dry, dusty sensation in your mouth.
Congratulations to Kah-Wai Lin on his recommended picture. The composition actually is excellent and it’s given me a recent perspective on drone pictures.
This yr’s general AIPOTY winner was Azim Khan Ronnie, who snagged the competitors crown with an imposing collection headlined by a incredible shot of a fisherman amongst a colony of feeding migratory birds.
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