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For a structure that was completed nearly 90 years ago, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge possesses a kind of timeless modernity. It’s been the subject of countless photographs, often seen in the background from Baker Beach or from the overlook in Marin County. Its towers rise 500 feet from the roadway, but we typically can only see the structures from that level. For photographer Marcin Zając, a drone’s-eye view revealed a unique perspective of this iconic landmark.

Zając’s image is one of 101 finalists in the 2026 International Aerial Photographer of the Year, marking the second year of the competition. Photographers around the world submitted nearly 1,600 entries, with the top honor awarded to Azim Khan Ronnie, who draws on his background in journalism to capture human activities like fishing and harvesting crops.

Azim Khan Ronnie (Bangladesh), “Harvesting Red Chili”

Photographs considered for the competition range from drone views to shots taken from airplanes or the tops of buildings. Subject matter ranges from erupting volcanoes and geological phenomena to architecture and cultural events. See the top 101 photos on the contest’s website.

Vitaly Golovatyuk (Russia)

Paolo Lazzarotti (Italy), “Complete Rainbow”

Paweł Jagiełło (Poland), “The Valley of Forgotten Rivers”

Sanghamitra Sarkar (India), “Wari”

Avishek Patra (India), “Confluence”

Fabio Pappalettera (Italy), “Tumbling White Horse”

Kah-Wai Lin (U.S.), “Thunder of Hooves”

A.J. Rich (U.S.), “Serration”

Clément Coudeyre (Iceland), “The Floor Is Lava”

Cédric Tamani (Switzerland), “Downstream”

Luca Fucci (Italy), “Flame Vein”

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