This article was originally published on Travlerz
The days when drones were only used by the military are gone and now ordinary people use it for recreational and professional purposes. As there are swift advances in drone technology, it is no surprise that people have started to capture some striking and unbelievable photos of places that weren’t easily accessible before.
Morrison’s Quarry
Whenever you fly your drone over Morrison's Quarry in Chelsea, Quebec, be sure not to miss the opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial shots. The unique perspective from above offers a chance to capture the stunning natural beauty and the vastness of this quarry. Don't pass up the opportunity to document this remarkable location from the skies; it provides a perspective that genuinely highlights its impressiveness. It's truly a view like no other.
The water is so pristine there that you will love this place. Scuba divers have a lot of fun there as there are numerous tugboats and cars in the water as well.
Worst Traffic Jam
China, with a staggering population exceeding 1.42 billion, holds the distinction of being the most densely populated country globally. As a natural consequence of this demographic density, the nation contends with some of the most notorious traffic gridlocks on a global scale. The vast number of people and vehicles traversing its road networks frequently results in epic traffic snarls, making it a recurring and unsurprising issue in this populous land.
This photo was snapped on the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway in 2010. And yes, there are about 50-lanes that are filled with traffic to the brim. Believe it or not, this traffic jam lasted for an astounding 12 days.
The Fisherman and the Hammerhead
We’ll start with this drone photo that is considered one of the most well-timed drone photos. So, it was taken over the lovely city of Panama City Beach, Florida. In this photo, you can see a fisherman trying his absolute best to reel the shark in while people watch it from a safe distance. Fortunately, he was successful in it and the shark was released back to the ocean unharmed.
One of the fishermen present at the Panama City Beach said, “We weren’t directly targeting hammerhead sharks but when your line is out there you never know what you’re going to hook on to.”
The Silverdome
The Silverdome stadium, formerly the home of the Detroit Lions football team, now lies in a state of disrepair. In 2002, it was relocated from its original site, and in 2009, investors acquired it with the intention of transforming it into a soccer stadium. Regrettably, that vision never materialized, leaving the Silverdome a sad relic of its once-vibrant past, echoing the missed opportunities for its revitalization. But here's an incredible inside look at the stadium.
It is quite a historical monument as it was once a Super Bowl host, NBA finals were played here, the Pope visited it, and even Elvis had a concert in this stadium.
The Giant Pink Bunny
In 2005, the famous pink bunny sculpture was first spotted by a drone in Northern Italy's picturesque Piedmont region. This whimsical and captivating art piece revealed from an aerial perspective, ignited the curiosity and wonder of viewers worldwide. Its debut from above marked the beginning of a long-lasting fascination, solidifying the bunny's status as an enduring and iconic installation. Although it is quite random and strange at first glance, it's also mesmerizing.
Given the name Hase, it measured 200-feet in length and is 20-feet-high. Although plans were to keep it there by 2025, it had already decomposed by 2016.
Skyscrapers Everywhere
This remarkable aerial perspective reveals the city of Hong Kong, renowned for its towering skyscrapers. While these skyscrapers offer a stunning visual, they have posed significant challenges for Hong Kong residents seeking affordable housing. The city's real estate market, dominated by these majestic structures, has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to secure affordable living spaces, underscoring the dichotomy between architectural splendor and housing accessibility. Though the drone photo itself is fascinating.
Although skyscrapers are beautiful to look at and make for an impressive view, they definitely come with a controversial background and history.
Paddleboarding A Great White Shark
Captured off the Southern California coast using a drone, this photograph showcases a pivotal moment during the filming of a documentary by Forrest Galante and Mark Romanov. Their project delves into the intricate connection between humans and sharks, revealing the fascinating dynamics at play beneath the surface of our oceans. This image captures a moment that would be terrifying for the people in the photo, but it's just fascinating to see for us.
The women in this photo, Jessica and Kelly, were aware that a great white shark was swimming with them. The purpose of this photo was to show the world that sharks are not as dangerous as they are portrayed to be.
The Boneyard
Undoubtedly, the United States allocates substantial funds to acquire military equipment. Yet, the fate of retired equipment remains a curious question. In Tucson, Arizona, "The Boneyard" comes into play, serving as the repository for decommissioned military hardware. Here, retired equipment finds a new role, either through repurposing or as a source of spare parts, illustrating a strategic and sustainable approach to managing these assets. Either way, who knew there were this many planes in one spot?
It is the resting spot of over 4000 different types of military airplanes. This is the world’s largest storage center that has been around since the end of the Second World War.
Gulliver the Gentle Giant
This image, taken from a drone soaring over Edinburgh, Scotland, showcases the statue known as "Gulliver the Gentle Giant." What adds a unique dimension to this artwork is the fact that it was created by Jimmy Boyle, a convicted murderer, during his time in Glasgow's Barlinnie Prison. This amalgamation of artistry and a criminal past imbues the statue with a captivating story, making it a compelling subject of curiosity and contemplation.
The statue that has become quite popular among the local population was placed and unveiled in 1976. As it became unstable over the years and the government wanted to establish a flood prevention system, the local government decided to remove it in 2011. Although it was demolished, it lives on the cyberspace to this day.
Christ The Redeemer Statue
This special picture of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue was taken with a drone. The drone helped us get a rare and fantastic view of this famous monument. It's a new and exciting way to see the statue and the beautiful area around it that most people would never know if it weren't for incredible drone photos like these. Drones really change the possibilities of photography and capture views unthinkable.
It is 124.7 feet tall and is on top of the 2,329-foot-high Corcovado Mountain and that's why full credit must be given to the drone flyer to take such a perfect shot.
The Vanuatu Volcano
This is a really insane drone shot that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie.
It was later disclosed that several drones were lost in an attempt to take this photo as many drones were not able to handle the high temperatures of this place.
The Six Flags Theme Park
This is the abandoned Six Flags theme park which is located in New Orleans East. In 2005, the park was closed during the preparation for the Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, it did not open after that.
This photo was taken with a drone two weeks after Hurricane Katrina and you can see the park was mostly underwater at that time.
The Kraken Hole
Although the name “The Kraken Hole” sounds scary, this is not a natural occurrence but rather a man-made one.
This is an artificial spillway that was built on the grounds of a Californian reservoir. Still looks scary though.
Mir Mine, Siberia
This is a really special drone photo because Mir Mine is the first and largest diamond mine ever built.
It was discovered back in 1955 under the Soviet Union jurisdiction and has been active ever since.
Guatemalan Sinkhole
In 2010, the Guatemala City was hit by the tropical storm called Agatha and this horrifying sinkhole appeared.
The sinkhole’s diameter was about 65 feet with the depth being around 300 feet. This looks really scary and what’s even scarier is that sinkholes are a frequent occurrence in Guatemala City.
Basilica of Saint Francis
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The photograph was taken by a drone that shows a complex that has been on earth for centuries.
According to research, the construction started in 1228. It has two churches and the crypt is where the remains of Saint Francis are being held. The whole complex was put on the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 2000.
Pegasus Airline Flight 8622
This is the drone shot of Pegasus Airlines Flight 8622 from the city of Trabzon. When it reached Trabzon, however, it missed the runway and slid down a cliff.
Fortunately for everyone, the plane stopped before hitting the Black Sea. No one was hurt but the airport was shut down and remained that way until the investigation was over.
Humpback Whale Jumping Out
This crazy shot was taken on Santa Barbara, California, where a humpback whale jumped out of the water and almost took a boat with it.
As the adrenaline rush went away, the crew was super excited as they had a great story to tell. Thanks to the drone, their story was backed by some strong evidence.
The Communal Nest
You might have thought at first that it is the head of a cow or moose, but this is something really amazing. This photo of the largest known bird nest was snapped with a drone by a South African photographer.
In this big nest, there are hundreds of social weaver birds living and they are known for their maintenance skills. That explains why their nest can even last for 100 years.
Vietnamese Ducks
Snapped above the Ba River, downstream of Tuy Hoa City, Vietnam, this photo shows how humans and nature can work together.
Duck farming is actually quite a common thing in Vietnam and it is also considered a tradition there. Over 30 million ducks are raised each year in the country and the ducks are usually bred for their meat, and sometimes even their eggs.
Camels in The Sand
Oh, this is such a mesmerizing photo. All credit goes to the photographer Abdullah Alnassar who took this photo using a Phantom 4 Advanced.
And this is not a computer-animated photo. As the sun was in a perfect position, the shadows gave a dramatic mirror effect. It is a spectacular sight!
Hurricane Harvey
This photo was taken by a drone right after Hurricane Harvey destroyed the Houston metropolitan area. The drone was not only used to capture the damages but also look for any survivors.
Hurricane Harvey inflicted a lot of damage. As most of the damage was done by flooding, the total bill was $125 billion.
A Clown in The Field
This photo was taken in 2016, a strange year in which there were the most scary-clown sightings reported throughout the world.
This particular photo was captured by a drone flying over a field in Huntsville, Alabama. Fake or not, it is definitely something that gives you a scare.
The Lotus Temple
Thanks to the drone photographer Amos Chapple-Rex, we were able to get this beautiful shot of The Lotus Temple located in New Delhi.
The temple is surrounded by nine pools and a few gardens, making it a really peaceful and one-of-a-kind place. This great work of Iranian-American architect Furiburz Sabha is visited by over 3.5 million people annually.
The Wind Turbine Selfie
We are not sure if this man went there just for the selfie or maintenance, but he has set serious selfie-goals for others.
Regardless of why he went there, this is a beautiful drone shot that deserved a spot in our list.
Staten Island Boat Graveyard
Did you know that there is a boat graveyard right in the middle of New York City? The Staten Island boat graveyard has been there since the 1930s.
It wasn’t meant to be a graveyard and was just a simple salvage yard. As it was not much profit, it was abandoned.
New York City in The Winter
Did this sight remind you of the Hollywood movie ‘Day After Tomorrow’? This might seem like a post-apocalyptic photo but it is real.
As the first snowflakes of the year stopped falling in the city, the photographer took out the drone and captured this spectacular shot.
Escaping from Crocodile Farm
A photo of a 3-meter long crocodile was captured by a drone that was flying over a beach resort on Phuket Island.
This crocodile escaped from the nearby crocodile farm and believe it or not the farm is near the beach resort. We think so there is no need to point out how dangerous and deadly it can get.
That’s a Steep Cliff
If you are afraid of heights, don’t even think about coming here. And look how comfortable the climber is...as if it is like a walk in the park for him.
Even looking at this picture can make your heart skip a beat. This picture is proof of how convenient drones have become.
Swimming with Whale
One of the most enthralling sights in the world is watching a whale out in the ocean. This photo was taken of people who were on their vacation in Mexico.
As these extremely lucky people were taking a close up look at the majestic beast, the person flying the drone took this rare photo.
Watch Out, Watch Out
Sun-bathing on the roof is not a bad idea if you want to get some fresh air and a good tan, but this also means that there will be some unwelcomed guests.
Well, this lady has a solution for all the unwelcomed guests; either chase the drone with a broom in your hand or simply throw the broom at it.
Washed Up Whale
This is a rather unfortunate photo taken from a drone that shows a dead whale on a rocky beach.
As we humans are destroying habitats of all living beings, it is always sad to see a tragedy like this one.
A Big Nope!
It is big nope for most people, but what you are looking at is the perfectly timed photo of a Guinness World Record holder Di Huanran as he makes his jump into the waterfall.
“He is over sixty, he is the world record holder for the Guinness waterfall diving. In China’s famous spout of the Yellow River and the great falls of the water tower in Heilongjiang province, he surprised the world with his leap,” said the photographer who took this photo.
Smile and Wave, Boys
It is a really stunning photo because there are two people at the top of the clock tower waving at you.
Taken in Ostrava, Czech Republic, it is uncertain whether those two people knew about the drone or not.
Best Wedding Photo Ever?
Whether you agree with us or not, we are still going to say that it is one of the best wedding photos ever. Please admire the beauty of this shot.
One can say that this couple used the height of a skyscraper to their best advantage.
The El Nino Phenomenon
From time to time, nature gives us a reality check on who is the real boss. This is one such example of nature showing us that we can’t stand against it.
This damage is done by the El Nino weather phenomenon and it won’t take long before it all collapses.
The Kayak Festival
If you think this is some sort of an optical illusion or a photoshopped image, this will surprise you. This is the Kayak Festival in China that tends to get out of hand.
If you get stuck in the middle, getting out can be really complex and challenging. However, it is a really fun experience.
Hurricane Maria
This is a photo of damage caused by Hurricane Maria when it hit Puerto Rico and Dominica. This photo shows that man-made stuff can’t really stand in front of nature.
Thanks to the drones, the damage was assessed and even few lives were saved. Drones also helped the rescuers in their mission and assisted them in planning perfect routes.
Angry Lions
Here is a photo that may not be as clear as many other photos in our list, but it definitely showed how quickly a lion can lose its temper.
The lions have no tolerance for trespassers and one of them was about to knock the drone off before it flew out of lion’s range.
Swimming Alongside Each Other
This is a perfect drone shot that captured something we do not see more often; a great example of a working hierarchy in marine organisms.
As a shark is swimming with a school of fish around it, no one is bothered and they all are minding their own business.
Attack of Birds
Now, this is a really hilarious photo taken from a drone. The seagulls were not going to let some person and a drone ruin their party.
They not only got revenge on the climber, but they also realized the drone was an enemy too. That one bird is like, "You guys take the man, I'll deal with this flying camera."
Mont Saint-Michel
You are looking at Mont Saint-Michel, considered one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in Normandy, France, over 3 million visitors come to this beautiful place each year
Did you know that Mont Saint-Michel was actually never conquered during the Hundred Years’ War? It is not that no attempts were made; the English tried their best to conquer it but failed every single time.
Washed Away Road
You cannot stand against nature even if you build strong walls and roads. Nature prevails sooner or later.
This is the aftermath of a flood that occurred during a rainstorm and the water simply removed the roadway like it was a small hurdle in its way.
Perfect Timing
This photo was taken precisely when the eagle was about to catch a fish at high speed.
Just take a moment and have a look at those outstretched talons and wings and those eyes, it is perfection from every angle.
Whale Spouting
This is one of the best ever shots taken from a drone. After watching this photo, we feel so lucky that we have drones.
The drone pilot perfectly captured the photo when the whale spouted. As the ray of lights went through the mist, a display of beautiful rainbow was created. Wow, mesmerizing stuff!
The City of Homs
The Syrian war began in 2011 and the city of Homs became the spot where most fighting was done. This is the result of that war as almost the entire city has been destroyed and abandoned.
The war brought a lot of death and destruction. No matter what your religious or political beliefs are, we can feel compassion for the people.
The Story of Tire Dumping and Intimacy
Okay, so these people were caught dumping tires at the dump. The dump caught fire and started to spread out. The couple in the car was sharing an intimate moment when all of this was happening.
It was all crazy down there and though it is a violation of their privacy, the drone pilot just prevented a huge fire from spreading.
The San Andreas Fault
This is a world-famous crack that divides California into two parts. As a result of it, they lie on two different tectonic plates - the North American and the Pacific tectonic plates.
That’s why California experiences so many earthquakes and the actual fault is between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Tubbs Fire
The Tubbs Fire is regarded to be one of the most destructive fires in the entire history of California.
As it broke out in 2017, it destroyed 5,643 buildings and caused a damage of around $1.3 billion.
Scaring the Neighbors
Okay, this spooked us as well and we don’t know why some people find it funny to scare others…some people have weak hearts just like ours.
Well, this photo shows a figure that is too slim to be a human and yet it has characteristics of being alive. By the way, what is it?