International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2027 (3rd edition)
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year is the sister competition to the International Landscape Photographer of the Year, run from Australia by Peter Eastway and David Evans. The second edition closed on 30 April 2026 and has been judged: Azim Khan Ronnie from Bangladesh is Aerial Photographer of the Year, Vitaly Golovatyuk took Photograph of the Year, and 1,587 entries competed for the Top 101 book. The third edition (2027) is expected to close in April 2027, following last year's calendar. There are no categories and one firm rule: AI-generated images and AI-generated components in composites are not permitted, minor AI retouching is acceptable, and the organisers may ask for RAW files to prove authenticity.
- Deadline
- —
- Entry fee
- USD 22 per image in 2026 (2027 fee not yet published); every fifth entry free for early entries
Authenticity policy
AI policy
AI generated images (and for composite images, AI generated image components) are not permitted. Minor AI retouching is acceptable as long as it is not creating new content.
RAW files
We reserve the right to ask entrants to submit the raw file(s) to prove an Entry's authenticity.
Editing rules
Sister programme to the International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Rule 7 makes AI generation the only firm restriction: minor AI retouching such as noise reduction or healing is acceptable, but using AI to add new content (the rules' example is replacing rocks with a pond) is not, and this also covers AI-generated components in composites. The organisers reserve the right to ask for RAW files to prove authenticity and will withdraw an award if an AI image is discovered later. Entries must have been photographed on or after 1 January 2021. After judging, the top 101 photos are checked for rule compliance and variety, with a maximum of four photographs per entrant in the Top 101.
Verified on November 7, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2027 (3rd edition) allow AI-generated images?
- No. International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2027 (3rd edition) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
- Are RAW files required to enter International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2027 (3rd edition)?
- Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
- How much does it cost to enter International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2027 (3rd edition)?
- USD 22 per image in 2026 (2027 fee not yet published); every fifth entry free for early entries
Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries