The photographer captured an environment that’s best highlighted from an aerial perspective.

Framing of the shoreline and placement of the horizon line in the upper third of the image brings scale to the landscape while placing focus on the unique land formation in the center of the photo.

Unique capture of contrasting colors between the blown out sky and deep blue ocean. There is also great contrast from the blue ocean, to the tan sandy beach, to the whites in the cliffside, to the green hilltop.

To the extent of what is seen in the photograph, the photographer is adhering to all legal UAV operation procedures.”

I like the composition. The colors give it an outer-worldly feel: the contrast of the oranges against the cool blue. It tells the story of two worlds—of air and water—and has a familiar animal in an unfamiliar environment that straddles both worlds while appearing worn, yet soothed. A good photo doesn’t give you all the details of a story, but presents a world with some insight and provokes you to ask more questions. I like the close crop, the minimal background, the detail in textures, the capture of the underwater light, and the use of the horizon.”

Although Hovland's photo isn't perfectly technical and doesn't feature an unblemished sky, of all of the selections — and the majority were outstanding — it evoked the greatest emotional response from me. I was brought into the coolly serene wilderness, the composition anchored with the rugged warm tones and heaviness of the rocky earth, set against a whispy hint of the vastness of space. It's a photo that suggested motion in the heavens and stillness on earth resulting in a kind of alive calm. It's an image that I want to wear or keep in my pocket, to pull out in a moment when the disorder and chaos of everyday life is particularly vexing, in order to be reminded that we live on a glorious planet, a mere mote of dust within a strange and wondrous infinite that we barely see, let alone comprehend.”

A great photo for me triggers the viewer's emotional senses through storytelling. While this shot has great technical qualities, this captured moment evokes a sense of mystery—it poses so many questions with unknown answers. The story is up to the viewer to conclude.”

We love the way this image captures the vivid colors of the cabbage, while simultaneously pairing it with, and contrasting it against, the dark background. The circular shape of the bowl helps emphasize the subjects shape, and does not overpower it. The leaves are spread through the image in a clean and balanced way that keeps our eyes looking towards the top of the image - just as leaves grow and move upwards. Overall, a really gorgeous photo that satisfies with it's simple structure and vibrant colors.”

The colors are what makes this image. It has an incredible cyberpunk look to it, a style I’ve always been a fan of. I can just imagine seeing it in a film like Blade Runner or Total Recall. The angle which it is shot at is great too, it draws you in down the hallway and makes you wonder what you’re going to see round the corner.”

I liked it because it was unexpected. The photo took a classic image of a pier, but combined industrial elements. There is also something very contradictory about the pier being something that is usually so peaceful, but being blocked off by a gate. It makes you think!”

I can almost imagine emerging from the cabin of a sailboat – coffee in my hand – to watch the fog lift from the surrounding mountains. The water is so still, the reflection like a painting starting to take shape. The splashes of fall leaves add additional texture that brings the photo to life.”

Call me a traditionalist, but I'm always taken to black and white photography for portraits. There's a confidence and comfort to this portrait where you feel the connection between the photographer and the subject.”

We love how this image really drew us in and gave us the feeling of striving for something greater. The unique perspective with silhouetted fish in the distance is one we have not yet seen and it made us want to dive right in!”

The use of shadow and light make this a striking shot. It's interesting in a way that draws you in and invites you to examine all of the elements. Great composition!”

In a way, Alex's photo captures a reflection of modern life: staring at a screen. Our lives, especially in our twenties, feels like a competition. From school, to university, to getting a job and progressing through our careers – it’s a never ending competition. The photo draws your eyes out across the rows of workers, all seemingly identical – but at the same time, showing small hints of color and personality from every worker that highlight and humanizes their unique history and personality. It makes me think of 20 years from now, what technology will be ubiquitous.”

This is a special category, curated by the Unsplash team to recognize members of our community for their dedication in helping make Unsplash what it is today. Unsplash is built by the community, and for the community, and we want to take the time to share our appreciation.”