Drones are the next big thing when it comes to photography and shooting video. Once an exclusive feature for the big companies, aerial photos are now becoming mainstream. As the drone photographers' community grows rapidly it comes as no surprise that they've decided to hold their very own photography contest. Here we bring you the best 9 of the 3rd Annual International Drone Photography Awards carried out by Dronestagram.

As you'll see below drone photos allow for quite a bit of diversity, from gorgeous natural landscape shots to everyday city scenes that are given a whole new perspective when observed from a bird's eye view. Interesting patterns and surreal scenarios emerge in these stunning pictures and here are the best photos submitted for the drone photo contest.

More info: dronestagr.am (h/t: demilked)