Award-winning aerial photographer Chris Gorman has selected his most powerful drone-captured images from 2025, showcasing how advanced unmanned aerial technology continues to revolutionize visual storytelling across diverse subjects ranging from ancient monuments to breaking news events. Gorman, whose work frequently appears on the front pages of major British newspapers, identifies a dawn photograph of Stonehenge taken on a frosty January morning as his personal favorite of the year. The image captures the UNESCO World Heritage Site's prehistoric stone circle in ethereal light, demonstrating the unique perspectives that only drone photography can provide while respecting strict flight regulations around protected cultural landmarks.
The photographer credits the recently released DJI Mavic 4 Pro as a transformative tool that has fundamentally changed his approach to aerial imaging. With its 168mm full-frame equivalent focal length on a 50-megapixel sensor and fixed f/2.8 aperture, the Mavic 4 Pro allows Gorman to capture distant subjects with unprecedented optical quality without flying dangerously close. He particularly praises the camera's low-light performance, noting that RAW files taken at night reveal exceptional detail in post-processing. This technical capability has enabled him to document scenes like Winter Wonderland illuminating London's Hyde Park and a stunning sunrise at Arundel Castle in West Sussex with cinematic clarity that was previously impossible from compact drone platforms.
Gorman's portfolio from the past twelve months demonstrates remarkable versatility, spanning architectural studies, natural landscapes, human activity, and spot news coverage. His aerial view of a gardener tending tulips at Arundel Castle uses the sun's position to create dramatic shadows that transform a simple gardening scene into a striking geometric composition. Action shots include HMS Sutherland passing beneath Tower Bridge, swimmers enjoying a hot day in May, and the Canadian Pacific steam engine traversing the Hampshire countryside. The photographer also documented the Deftones performing for a sold-out crowd at the Eden Project, where the iconic biomes housing the world's largest indoor rainforest provided a unique backdrop that benefited from the drone's elevated perspective.
Beyond artistic pursuits, Gorman has embraced drone journalism, occasionally covering hard news events that demand immediate visual documentation. His aerial coverage of a fire consuming a row of shops and apartments demonstrates how drones can safely capture unfolding emergencies from angles that ground-based photography cannot access. Similarly, his image of a fallen tree blocking a road illustrates the technology's value for reporting on infrastructure disruptions and natural disasters. These applications highlight the growing importance of drone certification for media professionals, as regulations require pilots to understand complex airspace restrictions while maintaining the confidence to operate effectively in dynamic situations.
The photographer emphasizes that drone technology has become essential for professional photographers seeking to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Gorman operates masterclasses across the United Kingdom, where he addresses the primary concerns of aspiring aerial photographers: building flight confidence, understanding complex legislation, and identifying approved operating areas. He argues that photographers without drone capabilities increasingly find themselves at a disadvantage when bidding for assignments. The exciting aspect of drone photography, Gorman explains, lies in the unpredictability of what reveals itself from above—patterns, perspectives, and compositions that remain invisible from ground level until the aircraft is airborne.
As drone technology continues advancing with improved sensors, longer flight times, and enhanced obstacle avoidance, Gorman anticipates even greater integration of aerial imaging into mainstream photography and videography. His work in 2025, including a telephoto-compressed view of Brighton Beach and an abstract shot of an EV charging station resembling a child's play mat from above, suggests that creative possibilities will expand as regulations mature and public acceptance grows. The photographer maintains an active online presence through his website and social media platforms, where he shares both his imagery and insights into the technical and legal aspects of professional drone operation.
