Israeli photographer Amit Agronov has been named the Grand Prize winner of the 2021 Vertical Photo Contest. Agronov’s winning photo, showing flares erupting from an Israeli Air Force Sikorsky CH-53 as it approaches the camera head-on, appears on the cover of the December ’21/January ’22 edition of Vertical Magazine, which is now available to read online. He also takes home the grand prize of $1,000.

The image was one of hundreds sent in by amateur and professional photographers from around the world for one of the competition’s three main categories: Civil, People at Work, and Military. This year also saw the addition of a special bonus category: Animals and Helicopters.

The main category winners were Eric Adams (Civil), Oliver Ehmig (People at Work), and Matthijs van Os. They each won $750.

The runners up were David Emenheiser (second place, Civil), François Labrousse (third place, Civil), René Holzknecht (second place, People at Work), Scott Kellerman (third place, People at Work), Kris Christiaens (second place, Military), and Gert Trachez (third place, Military). The second-place winners have each won $500, while the third-place winners take home $250.

Anthony Bourdareau won the special Animals and Helicopters category, and with it, $500.

“The past couple of years have been challenging for everyone — aviation photographers included,” said MHM Publisher Mike Reyno. “It’s been more difficult than ever before for photographers to get out into the field to get their shots, so it’s remarkable that we received so many outstanding entries. Congratulations to all our winners, and thanks to everyone who took the time to submit their work.”

To showcase more of the spectacular photos that were entered into the contest, Vertical is once again creating a special bonus issue to showcase honorable mentions. This is available here.

The 2021 Vertical Photo Contest was sponsored by Bell, Airbus, Metro Aviation and PHP. Astrum Helicopters sponsored the Animals and Helicopters category.