Yann Arthus-Bertrand might be the best known aerial photographer in the world. And for good reason; as a lifelong environmentalist, he takes photos that aren’t just about capturing a beautiful image — they seek to uncover the story behind it. That said, most of his work is very, very pretty, regardless of the ugliness of its subject. He’s just that good.
“I have the impression that I’m photographing life, not landscapes,” he told TED back in 2009. “For me an aerial picture is no different than a close-up portrait. It’s a question of framing and angle. Helicopters are great for that. But I’ve also used planes. Of course, I always have a harness.” Click through to see some of our favorite shots, and to learn more about his inspiring work, check out Arthus-Bertrand’s recent movie, Home .
Rano Kau volcano in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island, Chile. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand. All images via popgive.com.
Pink ebony on the Kaw mountain, French Guiana. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Islet in the terraced rice fields of Bali, Indonesia. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Gannet colony, Eldey island, Iceland. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Moshav farm at Nahalal, Israel. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Bungle Bungle National Park, Kimberley, Australia. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Palm Jumeirah artificial island, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Road interrupted by a sand dune, Nile Valley, Egypt. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Icebreaker Louis Saint Laurent in Resolute Bay, Nunavut Territory, Canada. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Icebergs and an Adelie penguin, Adelie Land, Antarctica. Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand