We’re glad for this aerial view because can you imagine walking through forests and not knowing there’s a giant gaping hole ahead? This here is what they call a doline – a kind of funnel-shaped depression in the ground. But geographical terms just don’t cut it for this chasm that seems to go into the depths of the earth.
The doline is reportedly 666 meters deep and located at Xiaozhai village in Chongqing, China. This breathtaking chasm is one of the world’s largest sinkholes. We have so many questions. What lies beneath? Where does it go? Somehow we’re torn between wanting to rappel down and wanting to continue being alive.
Maternal Giants of the Deep
Sighting a humpback whale is probably on most people’s bucket list. Spotting one with a young calf swimming on its back? That would make anyone’s life feel redeemed – as if one could die tomorrow peacefully with no regrets. If a photograph can evoke such emotion, imagine witnessing this in real life.
The bond between mother whales and their calves is legendary, and humpback whales especially so! Calves swim closely alongside their mothers, especially in the early stages of their life. It’s a way to feed on delicious, nutritious fat from mom while staying safe from predators such as killer whales. Mother and calf stay together for about a year until the calf is weaned.
Smoke and Mirrors
Is this a drone shot of glaciers or an abstract painting? We're stumped, and in the best way. The way the photo is composed makes it seem like glaciers dance in veils of vapor and smoke. As if they’re taking a deep breath, exhaling centuries of memory into the open sky.
Stunning and also a bit heartbreaking given how fragile our glaciers are. These magnificent icy sentinels are disappearing rapidly each year, and with it, a vital part of the earth’s story. Pretty soon, all we might be left with are memories, wispy and fleeting the way this glacier already appears in this image.
Perspective Is Everything
A drone shot of a boat-shaped bridge with a boat sailing past underneath? That’s quite meta! What we especially love is how the picture draws you in bit by bit, unveiling things as you go. At first glance, it seemed as if we were looking at a boat to begin with; a big yellow boat cruising calmly through the waters.
Such is the clever play on perspective. But a second glance reveals cars. Is this boat a ferry? Seems rather fancy for a ferry. Peer into the photo even more and that’s when you see a small boat zipping past. Layer upon layer of revelations. All in all, what a stunning shot! The view really is better from above.
If you’re the kind who thrives on a crowd’s energy, this might not work. For the rest of us, this drone image makes crowded spaces both bearable and beautiful. You can sense the common purpose, the subtle order in chaos. The best part? You don’t even have to be there.