Is this a real life picture?

Real. Large depth of field (rock up close are the only thing out of focus, and uniformly so). Look closely at all of the people (including the pilot) motion occurs more in some people and some body parts than others as the exposure was slightly elongated to let the pretty light have their "awe-inspiring" effect.

Do it work? Are you filled with awe?

Woody

Definately real. Long exposure on a modern high definition camera will make a photo look like this.