TITLE: A Lifelong Bond

This series explores the extraordinary bond between eagle hunters and their majestic birds in the remote region of Bayan-Ölgii in Western Mongolia, where Kazakh traditions have endured through time and adversity. Each hunter raises and trains their eagle from a young age, forging a connection rooted in mutual respect and loyalty—a testament to the deep relationship between humans and nature in Kazakh culture.
The portraits were taken in the ger of Jenisbek, surrounded by the furs of animals hunted by his eagle. The setting evokes the timeless artistry of 17th-century Dutch masters, whose works have always inspired me. These images reflect not just a tradition, but a way of life passed down through generations, preserved in the vast landscapes of the Altai Mountains, where an estimated 250 eagle hunters continue to practice this ancient art.
The series also highlights the remarkable skill of these hunters as they ride at high speed, their golden eagles perched confidently on their arms. Balancing the eagle's weight while maintaining control of the horse requires exceptional horsemanship, strength, and focus.

AUTHOR: Thibault Gerbaldi (United States)

Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught Leica photographer and passionate traveler, known for capturing authentic, emotional stories from some of the world’s most remote and diverse regions. His award-winning work spans cultures and landscapes as varied as Greenland to India, blending documentary, travel, and portrait photography. Thibault has self-published seven photography books and earned international recognition, including first place at the Siena Awards 2025, the International Photography Awards 2025, and the International Travel Photo Awards, and second place at PX3 (Prix de la Photographie de Paris), the MonoVision Awards, and the Fine Art Photography Awards.

In 2024, he received the Rising Talent Award from Travel Photographer of the Year, the world’s most prestigious travel photography competition. That same year, he was named one of AAP’s Emerging Talents to Watch.

In 2025, three of his photographs were selected for Around the World with Leica, a major exhibition held at the Leica headquarters in Wetzlar to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. Chosen from over one million images submitted by more than 65,000 photographers worldwide, this recognition placed his work at the heart of Leica’s global centennial celebration.

His images have been published in Leica Fotografie International, All About Photo, Digital Camera, and various specialized media. Much like Thibault himself, his work travels the world—from Miami to Paris, Arles, Venice, Marrakech, Los Angeles, and Rome.

Beyond photography, Thibault is committed to supporting humanitarian causes through his work. A board member since 2019, Thibault Gerbaldi funds solidarity projects through donations linked to the dissemination of his books and photographic prints, outside of any commercial framework.