TITLE: Dunes of Contrast

The Khongoryn Els, or "Singing Sands," are the tallest dunes in the Gobi Desert, rising up to 300 meters. Stretching over 100 kilometers, these dunes are famous for the deep hum produced by the winds. As the sun sets, the shifting light and shadow create a mesmerizing spectacle for all who visit.

AUTHOR: Thibault Gerbaldi (United States)

Self-taught photographer and passionate traveler, Thibault Gerbaldi roams the world to capture visual stories infused with emotion and authenticity.

His work has been recognized in prestigious international competitions, earning first place at the International Photography Awards 2025 and the International Travel Photo Awards, second place at the 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 the 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 of The Forgotten International since 2019, he donates a portion of his book and print sales to fund solidarity projects supporting marginalized communities.