3rd Place winner
The Kings of the Mountains
DESCRIPTION
Kazakh eagle hunters (Mongolia).Kazakh eagle hunters are a group of skilled hunters from the Kazakh ethnic group, primarily found in the western regions of Mongolia.
The practice of eagle hunting is a central part of their cultural heritage and identity, passed down through generations among the Kazakh people for centuries.
Eagle hunters typically capture and train female golden eagles because they are larger and more aggressive than their male counterparts.
The training is a meticulous and time-consuming process used by hanters to establish a strong bond with their eagles.
To hunt, the hunter typically releases the eagle from a high point. The eagle circles in the sky, scanning for potential prey.
When a suitable target is spotted, the hunter gives a command, and the eagle swoops down to capture it.
The hunting season for Kazakh eagle hunters typically takes place during the colder months of the year, from late autumn to early winter.
Eagle hunters wear traditional clothing, including fur-lined coats and hats, to protect themselves from the harsh winter conditions.
A special leather gauntlets is used to protect their arms when handling the eagles.
Eagle hunting is not only a practical skill but also holds immense cultural significance for the Kazakh people.
It is often celebrated through festivals and competitions, such as the Golden Eagle Festival, where eagle hunters showcase their skills and the bonds they have with their eagles.
AUTHOR
Award-winning and published travel photographer who organizes and leads photo expeditions to the remotest cultures in the world.Awards:
2024 NY Photography Awards (Series, Professional) - Winner
2024 ND Awards (Series, Professional) - Silver Winner
2024 PX3 - Silver Winner
2023 Smithsonian Magazine Photo Awards - Winner
2023 TIFA - Gold Winner
2023 Chromatic Photography Awards - Winner
2023 The Artist Gallery Annual Awards - Winner
2023 VIEPA - Silver Winner
2023 reFocus World Photo Annual Awards - Bronze Winner
2022 PX3 - Silver Winner
2021 GPA (Global Photo Awards) - Winner
2021 500px GPA (500px Global Photography Awards?) - Winner
2021 MonoVisions Awards - Winner
2021 VIPA (Visual International Photo Awards) - Winner
2021 ND Awards - Gold Winner
2021 MIFA - Gold Winner
2021 VIEPA - Silver Winner
2021 Chromatic Photo Awards - Bronze Winner
2021 BIFA - Bronze Winner
2021 TIFA - Bronze Winner
2020 PIL WC (Photo Is Light World Contest) - Winner
2020 TIFA - Silver Winner
2020 ONE EYELAND - Silver Winner