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
Born in Italy, Roberto Pazzi found his true passions in travelling and photography remote cultures. His immersive approach to photography has earned him acclaim from both critics and peers alike, having been recognized in several prestigious international competitions.
Roberto's work has reached the pages of renowned publications all over the world and he published HUMANKIND, a premium limited-edition book.
Currently based in Spain, Roberto partners with Nomad Photo Expeditions, organizing and leading photographic expeditions to the farthest corners of the world.
Main Awards:
2025 Winner (POTY) - European Photography Awards
2025 Winner - London Photography Awards
2024 Winner - New York Photography Awards
2024 Silver Winner - Natural Density Awards (Series)
2024 Silver Winner - Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3)
2024 Bronze Winner - Chromatic Photography Awards
2023 Winner - Smithsonian Photography Awards
2023 Winner - Chromatic Photography Awards
2023 Winner - The Artist Gallery Annual Awards
2023 Gold Winner - Tokyo International Foto Awards
2023 Silver Winner - Vienna Photography Awards
2023 Bronze Winner - reFocus Awards
2022 Silver Winner - Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3)
2021 Winner - MonoVisions
2021 Winner - Global Photography Awards
2021 Winner - Visual International Photo Awards
2021 Winner - 500px Global Photography Awards
2021 Gold Winner - Natural Density Awards
2021 Gold Winner - Moscow International Foto Awards
2021 Silver Winner - Vienna Photography Awards
2021 Bronze Winner - Tokyo International Foto Awards
2021 Bronze Winner - Budapest International Foto Awards
2021 Bronze Winner - Chromatic Photography Awards
2020 Winner - Photo Is Light World Contest
2020 Silver Winner - Tokyo International Foto Awards
2020 Silver Winner - ONE EYELAND
2020 Runner-Up - Nikon Travel Photographer Of The Year