Echoes of The Dutch Masters

• Photographer
  Thibault Gerbaldi
• Technical Info
  1/90s Io 400 F/3.7 56mm Full Frame
• Photo Date
  12jul24

Eagle hunting is more than just a tradition; it’s a lifelong bond. Hunters raise and train their eagles from a young age, forming a deep connection rooted in mutual respect and loyalty, reflecting the profound relationship between humans and nature in Kazakh culture. I captured this portrait in the Ger of an eagle hunter displaying the furs of the animals his eagle has hunted. As I pressed the shutter, the interplay of light, the textures of the fur, and the background of still skins evoked the Dutch painters of the 17th century, with flashes of Rembrandt and Frans Hals coming to mind.

Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught Leica photographer and passionate traveler, known for authentic stories from the world’s most remote regions. His work spans landscapes from Greenland to India, blending documentary, travel, and portrait. He has self-published seven books and earned recognition: 1st at Siena Awards 2025, International Photo Awards 2025, and TPOTY Rising Talent (2024). Exhibited globally and featured in LFI and LENS Magazine. As a board member of The Forgotten International, he supports humanitarian projects.