The Eagle Hunter

• Photographer
  Ulana Switucha
• Technical Info
  Nikon
• Photo Date
  2024

The Eagle Hunter. Only 250 eagle hunters remain in western Mongolia. The Kazakhs are semi-nomadic with a population of 87,000 in Mongolia. For generations young female golden eagles have been trained to hunt, a practice that goes back centuries and is a testament to the rich culture of the Kazakh people. The female eagles are larger and more powerful and aggressive than the males, with a wingspan of 2.5m and weighing up to 7kg.

When creating an image, Ulana is inspired by light, shape, and tone. Her simple, often minimal, compositions present an awareness and a connection with the subject whether it be landscape, portraiture or documentary work. Based in Hong Kong, Ulana's work has been exhibited and published internationally. Her passion is best expressed by a quote from a contemporary photographer: “If I weren’t a photographer, I’d still be a traveler”.