honorable mention
thibault gerbaldi united states
Photo © thibault gerbaldi
title
An Alpaca Farming Community
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entry description
This series portrays life and traditions in a remote Andean village in Peru. Though alpacas are not essential for survival, alpaca farming creates vital economic opportunities, enabling education and healthcare access, significantly improving local well-being. The series pays tribute to the community's profound respect for the alpaca, rooted in its historical significance. In Inca times, the alpaca was a chosen gift to the gods, highlighting its importance. In modern Peru, alpacas are considered part of the family. The pride in traditions is evident, as families proudly share their culture. The symbiosis between humans and alpacas is remarkable, with the animals seamlessly integrated into family life. Additionally, the importance of weaving, reflected in clothing and embroidery, is deeply connected to Quechua culture, serving to construct regional identities and facilitate communication across centuries.about the photographer
Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught Leica photographer and passionate traveler, known for capturing authentic, emotional stories from some of the world’s most remote and diverse regions. His award-winning work spans cultures and landscapes as varied as Greenland to India, blending documentary, travel, and portrait photography. Thibault has self-published seven photography books and earned international recognition, including 1st place at the Siena Awards 2025, the International Photo Awards 2025 and the Rising Talent Award from Travel Photographer of the Year in 2024. His work has been exhibited globally and featured in Leica Fotografie International, LENS Magazine, and more. As a board member of The Forgotten International, he supports humanitarian projects through his art.back to gallery
