Eagle hunting was largely banned during Soviet rule in Kazakhstan as it was seen as bourgeois. More than a million Kazakhs died during the Soviet-inflicted famine in the 1930s when Josef Stalin's forced collectivization campaign and millions were imprisoned or exiled. The ancient tradition of Eagle hunting survived thanks to the Kazakhs & Kyrgyz that fled, and settled in western Mongolia and China. The connection between hunter and eagle is strong. Here is 6y old Alkan, admiring his famous Uncle Jenisbek Tserik, a Multi-title champion.
My name is Apostolos Kaloudis, and I'm an adventurer. I consider myself as an adventurer/explorer, rather than a photographer. When I was studying Medieval History, I was amazed by the stories and the details of military campaigns. Something that impassioned me later to go out and explore remote lands, such as the Silk Road or even former Himalayan Kingdoms. In 2015, I joined the National Geographic Photography Community (natgeoyourshot), a great school to learn about photography.
Awards - IPA 22 Top 5 Selection Portrait__Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds
- Tokyo International Awards 22 Silver Winner Portrait__The Next Generation of Eagle Hunters
- Prix de la Photographie de Paris 22 Bronze Winner + Honorable Mention Portrait__Aymoldr the Eagle Huntress + Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds
- BIFA 22 Honorable Mention Portrait__Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds
- Better Photography Magazine 22 Silver + 3 Bronze__Taming a mere Bird + Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds, Aymoldr the Eagle Huntress, The Next Generation of Eagle Hunters.
- Head On Photo Awards 22 Finalist__Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds
- N.Y Photography Awards 22 2xSilver Award People__Shinasl Mana Lord of Birds & Aymoldr the Eagle Huntress
- reFocus Awards 22 Honorable Mention Portrait__Children of the Sun
- Blank Wall Gallery Your Best Shot 22 Bronze__Samanera (The Novice Monk)
- Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award 2023 Finalist__Swift-foot and Bürkit
