Kazakh Hunter

A well-known tradition of Kazakhs is hunting with trained eagles. Mongolian Kazakhs are proud people, intent on maintaining their unique culture, religion and way of life. As modernization progresses in Mongolia, Mongolian Kazakh’s habit of nomadism persists, so does the love and knowledge of falconry.

Yan Li is a documentary photographer whose work explores the fragility and richness of human experience. With a focus on long-term, narrative-driven projects, he aims to capture fleeting moments, reveal personal stories, and preserve the intangible heritage of cultures facing rapid transformation. His photographs often center on communities at the margins — workers, elders, artisans — whose lives echo broader human truths. Yan's commitment to visual storytelling has earned him international recognition, including awards from the Sony WPA, TPOTY, IPA, and Px3.