People nominee

Taken in Pampallacta, as part of a series capturing a local farmer community during the alpaca blessing ceremony, this photo showcases the mother of the family officiating the ritual. Standing proudly, she is surrounded by her alpacas, most of them gazing towards me, creating an illusion as if they are one entity. In a captivating moment, it almost appears as if this woman is floating in the air, enveloped by her devoted group of alpacas.
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.

Self-taught photographer and traveler, Thibault Gerbaldi documents people and places with a clear, dignified eye. His work has earned top honors, including first place at the Siena Awards 2025, the International Photography Awards 2025, and the International Travel Photo Awards.

In 2024, he received the Rising Talent Award from Travel Photographer of the Year, the world’s most prestigious travel photography competition. That same year, he was named one of AAP’s Emerging Talents to Watch.
In 2025, three of his photographs were selected for Around the World with the Leica, a major exhibition held at the Leica headquarters in Wetzlar to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. Chosen from over one million images submitted by more than 65,000 photographers worldwide, this recognition placed his work at the heart of Leica’s global centennial celebration.
His images have been published in Leica Fotografie International, All About Photo, Digital Camera, and various specialized media. His work travels the world—from Miami to Paris, Arles, Venice, Marrakech, Los Angeles and Rome.
Beyond photography, Thibault is committed to supporting humanitarian causes through his work. A board member of The Forgotten International since 2019, he donates a portion of his book and print sales to fund solidarity projects.