Photojournalism nominee

I captured this photograph in November in Pampallacta, located in the Cusco region of Peru.
Upon arriving in a village engaged in a rehearsal for their annual festivities, complete with traditional dances, I was captivated by a young girl.
What stood out to me was the determination in her expression and her evident pride in her ancestral culture.
The finesse and vibrant colors of her costume, set against the backdrop of the dark and magnificent Andean mountains, heightened the uniqueness of this encounter.
As I observed her dance, I distinctly recall the moment when her bright yellow hat seemingly transformed into a halo, as if she had transcended into a divine presence.

Self-taught photographer and passionate traveler, Thibault Gerbaldi roams the world to capture visual stories infused with emotion and authenticity.

His work has been recognized in prestigious international competitions, earning first place at the International Travel Photo Awards, second place at the PX3 (Prix de la Photographie de Paris) and the Monovision Awards, and third place at the Fine Art Photography Awards. In 2024, he received the Rising Talent Award from Travel Photographer of the Year, the world’s most prestigious travel photography competition.

His images have been published in Leica Fotografie International, All About Photo, LENS Magazine, and various specialized media. Much like Thibault himself, his work travels the world—from Miami to Paris, Venice, Los Angeles, and Rome. In 2024, his growing recognition earned him a spot among AAP’s Emerging Talents to Watch.

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 supporting marginalized communities.