People nominee

On the coast of Koggala, in southern Sri Lanka, fishermen practise stilt fishing, a technique that emerged in the 20th century to adapt to coastal overfishing and the lack of boats. By setting wooden poles out into the water, they gain access to shoals that were once unreachable. Balance, silence, and stillness are essential to catch fish without scaring them away. Since the 2004 tsunami and the destruction of the reefs, catches have become increasingly scarce. Many fishermen have abandoned the practice, or converted it into a cultural performance, caught between preserving traditional know-how and economic necessity.

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, he funds solidarity projects through donations linked to the dissemination of his books and photographic prints.