Kazakh Eagle Hunter Photographs- Portrait Series

Sam Faulkner’s series of photographic portraits of traditional eagle hunters from the town of Nura, Kazakhstan, captures a centuries-old practice that is both majestic and fragile. The series depicts the powerful bond between these hunters and their golden eagles—birds trained from a young age to hunt small prey like foxes, rabbits, and even wolves. Each photograph is a testament to the trust, skill, and dedication required to nurture this relationship, which has its roots in the days of Genghis Khan.

Set against the rugged landscapes of Central Asia, the portraits are a blend of documentary realism and fine art, showcasing the hunters in traditional Kazakh clothing, adorned with intricate patterns and furs that speak to both utility and heritage. With their eagles perched on their gloved arms, the hunters exude strength and pride, embodying a connection that transcends the mere act of hunting—this is a collaboration between man and nature that demands patience and respect. Faulkner’s deliberate use of natural light and stylised compositions heightens the impact of each image, adding a timeless quality that brings out the character of both the hunter and the bird.

The tradition of eagle hunting faced severe challenges during the Soviet era, when the government branded it a relic of the past and sought to eliminate it. Many feared that the tradition would vanish entirely, as numbers dwindled and the cultural practice was forced underground. But with the fall of communism, eagle hunting has experienced a remarkable revival. Today, it stands as a celebrated symbol of Kazakh identity, resilience, and a living link to the past. Faulkner’s work captures this delicate balance between preservation and change, offering a nuanced portrait of a practice that has evolved while remaining rooted in its ancient origins.

The Eagle Hunters of Nura series marks a significant moment in Faulkner’s career, as it blends his reportage roots with a more stylised, contemplative approach. Moving beyond his earlier documentary work, this project captures the tension between tradition and modernity, making it a poignant reflection on heritage, resilience, and the human spirit. Each portrait, framed with the stark Mongolian landscape as a backdrop, draws the viewer into a world that feels both distant and immediate—a reminder that the past, though seemingly lost, can still take flight again.