Nomad Hunters and Migration

Three documentary works in Mongolia are on display here. Please read the synopsis at the end of this page.

 
 

  • Eagle Hunters — Only around 400 traditional eagle hunters are left in the world. The tradition is precious and unless your father was an eagle hunter, you cannot become one. Joel has been documenting Eagle Hunters since 2015.

  • Tsaatan (Reindeer people) — 1000 km into the depths of Northern Mongolia to visit the Ganbaa family, near Khovsgol Lake, led by matriarch Purev, a widowed reindeer herder. Joel has been documenting the Tsaatan since 2016.

  • Nomad Kazakh Migration — Largely based in Western Mongolia, Kazakhs are a nomadic people who brave blizzards, extreme hot and cold weather and rocky mountain paths several times a year. Joel has been documenting migrations since 2015.

 

Photos can be purchased for printing and/or licensing. Please contact for inquires. Check Terms and Conditions. All images © Joel Santos

 

why not take a look at these videos?

Navigate the snowy wilds of Mongolia with this nomadic reindeer herding family. Photographer Joel Santos dived 1000 km into the depths of Northern Mongolia to visit the Ganbaa family near Khovsgol Lake.

Follow these nomadic families across the brutal landscape of Mongolia as they move their entire lives 150km through the mountains.

Eagle Hunters - In 2015 and 2016, videographer and photographer Joel Santos travelled for several days across Mongolia to reach their remote homes of the Kazakh nomads and witness the stringent training they endure to bond with their eagles.