This placing picture by French photographer Guillaume Petermann simply acquired Merit recognition in AAP Magazine #53: Travels. Captured on Lake Manchar in Sindh Province, Pakistan, the {photograph} paperwork one of many world’s most extraordinary and endangered fishing traditions.
This uncommon custom highlights a vanishing lifestyle between people and nature, a bond that has endured for hundreds of years, and exhibits its cultural significance. What makes this merit-winning picture so compelling is the quiet authority Petermann captured. There’s no spectacle – solely belief, ritual, and a deep understanding of the pure world.
Shot with an ideal do-it-all DSLR for professional photographers – the Nikon D850, paired with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens – it stood out among thousands of international submissions.
The story behind the awarded shot
The image portrays Ali Kasghar, one of the last masters of an ancient technique practiced by the Mohana people, often referred to as the “bird people” – a fishing community who have lived for generations on the waters of Lake Manchar, Pakistan’s largest freshwater lake, located in Sindh Province.
Birds – herons, cormorants, pelicans – are central to their culture, survival, and identity. Unlike conventional fishing practices, the Mohana have developed an intimate relationship with these animals, training them to assist in hunting and fishing.
Petermann explains the ancient technique, “Submerged up to the neck, with a stuffed bird fixed on his head as camouflage, Kasghar glides slowly across the lake’s surface. Led by a live bird tethered to the end of a slender branch, he approaches other birds without alarming them until the final moment. Fooled by the decoy, the birds suspect nothing. He snatches them with lightning speed.”
Why the Nikon D850 remains a powerhouse for documentary and travel photography
Despite being nearly a decade old (released in August 2017), the Nikon D850 continues to deliver outstanding results in a mirrorless camera world. It has some limitations, but its high-resolution full-frame sensor excels at rendering fine detail.
Renowned for its rugged build, reliable handling, and exceptional dynamic range, the D850 remains a favorite among photographers working in remote locations. Its ability to balance resolution, speed, and durability makes it especially well-suited for travel photography, cultural documentation, and long-term storytelling.
AAP Magazine #53: Travels
The AAP Magazine #53: Travels edition highlights 25 outstanding photographers from 13 countries across four continents, showcasing projects that explore landscapes, culture, ritual, labor, wildlife, and identity.
You can explore Petermann’s merit-winning image alongside the full selection of winning works in the AAP Magazine #53: Travels Gallery. For this, visit the AAP Magazine website.
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