“For many years, I have wanted to visit South Sudan. However, for decades the country has been torn by civil war, making it complicated to find a reliable guide to lead me there. A peace agreement was recently put in place, providing me with the opportunity to visit in November and again in January. Ever since I was a child, I have dreamt of capturing a photo like this, and despite the challenge to get there, it was worth the risk. It was the middle of winter camp for the Mundari Tribe, a season where their efforts focus on leading their cattle to the best grass. The boys are in charge of taking care of the cows, ensuring that they are safely secured throughout the night. In the early morning, the animals make their way to greener pastures, and in the evening, they return to camp. Since part of the young men’s responsibilities is to make sure that the cows make it back, they typically find a higher vantage point to ensure the herd makes it home. This image shows a boy on lookout who strategically chose to climb to the roof of a hut under construction.
The dust from the cows’ movement and the silhouette created such a powerful scene at sunset. What I love most about this moment is the depiction of daily life for these remarkable people. Despite hosting very few strangers to their land, their hospitality during a difficult time, when the cows need constant monitoring, was incredibly warm and sincere.
After I took this photograph, the boy ran over to me and asked to see the image. A few weeks later, a friend visited the same tribe, and I sent a printed copy with him to gift the young boy. Excitedly, the boy could not believe that his image was on paper, and this will forever be an incredible feeling for me.” ? @ericlafforgue?South Sudan ?? Best Travel Photo
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