Asiilbek, a nomadic Kazakh eagle hunter, Mongolia

Captured here is Asiilbek, a Kazakh eagle hunter racing across the wide open plains of western Mongolia. His golden eagle is perched on his arm, wings spread wide as if ready to take flight. The white horse splashes through a shallow stream, frozen mid-stride, while behind them rolling hills and a moody sky stretch toward the horizon. The thick coat, traditional embroidered hat, and ornate saddle all speak to a way of life that has barely changed in centuries.

Eagle hunting, known as berkutchi, is an ancient tradition among the Kazakh people, passed down through generations. Hunters train golden eagles to catch foxes and hares across the harsh winter landscape, forming a deep bond with the birds before releasing them back to the wild after several years. Eric Esterle, a photographer drawn to remote cultures, made this image in 2010 during a journey through the Altai Mountains. What makes the photograph special is its sense of motion and timing. You can almost feel the rush of cold air and hear the thunder of hooves. It is a window into a tradition that continues to survive, far from the modern world most of us know.