Today we’d like to introduce you to Thibault Gerbaldi.
Hi Thibault, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
An avid traveler, I’ve long been drawn to the diversity of cultures and the power of landscapes. Photography naturally became a way to document and share experiences that words often fail to convey. Entirely self-taught, I use it as an artistic escape—a medium to express empathy, connect with people and cultures, and create emotion.
A formative journey to Ethiopia marked a turning point and led me to self-publish my first book during the COVID lockdowns, followed by projects in Namibia and beyond. This work resulted in several books, a first solo exhibition at Leica Miami, and participation in international exhibitions. Across my photography, I explore the tension between fragile landscapes and the strength of the communities who inhabit them, while also engaging in philanthropic work as a board member of The Forgotten International.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Artistically, the journey has been smooth and intuitive. The real challenge has been time. Balancing a demanding professional life with two young children inevitably limits how much space photography can take. I often use family vacations as opportunities to travel and photograph at the same time, which requires discipline and focus.
If anything, my main frustration is not having more time—time to stay longer, to slow down further, and to spend deeper moments with the communities I document. That constraint has shaped my approach, pushing me to work with attention and intention in the limited windows I have.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work sits between travel, documentary, and fine-art photography. I focus on remote landscapes and the communities who inhabit them, often in environments shaped by extremes—deserts, high plateaus, Arctic regions, or volcanic terrains. Rather than seeking spectacle, I’m interested in quiet moments and in the relationship between people and the environments they live in.
I’m best known for exploring the tension between fragile or changing landscapes and the strength, adaptability, and dignity of human cultures—whether among Andean alpaca farmers, Mongolian eagle hunters, or pastoral communities in Africa. My approach is empathetic and observational, aiming to create images that feel both grounded and emotionally resonant.
What I’m most proud of is having built this body of work independently, entirely self-taught, alongside a demanding professional life. I’m also proud of using photography beyond exhibition walls—through self-published books, collaborations with non-profits, and projects that support communities directly.
What sets me apart is the balance I try to maintain: between artistic expression and factual storytelling, between aesthetics and respect, and between travel photography and long-term intention. I work with time constraints, but with care—choosing depth over accumulation, and connection over consumption.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from and be supported by a few key people along the way. Early on, photography teachers in New York and later in Miami played an important role in helping me refine my eye, better understand composition, and gain confidence in my work. Their guidance helped me move from intuition to intention.
Beyond direct mentorship, I’ve also been deeply influenced by photographers whose work I admire, particularly Steve McCurry. While not a mentor in the personal sense, his approach to storytelling, color, and human presence has been a lasting source of inspiration.
I’m equally grateful to the friends, family, and members of the photography community who encouraged me early on—whether by offering honest feedback, supporting my first self-published books, or simply believing in the work before it had wider exposure. Their support was essential in turning a personal passion into something shared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.tgcrossroads.com
- Instagram: @tg_crossroads
Image Credits
Myself
