with JKBoy-Jetanipat Kespradit
The dream of witnessing the legendary grandeur of Genghis Khan’s realm marked the beginningof Boy-Jetanipat Kespradit’s photography journey in Mongolia. Known as JKBoy, the adventurous photographer has won numerous global awards for his captivating images of tribes that draw the viewer in and spark curiosity about their identities.
Before becoming a documenter of the lives and stories of remote and hard-to-reach tribes, Boy was an engineer who left his regular job to become a full-time landscape photographer. For over a decade, he traveled the world to capture breathtaking landscapes, even venturing as far as Patagonia, the place renowned for the most stunning mountain views in the world. As his passion for landscape photography waned, he began seeking new inspiration.
The Altai Mountains, a land of horse-riding warriors on the border between Mongolia and Kazakhstan, became his first new destination. It was there that he encountered the tribe of golden eagle hunters, leading to the iconic image “Eagle Hunter”. The picture earned him the Overall Winner title at The International Portrait Photographer of the Year in 2022.
Apart from doing thorough research on the people and the place, another important preparation process is the art of conversation and building familiarity. More than half of the trip was often spent on getting to know the people and immersing himself in local livelihood. Boy recalls eating local foods and sleeping the Mongolian way, which was initially challenging. His multiple journey there over the years to photograph migrating tribes have led to lasting friendship that go beyond borders and race. His photos are the threads that weave these relationships together.
When compared to trekking through dense forests and unfamiliar terrain, venturing into remote locations adds another layer of challenges, like weather conditions and the vast distance from civilization, including no access to phone signals. Some places lack even basic amenities like electricity and running water. Despite these hurdles, Boy tells us that the benefits he reaps are worthwhile.
Aside from showcasing tribal identity with pride, his photographic work has brought about positive changes. In Mongolia, for instance, it has transformed into a tourist route, created livelihoods, and generated incomes for locals. Many eagle hunters, who had traditionally left for urban work, returned to their roots as his photography gained visibility. Consequently, Mongolia appointed Boy as the country’s cultural ambassador.
“The Karen [The hill tribe in Thailand] once told me that they feel their traditional attire is outdated and they hesitate to wear it in town, although its history predates ours by centuries—possibly 500-600 years. I see their customs and history as older and richer than ours, stretching back generations. They should be proud and preserve this heritage. When I take photographs, it shows that the subjects always stand with grace and pride in their ethnicity. When they see the photos, they thank me and say they feel proud to see their ancestors’ traditional attire. Receiving this feedback inspires me even more.”
It’s true that the journey is just as important as the destination. Stories of over 20 ethnic groups in ten countries have been told in the form of fine, creative piece of work comparable to livable historical records.
Often, a single image can be a powerful voice speaking for a whole group of people. Traveling allows him to learn about different lifestyles, understand unique cultures and traditions, all while gaining new perspectives on life.
“As I meet more people and immerse myself in nature, I realize that we humans are just small parts of the world. This perspective frees me from the burden of high expectations, allowing me to embrace whatever comes my way with greater acceptance.”
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