A Family Among the Last Mountains
High in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan, a snow leopard mother raises three cubs in one of the harshest environments on Earth. From their first lessons to the day they must survive alone, this series follows a rare family and the fragile future they share with people across the Karakoram
Awards
Color Photography Contest
2026Honorable Mention
Wildlife
Professional
A Family Among the Last Mountains
High in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan, a snow leopard mother raises three cubs in one of the harshest environments on Earth. From their first lessons to the day they must survive alone, this series follows a rare family and the fragile future they share with people across the Karakoram
About Artist
Awais Ali Sheikh
Awais Ali Sheikh is an award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker born and raised in Pakistan and now based in Portugal. Driven by a lifelong passion for snow leopards, wild mammals, and birds, he focuses on capturing authentic moments that reveal the behavior, character, and stories of wildlife within their natural environments. A contributor to National Geographic, WWF, and other leading conservation organizations, Awais is particularly drawn to action, interactions, and the relationship between animals and the landscapes they inhabit. His work combines natural history, storytelling, and environmental context, aiming to portray wildlife not as isolated subjects but as part of a larger ecosystem. His photographs and films have received multiple national and international awards and have been featured and published by renowned conservation and media platforms worldwide. Through visual storytelling, he seeks to inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and the urgent need to protect the wild places that remain.
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