Dove on its head, dove in a dive flight

Belgian photographer Lucas Castel explores the world of pigeon racing in his photo book "Pigeon Paradise," showcasing manipulated poses of racing pigeons. The sport has drastically declined from 300,000 enthusiasts during WWII to about 13,000 today, yet remaining participants are deeply committed. Castel's project began with the famous pigeon New Kim, sold for 1.6 million euros, which he chose to portray as an art object rather than a news moment. The mystery of how pigeons navigate home over long distances remains unsolved, with theories suggesting they may use exceptional hearing, magnetic fields, or smell. Castel emphasizes that the sport's allure lies in this mystery.