In Romania, on the Black Sea, people cover their bodies with thick black mud rich in organic matter, good for the treatment of various diseases such as arthritis, skin ailments and beneficial for overall well-being. A swim in the lake gently and ecologically washes the mud off, sustainably recycling it. Residents of the region have been coming here their whole lives, while visitors from other parts of Romania and elsewhere generally come for a week or two combining specialized treatments at the sanatorium with regular visits to the lake.
Belgian photojournalist Alain Schroeder has been working in the industry for over four decades. First as a sports photographer in the 80s, then shooting books and editorial pieces in art and human stories. In 2013, he uprooted his life, trading-in his shares in Reporters, to pursue life on the road with a camera. He now travels the world shooting stories focusing on social issues and people. He has won many international awards including Nikon Japan, Nikon Belgium, TPOTY, Istanbul Photo, Days Japan, Trieste, PX3, IPA, MIFA, BIFA, PDN, the Fence, LensCulture, Siena, POYI and World Press.
