In East Java, Indonesia lies Kawah Ijen volcano, 11.500 ft tall,
topped with a large caldera and a 650 ft-deep lake of sulfuric acid.
The quietly active volcano emits gases through fumaroles inside
the crater, and local miners have tapped those gases to earn a
living.
The first miners arrived here fifty years ago. Stone and ceramic
pipes cap the fumaroles, and inside, the sulfur condenses into a
molten red liquid, dripping down and solidifying into pure sulfur.
Miners hack chunks off with steel bars, braving extremely
dangerous gases and liquids with minimal protection, then load up
as much as they can carry for the several kilometers to the
weighing station.
Loads can weigh from 170 to 220 lbs, and a single miner might
make as many as two or three trips in a day.
At the end of a long day, miners take home approximately 6 $.
The sulfur is then used for vulcanizing rubber, bleaching sugar
and other industrial processes nearby.
Fumes of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide attack
mucous membranes, lungs, eyes and skin. The life expectancy of
these men rarely exceeds 50 years.
French-American, Valerie Leonard travels the world following her theme that she named “Labours of Hercules" where she attempts to show with utmost respect the dignity of women and men living and working in particularly hostile environments.
She takes the time to live with the people and be fully accepted before starting her work.
There is no staging, with patience and respect, she waits for the right moment, the right light to tell the truth, but in terms of beauty.
Far from seeking aesthetic or false compassion she intends to change the way we see a forgotten humanity.
Awards 2018
1st Prize Zoom Photo Festival Saguenay. Canada.
Hon.Mention PX3 Paris/ Press/ Book Documentary
Hon.Mention PX3 Paris/ Press/ Feature Story
2017
Silver Medal ND Awards/ Editorial Environment
Hon.Mention ND Awards/ General news
Winner Pollux Awards/ Documentary
Hon.Mention SDN
Hon.Mention IPA/ Environmental
2016
Bronze star Award ND Awards/ People, Travel
2nd Prize APA Awards/ Documentary Editorial
Gold Medal Documentary Book Prix PX3 Paris
Nom. Fine Art Photography Awards/ Portrait, Travel, Animals, People
2nd Prize "The Other Hundred" Educator's edition
1st Prize Florida Museum Photographic Arts/ Nature, Animals
2015
Honorable Mention IPA
Finalist 7th Julia Margaret Cameron Award 4 categories
Honorable Mention Fine Art Photography Awards
Remarkable Award Siena Photography Awards
Honorable Mention ND Awards 6 categories
2014
Silver Star. ND Awards.
Shortlisted Sony World Photography Awards.
Honor. Mention IPA Category People Children
2013
Finalist Travel Photographer go the Year.
Honor. Mention Best of Photography
Honor. Mention IPA Category One shot/one world.
Nominee Nature Images Awards
Nominee Oasis Photo Contest.
Honor. Mention. Winner of PX Paris.
2012
Honor. Mention. Wildlife IPA .
Honor. Mention. People IPA
Bronze Medal. Art en Capital. Grand Palais. Paris
Photographer of the month National Geographic French website.
2011
1st Prize National Geographic. France
