/ 2025 / /

• Prize
  Curator Selection
• Photographer
  France Leclerc, United States
• Category
  Americas
• Website
  http://www.franceleclerc.com
• Instagram
  franceleclerc

The charreada, a traditional Mexican rodeo-like event, dates back to the 16th century. It features a series of scored equestrian suertes—or skills—performed under strict rules. The charros (Mexican horsemen) are truly impressive, executing daring maneuvers and displaying incredible skill with the rope.
However, what I enjoyed most at this charreada held in Atzompa, Oaxaca state, was the ceremonial aspect of the event, especially watching the women and young girls dressed in colorful Adelita dresses, a traditional outfit named after a legendary female fighter of the Mexican Revolution. Olé!

France Leclerc, born in Quebec, Canada, is an independent photographer who currently lives in Chicago. Her early career was in academia, but she decided to make a change to pursue her true passion for photography. The most prominent themes of her work are culture (especially disappearing ones), gender, and social inequality. She likes to describe her work as “life photography”, though her approach is a mix between documentary and street photography.

Awards 2023 LensCulture Photography Festival, Third Place
2022 Miami Street Photography Festival, Third Place
2021 PX3 Gold Medal Street Photography Category
2021 PX3 Bronze Medal Press Category
2021 PX3 State of the World, Shortlisted
2021 Portrait of Humanity, Finalist
2021 IPA Award People and Lifestyle, Honorable Mention
2021 Siena International Photo Award, Journeys, and Adventure, Honorable Mention