Mamtu is 14, she's a member of Bobas tribes. In Rajasthan, it is
not uncommon to see people with green eyes.
Among the lower castes are Bopa Kalbeliya and gypsies. Despite
their lower status, they are proud of their roots.
They earn their living by performing songs and dances or selling
fabrics and traditional jewelry.
I met Mamtu during the "Kumbh Mela". Each year, in the holy city
of Pushkar built at the edge of a lake, near the Thar Desert, takes
place the "Camel
fair" or "Kumbh Mela".
For 12 days in the largest cattle fair in Asia, farmers Rabaris then
camp on the sand dunes to sell a few thousand camels to
customers from all over
India.
Mamtu's parents travel all year round, from fair to fair, selling
fabrics and embroidered clothing.
In each village they set up their tent that they use as well as a
stand to present their products, as a place to live.
Mamtu, like most children of her caste, doesn't go to school. Her
parents cannot afford it and moreover, they rely on the help of
their daughter in their
business.
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
