Cambodia is often associated with the archaeological splendor of
the Angkor temples.
But the remains of a rich and prosperous civilization make us
forget that this country has been deeply scarred by the genocide
of the Khmer Rouge, an thirty years of war.
Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in the world: 35% of
the population lives below the poverty line, 92% are located in
rural areas.
My theme of "Labors of Hercules" found all its resonance in
Cambodia.
Seth 14 years is a frog hunter. He goes everyday into the jungle in
search of big frogs. He dives into ponds to catch small frogs which
he uses to lure big frogs hidden in the bushes. His parents are rice
farmers and don't have enough money to buy meat. Seth brings
daily to his family a few frogs which will compensate the lack of
proteins.
On associe souvent le Cambodge à la splendeur archéologique des
temples d'Angkor.
Mais les vestiges d'une civilisation riche et prospère nous font
oublier que ce pays a été profondément meurtri par le génocide
des Khmers Rouges, et trente années de guerre.
Le Cambodge est aujourd’hui l’un des pays les plus pauvres au
monde : 35% de la population vit en dessous du seuil de pauvreté,
92% se situant en zone rurale.
Ma thématique des "Travaux d'Hercule" a trouvé au Cambodge
toute sa résonnance
Seth a 14 ans c'est un chasseur de grenouilles.
Tous les jours il part dans la jungle à la recherche de grosses
grenouilles.
Il plonge dans les étangs pour attraper de petites grenouilles dont
il se sert pour appâter les grosse grenouilles cachées dans les
buissons.
Ses parents sont fermiers et cultivent le riz. Ils n'ont pas les
moyens d'acheter de la viande. Seth apporte quotidiennement à sa
famille quelques grenouilles qui compenseront le manque de
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
