THE FROG HUNTER

• Prize
• Photographer
  VALERI LEONARD, France
• Studio
  VALERIE LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY
• Socials
• Website
  http://www.valerieleonard.fr

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

• Biography
  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