Biography
Born in 1961, to American and French parents, Valerie Leonard has always been surrounded by a world of images. Her mother was a painter, and her father, photographer, Herman Leonard.
When she presses the shutter, she remembers the doctrine of her father: "Always tell the Truth, but in terms of Beauty". Valerie
Leonard strives for her work to embody to this search for truth and beauty of human beings, whatever their origin or wealth. Far from
seeking aesthetic or false compassion, she wants to show the dignity and courage of these women and men, in particularly hostile
environments.
Throughout her trips around the world she focused her work particularly on a theme that she named “Labours of Hercules”.
A series of photographs where she attempts to show with utmost respect and admiration the nobility and dignity of those living in difficult conditions.
Awards:
- 2013: HONORABLE MENTION WINNER OF PX, Prix de la Photographie Paris , with the series "Labor in mali"
- 2012: HONORABLE MENTION IPA with "Praying Ganesh" Category nature.
- 2012: HONORABLE MENTION IPA with "Labor in Mali" category people.
- 2012: "ART EN CAPITAL" Grand Palais Paris Dec 2012 : BRONZE MEDAL
- 2012: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC France Website ,PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH, April 2012 : "Manjo's facades" Series, Cameroon
- 2011: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL'S CONTEST : 1st PRIZE with " The Shadows " from the Mali series.
