3rd place
bronze star award
VALERIE LEONARD
france 
title
THE LAST NOMADS OF IRAN
The Qashqais are nomadic people of Iran, in the process of settlement.
They are shepherds who lead their flocks of goats, traveling North in summer and South in winter; covering a distance of almost 5,000 miles with more than 70 stops on the way.
Traditionally, the nomadic tribes have kept large herds of sheep and goats, which have provided the main source of red meat for Iran. During migrations the tribes trade their live animals, wool, hair, hides, dairy products, and various knotted and woven textiles (carpets) with villagers and townspeople, in return for manufactured and agricultural goods that the nomads are unable to produce.
Under their tent, I found an open, warm welcome, full of generosity.
The harsh desert conditions of this mountainous region, is the home to stockbreeders. Surprisingly this is found in a country which is the world’s 29th economic power.
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 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 courage of those living in difficult conditions.
back to gallery
entry description
THE QASHQAI, THE LAST NOMADS OF IRANThe Qashqais are nomadic people of Iran, in the process of settlement.
They are shepherds who lead their flocks of goats, traveling North in summer and South in winter; covering a distance of almost 5,000 miles with more than 70 stops on the way.
Traditionally, the nomadic tribes have kept large herds of sheep and goats, which have provided the main source of red meat for Iran. During migrations the tribes trade their live animals, wool, hair, hides, dairy products, and various knotted and woven textiles (carpets) with villagers and townspeople, in return for manufactured and agricultural goods that the nomads are unable to produce.
Under their tent, I found an open, warm welcome, full of generosity.
The harsh desert conditions of this mountainous region, is the home to stockbreeders. Surprisingly this is found in a country which is the world’s 29th economic power.
about the photographer
Born in Paris, french-american, 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 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 courage of those living in difficult conditions.
back to gallery
