Press releases - Current

My Perspective Photographic Award - Winners Announced at Kew Gardens

In the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens, the first-ever awards for the My Perspective photographic competition were announced on Thursday 18th June in the Orangery by the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA).

My Perspective, is the first ever photography competition for people with Down's syndrome. The award is the natural follow-on from the hugely successful Shifting Perspectives exhibition. For the past six years, the DSA has been showcasing work from a fantastic collection of professional photographers who all have a personal link with Down's syndrome. In years gone by, people with Down's syndrome were photographed as exhibits, where the viewer was not supposed to see the person, just the difference. My Perspective turns the camera around and gives the subjects in front of the camera a chance to show the world from their point of view.

The 25 short-listed finalists had traveled from all the corners of the United Kingdom to hear if they had been lucky enough to win a prize.

Emma Barton actress and Patron for the Down's Syndrome Association announced the winner, two runners up and ten highly commended. Before she revealed the winner she said,
"As always I am delighted to support the DSA. I found it has been really difficult to pick an overall winner because the standard of all the finalists is so high. Remember that ALL the short listed finalists are winners".

Emma announced the winners in reversed order. All winners received a fantastic new camera to carry on their photography kindly donated by Olympus UK Ltd.

Mark Thackara, National Marketing Manager, Consumer Products for Olympus UK and My Perspective Judge said,
"Having worked at Olympus for many years, it has been a great pleasure to be part of the My Perspectives competition. The competition really embraces the basic essences of photography, capturing the joy of the moment and having that photograph to share."

The DSA extends the most sincere thanks to GlaxoSmithKline who have generously been sponsoring Shifting Perspectives since June 2005. Thanks to their continuing commitment to the DSA, Shifting Perspectives will continue to travel throughout the UK and across the globe. Joining the exhibition will be the winning photographer, Rory Davies. GlaxoSmithKline have renewed their committed to finding Shifting Perspectives and My Perspectives until 2012.

My Perspective Photographic Awards 2010

Winner - Sun by Rory Davies aged 12.
Rory could unfortunately not attend but early in the day had received the good news; he sent a message of thanks which Emma Barton read out.
"Thank you, I like looking at the view through the camera. I like using the camera, I like the way it works like a machine for your eye. My photographs make me feel happy. Winning the prize makes me feel happy, I feel like a winner. We will have a party at home. love Roryx"

Runners Up
Kernow Koi - Zoe Wilton aged 39
Angel Statue - Charlie French aged 18

Highly commended -
Summer GoGo - Billie-Jo Bailey aged 10
Grandpa - David Cormack aged 22
Red Deer Stag - David Kenward aged 19
England Boy - Graham Busby aged 24
Daddy's Foot - Hannah Dainty aged 15
Distant Chimney & Boat and Crowstone - Jonathan Grosvenor aged 20
Stackpole Flowers - Richard Young aged 25
Photo of My Boots - Thomas Gammie aged 2
Sunset at Ipanema - Victoria Campos-Davis aged 10.

The entire short listed finalists will go on exhibition at London Gallery, The Strand (formerly known as Proud Central) from 4th August - 8th August.

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For further details please contact Press and Campaigns Officer Xanthe Breen on 07787 487587 or email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to editors:

• The Down's Syndrome Association is the only organisation in this country focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down's syndrome. The national office is based in Teddington, Middlesex with over 20,000 members across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• The work of the DSA covers providing information and support for all people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers, and the professionals who work with them. We champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome and strive to improve knowledge of the condition in the wider community.

• Shifting Perspectives team explores the photographic representation of people with Down's syndrome, challenging attitudes and prejudices and examining alternative representations of both adults and children.

• Judging Panel - Emma Barton, PierreJeanJean, Richard Bailey, Fiona Yaron-Field, Susan Andrews, Christopher Deido, Gerry Coghlan, Alex Proud, Scarlet Page, Peter Bottomley MP, Duncan Learmouth, Mark Thackara and James Lyle.