York photographer up for Down’s Syndrome Association award

David Kenward from Wheldrake has reached the finals of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ international photography competition with two of his images.

"I am very happy and excited. I am proud of myself," said David.

"I enjoy taking my camera with me on walks and holidays.

"It's fun! I see things and take photos of what I see. I makes me really happy when people like the photos I take."

David, who has just turned 34 went to Wheldrake primary school before going on to Fulford School and then Askham Bryan College, currently works two days a week with the gardening co-operative supported by Blueberry Academy.

He has one day a week at Beetle Bank Farm, also supported by Blueberry, and on Wednesdays he can be found in the Blueberry Pop-up shop in Walmgate where they stock and sell his photos along with many lovely things made by the workshop.

When asked what inspires him, David said: "Anything that catches my eye. I love wildlife and landscapes and also patterns and shapes. I like different sunbursts through leaves and sunsets.'

About his shortlisted image, The Gannet Youth Club, the finalist said: "I took this on a boat trip round the Isle of Noss in Shetland.

"The guide called it the youth club because they are all young gannets hanging out and strutting their stuff. It was full of noise and movement."

David Kenward's Gannet Youth Club (Image: David Kenward) The competition is open to people who have Down's Syndrome from across the world. This year, entries came from as far away as Guatemala, India, South Africa, Australia and the USA and included adult and child categories as well as a short film category.

The finalists will be invited to attend a special awards ceremony in London at the historic Normansfield Theatre in the Langdon Down Centre on November 7 where the winners will be announced across several categories.

My Perspective competition aims to give people who have Down's syndrome the opportunity to showcase the world through their eyes. Rather than being the focus of the images, here photographers with the condition have flipped the lens and have a chance to use the images they have captured to convey stories that are most important to them.

To vote in the People’s Choice Award here. Voting closes on Friday, October 4.