A man from Hove, Steven Padmore, has reached the finals of an international photography competition.
Steven captured the imagination of the judges for two of his shots, and has now reached the final of the Downâs Syndrome Associationâs My Perspective photography competition.
Stephen said: “I feel delighted to be shortlisted. I can’t believe it! I enjoy taking photographs because it makes memories, reminding me about the places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen. I especially like photographing animals and birds, sunsets and reflections. I once went on a photography day at a wildlife centre and took pictures of the animals really close up. It was so exciting.”
He said of his stunning photograph Pigeon Flight: “I spotted this pigeon from my kitchen window. It was coming in to land on the bird table and take all the food! I could see all the details on its feathers.”
Of Windmill Sunset he told us: “We were walking back home when I turned around and saw this lovely sunset. I like the way the windmill is in the shadow with the bright golden light behind it illuminating the street lamp.”
When asked what inspires him, Steven said: “I always take my camera when I go out and about as I never know what I might see. My friends and family enjoy seeing my photos and that inspires me. A few years ago I held an exhibition of some of my photographs at a local cafe and I was so happy when people said how much they liked them.”
Steven also enjoys drawing and painting, meeting friends, gardening and cooking. He told us: “I go on a Health Walk every week in the park and we always have a coffee and cake at the end of the walk! I also enjoy my part-time job at the British Red Cross charity shop.”
The My Perspective competition is open to people who have Down’s syndrome from across the world. This year entries came from as far away as India, South Africa, Canada and USA and included a childâs category for the first time.
Steven and 29 other finalists will be invited to attend a special ceremony in London on 12 October where the winners will be announced.
The competition gives budding photographers who have the genetic condition a chance to show off their talents to a group of industry professionals.
VOTE AND VIEW ALL THE ENTRIES HERE – competition closes 25 September
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