A North Yorkshire photographer has reached the final of an international competition showcasing the talents and perspectives of people with Down’s syndrome.
David Kenward, from Wheldrake in York, was recognised in the Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) global contest, My Perspective, which celebrates the photographic talents of individuals with Down’s syndrome from around the world.
Shortlisted for his evocative image Lonely Tree in a Field, Mr Kenward captured a solitary tree standing in a field of gold under a moody dark sky.
David Kenward, has made it to the finals of My Perspective
(Image: David Kenward)
He said: "It made me think the lonely tree was guarding the bright yellow field.
"I feel very excited, proud and happy. It makes me smile and makes me feel confident…
"It makes me happy when people like my photos."
A nature lover who enjoys photography during his walks, Mr Kenward said he is drawn to landscapes, wildlife, and the shapes and colours he encounters in nature.
He said: "I like landscapes and wildlife photos.
"I like the colours, shapes and patterns I see as I walk along.
"I like being near water and in woods where there is always lots of light patterns."
Mr Kenward’s photo was selected from more than 150 entries worldwide and is now in the running for the Judges’ Choice Award in the adult category of the competition.
He is up against other finalists from countries including India, Australia, Costa Rica, Madagascar, New Zealand, Guatemala, Canada, the USA, Pakistan, France, Singapore and the UAE.
The My Perspective competition was established 16 years ago by the DSA to provide a platform for people with Down’s syndrome to share their unique view of the world.
This year’s judging panel includes Rory Langdon-Down, great-great-grandson of Dr John Langdon Down, the physician after whom the syndrome is named.
He said: "Selecting finalists for the My Perspective photography competition is never easy, but year on year it gets even harder to make our choices as the competition breeds stronger photography from more photographers in more territories.
"These perspectives created by the eyes of the photographers, each with their own story, is exactly what makes this competition so unique, and as a viewer you truly feel like you are seeing photographs that could not have been made by anybody else.
"We as the audience are lucky to enjoy such talent."
The finalists’ images will also be entered into the People’s Choice Awards, which invites members of the public to vote for their favourites.
Winners will be announced in September.
Carol Boys OBE, chief executive of the DSA, said: "David’s talent for capturing his love of nature through the art of photography is very much on show in his stunning photo.
"We wish all the finalists the very best.
"The competition was very tough this year so getting this far is already an amazing achievement."
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Beyond photography, Mr Kenward enjoys a range of hobbies including table tennis, snooker, darts, and football.
He also values time spent on ‘lads’ weekends’ with friends.
The My Perspective competition is now in its 16th year.