Jonathan’s in final of Downs’ syndrome photo competition

Jonathan Grosvenor captured the imagination of the judges for his photo entitled ‘Mops’, which saw him reach the final of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ photography competition.

Jonathan’s picture is a photo of his grandmother who he calls ‘Mops’.

The 29-year-old said: “I feel proud to have reached the final. It is cool and amazing.

“My grandparents came to visit at Christmas so I took lots of pictures.

“I thought it would be a good idea to take some pictures in the garden.

“It was quite difficult to get the lighting right.

“It was quite dark but I like the way that the reds stand out in the picture against the dark background of my grandmother’s lipstick, the berries, and the fairy lights.”

The competition is open to people with Down’s syndrome from across the world with this year’s entries coming from as far away as Iran, Canada, USA, Australia and India.

This isn’t the first time Jonathan has entered the competition. Last year he also made the shortlist and is keeping his fingers crossed for win this year.

He added: “It makes me happy to take photos. I take lots and lots and show them on the television when my grandparents visit.”

Jonathan and 24 other finalists have been invited to attend a special ceremony in London on Tuesday, where the winners will be announced.

The competition gives budding photographers who live with the condition a chance to show off their talents to a group of industry professionals.

In years gone by, people with Down’s syndrome were photographed as exhibits – the viewer was not supposed to see the person, just the difference.

The competition aims to turn the camera around and give people with Down’s syndrome the chance to show the world from their point of view. This year, there will be two winners – one picked by a group of judges and one picked by members of the public.

To vote, visit www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-people-with-downs-syndrome/my-perspective-2019.