Six-year-old Orla Rawlinson, from Brixton in London, has reached the finals of an international photography competition.
Orla, captured the imagination of the judges for her shot entitled ‘Museum of the Moon’, taken at Bolton Abbey on a trip with her family during a half term holiday, and she’s now reached the final of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ photography competition.
Orla said, on reaching the shortlist: ‘I am really happy! I like to do things myself and do my best. My parents are super chuffed and proud of their little photographer.’
Luke Jerram, the artist who created Museum of the Moon, commented:
‘The Museum of the Moon artwork is intended to capture people’s imaginations so I am delighted that it has inspired Orla to create this image and I wish her the very best of luck for the competition!’
Orla told us about her love for photography: ‘I love looking at pictures. I like getting hold of my parents’ phone and looking back through the pictures they have taken and the things we have done over the last few months. Then I like to turn on the camera and take my own photos! Taking photos is a way for me to explore my world.’
Orla said she likes to take photos of everyone in her life, and has even started her own Instagram account to document it.
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. This year was the first time the competition included a children’s category.
Orla 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.
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 Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ 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.
