Two people from Manchester reach the finals of ‘My Perspective’International Photography Competition 2023

Dominic and Poppy from Manchester have reached the finals of the ‘My Perspective’International Photography Competition 2023.

Dominic, 29, captured the imagination of the judges for his shot entitled ‘Domzilla’, and he’s now reached the final of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ photography competition.

Dominic said, on reaching the shortlist:”I feel great. I am excited to be on the shortlist. I love to be famous and make my mum proud!’

Dominic told us about his love for photography: ‘I like taking photographs of the city and editing myself in. I love films and I love Godzilla… I am Domzilla!’

When asked what inspired him, he said: “Graffiti, buildings, films.”

When not taking photographs, Dominic has plenty of other interests: “I do ceramics, textiles and drama. I like to do litter picking. I like to make music and listen to rap and hip-hop. I love to go to the cinema. I like watching wrestling.”

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.

Poppy, 27, captured the imagination of the judges for her shot entitled ‘Spooky Photography’, and she’s now reached the final of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ photography competition.

Poppy said, on reaching the shortlist: “I am proud and a little bit shocked. I took this photo using a pinhole camera.”

Poppy told us about her love for photography and how it makes her feel: “I do like making photos and making films. It makes me feel a little bit happy and a little bit loose if I’ve been a little bit anxious or stressed. I feel happy and can chill out a bit, like relaxed.”

When asked what inspired her, she said: “Ok, I’ve got three things. First one, it’s important to me, family and friends, second one, my boyfriend and I do love art so much, I like stylish clothes and models.”

Poppy also enjoys music and movies: “Music helps me when I’m moody. I’m nice and relaxed when I have music. I don’t think about my bad knee. Oh, I do like watching DVDs, movies like Beauty and the Beast and romance stuff.”

Dominic and Poppy along with 29 other finalists will be invited to attend a special ceremony in London on 12 October where the winners will be announced.