Six-year-old girl reaches finals of international photography exhibition

A six-year-old girl has made her way to the finals of an international photography competition.

Orla Rawlinson, from Brixton, captured the imagination of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s My Perspective competition judges with a shot she took on a family holiday. 

The My Perspective competition is open to people who have Down’s syndrome from across the world. 

The picture Museum of the Moon – which has gone down as a great success in the competition so far – was taken in Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, North Yorkshire.

Orla said: “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.”

Orla’s picture features a seven metre, internally lit installation created by artist Luke Jerram, which is suspended in the Priory Church.

She said: “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 past 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.”

Mr Jerram, the artist who created Museum of the Moon, said: “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.”

This year entries came from as far away as India, South Africa, Canada and the US. 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 October 12, where the winners will be announced. 

A spokesman from the Down’s Syndrome Association said: “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. 

“My Perspective aims to turn the camera around and give people with Down’s syndrome the chance to show the world from their point of view.”

The competition closes on September 25. To vote and view all entries visit: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/our-voice/my-perspective/

Pictured top: Orla Rawlinson (Picture: Down’s Syndrome Association)