Sam Downing the very talented Photographer

We were delighted to receive the following article from Marc Downing  whose son Sam (19) has been working with him at his Photographic studio.

This should be an inspiration to everyone of just how talented all of our children can be with a little time and help, Congratulations Sam on a wonderful achievement and looking forward to seeing many many more of your great photos.

I thought I would tell you about a recent achievement of Sam’s that you may like to include on line or in your magazine.

Sam has been assisting me on photographic trips for years, mostly carrying a tripod and helping to set up. A couple of years ago my partner Katie said that I should give Sam a camera and see what he can do. The results have been brilliant and led to to submitting a selection for the 2013 DSA My Perspective Photographic competition. This is national competition for young people with Down’s Syndrome to showcase their talent.
We were very excited when one of Sam’s pictures was short listed and we were invited to an awards evening to be held at Kew Gardens. It was a shortlist of 25 photos, all of which would receive a certificate and be included in the ‘My Perspective’ exhibition that will tour the country.
The awards evening was wonderful. It was held in the Orangery at Kew gardens on a hot June evening. We were greeted with drinks and canapés
and spent some time looking at all the entries which had be mounted and placed around the room. It was a very social event and Sam enjoyed
engaging with the other photographers and celebrities.

Sam stepped forward with delight to receive a runner up certificate from Emma Barton (Eastenders), and applauded all the other entrants as
they received their awards. All the entries can be viewed via the DSA website.

The rest of the evening was spent with more drinks, ice cream and socialising. It was an unforgettable evening that we hope to be invited
back to next year, fingers crossed.

Marc Downing