Totnes Woman in Finals of International Photography Competition
Sita Dommett from Totnes, has reached the finals of an international photography competition.
Sita, captured the imagination of the judges for his shot entitled ‘Calm’, and she’s now reached the final of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ photography competition.
Sita said, on reaching the shortlist: ‘I feel happy I have my mum in a photo. I like taking photos when I go outside and on trips, I like being creative.’
The photograph features her mum enjoying a calm moment under a waterfall.
When asked what inspires her, Sita said: ‘Everything inspires me especially people, music, art, festivals, shows exciting things.’
When not taking photographs, Sita has plenty of other interests: ‘In my spare time I love to cook, listen to music, dance, paint, play tennis, badminton, basketball and swim. Body boarding, kayaking, surfing, walking camping, shows and festivals, chilling watching cooking on the TV.’
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.
Sita 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. Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Around one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down’s syndrome. There are over 40,000 people who have the condition in the UK. Everyone who has Down’s syndrome will have some degree of learning disability. The most important thing to remember is that everyone who has Down’s syndrome is an individual, with their own strengths and weaknesses and personality traits that make them who they are.
Today, people with Down’s syndrome can look forward to a life of 60 years plus. With the right support and education, people who have Down’s syndrome can achieve their goals. Increasing numbers of people are leaving home and living with support in their communities. They are gaining employment, meeting partners and getting the best out of life. We are all individuals and people who have Down’s syndrome are no different to anyone else in their character traits and temperaments.
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.
VOTE AND VIEW ALL THE ENTRIES HERE (the competition closes 25 September)