Bristol teen with Down’s syndrome reaches the final of international photography competition

A Bristol teenager with Down’s syndrome has reached the finals of an international photography competition - with a series of selfies.

Rosie Clutterbuck, 14, wowed judges with her photos - black and white self portrait images called ‘Rosie Jet’ and ‘Cosmic Rosie’.

The teen is competing in the Down’s syndrome Association’s ‘My Perspective’ international photo competition.

It gives budding photographers who have the genetic condition a chance to show off their talents to a group of industry professionals.

Rosie says she wants to take part to support others with Down’s syndrome, inspired by the rapper Aitch, who is a Patron of the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Rosie said: “I feel pleased that I have reached my goal. When I see myself in a photo I feel wild and free in the way of expressing my talent.

“Aitch inspires me because I love rap music and he has a sister with Down’s syndrome who he wrote a song about.

“Singing brings the love in my creativity to life. I am inspired by things that I watch including cartoons, dramas, films and theatre.

“I support people with Down’s syndrome because I have it too, I support them expressing themselves in the talents that they love to do.”

Rosie, as well as a keen photographer, says she loves speech-writing, dancing and music.

Describing her photos, she described ‘Rosie Jet’ as “a selfie of a cool person who likes to sing. I have adapted it using different settings.”

Speaking about ‘Cosmic Rosie’, she added: “‘This person is going out with her friends to a live gig. It is a selfie I have edited using the different settings on my phone.”

Rosie is one of 30 finalists in the competition, which includes entries from India, South Africa and North America.

As a finalist, Rosie will get the chance to attend a special ceremony in London on October 12 where the winners will be announced.

The Down’s Syndrome Association say they hope that the event will help ‘turn the camera around’ on people with the genetic condition.

A spokesperson for the group added: “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.

“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.”