Portraits for Downs Syndrome Association

I was very honoured to be asked to create a series of portraits for Downs Syndrome Association. The Idea was to inject a dose of glamour, a provocative edge and a nod to the worlds of fashion and Hollywood into the photos. Mix this with a few props, a couple of story ideas and let Alex work his magic. The result hopefully, is a set of images that put a smile on your face and raise an eyebrow at the same time. Possibly even raise a question or two.
We live in a time where inclusivity is at the fore front of social thinking, where old ideas and stigmas are slowly being torn apart around race, ethnicity and minority groups. I like the idea of challenging how we see Down’s syndrome and trying to push those boundaries. Having spent time working with Alex and getting to know him, underlined just how much he had to give and offer to this project.
Being put in front of a camera and asked to act a certain way when people are stood watching you, is no mean feat. Yet for Alex it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to do. There were no boundaries or obstacles because of Alex’s Down’s syndrome. There was just Alex, his energy, his enthusiasm, his professionalism and his amazing personality.