A stunning Cornish seascape, captured by talented photographer and passionate nature lover Stephen Lucas from Pembrokeshire, has won the inaugural Langdon Down Award at the prestigious My Perspective international photographic competition run by the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Stephen’s atmospheric black and white shot, taken while he was on holiday in Cornwall, was chosen as the winner of the first ever Langdon Down Award, a category developed especially to showcase the talent of UK entrants.

The award has been named in honour of Dr John Langdon Down, the 19th century physician whose pioneering work in changing how people with learning disabilities were viewed and treated led to the World Health Organisation taking his name when it formally classified Down’s syndrome in 1965.

The DSA was delighted when the philanthropist’s great great grandson and renowned portrait photographer Rory Langdon-Down agreed to sponsor and judge this new award.

Stephen from Fishguard was inspired by his brother Owen, also a keen photographer, to take up the art.

Living by the coast, Stephen has a particular love for whales, dolphins and birds, and most of his work focuses on his passion for nature. Stephen is also an active member of the Sea Trust conservation organisation.

Having previously been a finalist for other categories in the My Perspective competition, Stephen said he was thrilled to be the winner of this special new award.

“I’m very happy and proud to win this award. I’ve entered before, so it is amazing to win such a special prize in this competition. I love nature, and especially sealife animals, and it’s great I can also take photos of my special place,” he said.

Rory Langdon-Down says Stephen’s combination of craftmanship and striking subject matter made him a thoroughly deserving winner

“There is a wonderful depth to the photograph with layers of foreground to background and sea to sky creating a rich composition, and the wide framing adds to the cinematic style. The creative decision to present this photograph in black and white further elevates its striking nature and immediately makes it feel timeless and a clear standalone image deserving of the award,” he remarked.

The annual My Perspective competition aims to give people who have Down’s syndrome the chance to flip the lens and capture how they see the world instead of the other way around. This year encouraged a record number of entries, with over 250 entries from countries around the world.

The images showcase a wonderful and unique kaleidoscope of colour, urban scenes, intimate portraits and the natural world, from talented photographers as young as four years old.

Carol Boys OBE, Chief Executive at the Down’s Syndrome Association commented: “I’m thrilled for Stephen. His stunning photograph, which captures both the power and soothing aspect of nature, is a very worthy winner of the inaugural Langdon Down Award.”

Stephen, accompanied by members of his family, was in London for the My Perspective ceremony on November 6 at the Langdon Down Centre in London to receive his award.