When Stephen Lucas lifts his camera to his eye, he sees more than just a landscape. For the Fishguard photographer, the sea, sky and wildlife around him are a source of inspiration, a way to connect with the world and share its beauty with others. Now, his vision has been recognised on the international stage.
Stephen’s striking black‑and‑white image of a Cornish seascape has won the very first Langdon Down Award at the My Perspective competition, an annual showcase for photographers who have Down’s syndrome. The award, named in honour of pioneering physician Dr John Langdon Down, was created this year to highlight the talent of UK entrants.
For Stephen, who has long been passionate about nature and conservation, the accolade is a dream come true. “I’m very happy and proud to win this award,” he said after receiving the prize at a ceremony in London. “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.”
Photography runs in the family. Stephen was inspired by his brother Owen, also a keen photographer, to take up the art. Living by the Pembrokeshire coast, he has developed a particular love for whales, dolphins and birds, and is an active member of the Sea Trust conservation organisation. His work often reflects this deep connection to the natural world.
The winning image impressed judge Rory Langdon‑Down, a renowned portrait photographer and great‑great grandson of Dr John Langdon Down. He praised Stephen’s “wonderful depth” and “cinematic style,” noting that the choice to present the seascape in black and white gave it a timeless quality.
The competition itself has been running since 2010, offering photographers with Down’s syndrome the chance to “flip the lens” and show the world from their perspective. This year saw a record 250 entries from around the globe, ranging from vibrant cityscapes to intimate portraits and nature studies.
Carol Boys OBE, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said Stephen’s photograph was a worthy winner: “The entries we receive provide a unique glimpse into how people who have Down’s syndrome see and relate to the world around them. Stephen’s stunning photograph, which captures both the power and soothing aspect of nature, is a very worthy winner of the inaugural Langdon Down Award.”
For Stephen, the award is more than a trophy. It is recognition of his talent, his passion for the natural world, and his determination to share that vision with others. Standing beside his family at the Langdon Down Centre in London, he proved that with creativity and perseverance, a photographer from a small coastal town can capture the imagination of an international audience.
