A photographer with Down syndrome has decided to use her lens to shine light on the lives of those with the disorder as a way to prove that they’re just like everybody else.
Caley Versfelt, 26, of Manhattan Beach, California, captured the beauty and spirit of 12 young men and women who were born with the genetic disorder, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.
While Down syndrome causes developmental and intellectual delays many people, such as Caley, who have it are high functioning and play a vital role in their community.
Photographer: Caley Versfelt, 26, of Manhattan Beach, California, is a photographer with Down syndrome
Capturing the beauty: In her photo series, she captured the beauty and spirit of 12 young men and women who also have the disorder
And Caley, a pageant queen, public speaker, poet and rights activist who has always had a passion for photography, made it her mission to document that in her photo series.
She said: ‘People assume I can’t do things but I prove them wrong because we have abilities like everybody else.’
‘I have a really good eye for photography. I see something and I take a picture of it so I can share it with my family. It’s a way to express myself.’
‘I’m someone who is very likable so they didn’t mind if I asked them for a photo.
‘It is really easy – I put them at ease.’
Mission: Through her photo series, she wanted to show that people with Down syndrome have abilities too
Proving them wrong: Caley said that people assume she can’t do things but she proves them wrong. Caley with her mom, Shail, and her sister, Riley (right)
At ease: Caley said that she’s someone who is really likable and able to people at ease when she takes their photo
Queen: Caley was crowned this year’s California Miss Amazing and will represent the state in the national final this August
‘It is all about being patient so that is what I normally do. I make sure I have a good angle and take the picture there.’
‘With my photos I want to promote acceptance and inclusion and that we have lives and desires and hopes too – Down syndrome is our ability, not our disability.’
Her photo project featured a dancer, an actor who owns his apartment, a practicing Buddhist who greets customers at a jean store, a writer and a restaurant host who loves making candles.
The subjects, who ranged in age from high school students to people in their late 30s, were all participants in a dance class organized by the Down syndrome Association of Orange County in California.
Caley’s captivating photos, which dispel the myth that people with disabilities cannot have a high quality of life, were showcased on World Down Syndrome Day, which was on March 21.
Good angle: Caley said that it’s all about being patient and making sure there is a good angle
Acceptance: Caley said that with her photos she wants to promote acceptance and inclusion
Included: Her photo project featured a dancer, an actor who owns his apartment, a practicing Buddhist who greets customers at a jean store, a writer and a restaurant host
Her mom Shail Versfelt, 59, who works in the entertainment industry, said: ‘Caley has a lot of heart and compassion.’
‘She wants the world to see people with disabilities as having abilities.’
Shail, who is married to Tom, vice president of North America sales for Epson, added: ‘Just because someone has special needs doesn’t mean they don’t have a good caliber of life.’
‘This was a way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and to spread acceptance and inclusion so that people with Down syndrome are viewed as people.’
Caley was approached to take the photos by Miss Amazing, an organization which runs pageants highlighting the strengths of girls and women with disabilities.
She was crowned this year’s California Miss Amazing and will represent the state in the national final this August.
Dancers: The subjects, who ranged in age from high school students to people in their late 30s, were all participants in a dance class organized by the Down Syndrome Association
Dispelling the myth: Caley’s photos dispel the myth that people with disabilities cannot have a high quality of life
Showing off the photos: Caley’s pictures were showcased on World Down Syndrome Day, which was on March 21
Spreading acceptance: Her mom added that her photos were a way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and to spread acceptance and inclusion