In a heartwarming celebration of diversity and inclusion, award-winning photographer Debbie Todd, a graduate from The Northern School of Art, is set to unveil a poignant series of portraits.
Scheduled to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, Todd’s exhibition marks the commencement of her ambitious year-long campaign titled ‘Extra Ordinary.’
Based in County Durham, Todd’s photography stands as a testament to her commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities. Her upcoming project aims to shed light on the unique qualities of children with Down Syndrome. The campaign, ‘Extra Ordinary,’ will culminate in a captivating exhibition slated for March 2025.
A specialist in documentary fine art photography, Todd’s lens captures the essence of individuals, their diverse lifestyles, thoughts, and emotions. “I like to take portraits that tell a story about the sitter,” she explains. Her inspiration for ‘Extra Ordinary’ stemmed from a previous collection, ‘The Meaning of Being Different,’ where she encountered some of the children who will now be featured in her latest endeavor.
“‘Extra Ordinary’ reflects the fact that children with Down Syndrome are just like any other children,” Todd emphasizes. “They have their own personalities, likes, and dislikes.” Through her campaign, she seeks to normalize perceptions around Down Syndrome, fostering acceptance and inclusion.
Laura Preston, a parent from Newcastle, shares her experience with the project, showcasing her 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter Lucy, who was photographed holding a telephone. “Lucy’s ability to communicate without speaking leaves us in awe every day,” Preston remarks. “Raising awareness like this is so important; having an extra chromosome really does make children with Down syndrome extra ordinary.”
Todd’s accolades speak volumes about her dedication and talent. Graduating with First Class Honours from her BA (Hons) Photography degree and earning a Distinction for her MA Creative Practice degree, she has garnered prestigious awards and nominations, including the Anjol Malde Award 2022 and the Judges Choice Selection for the BarTur Photography Awards 2022.
Currently, Todd is a finalist for the 2024 London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year award and a runner-up in the Photography Foundation Awards 2024. She was also recognized as an Emerging Artist Award 2024 Finalist at The Photography Show and shortlisted for the National Trust Delaval Hall Emerging Artist of the Year 2024.
To stay updated on Todd’s ‘Extra Ordinary’ project and her remarkable journey, follow her on Instagram at @debbietoddphotographer. For those interested in supporting the development of this meaningful initiative, Todd can be reached via her Instagram page or her website at www.debbietodd.co.uk.
For more information on The Northern School of Art’s industry-focused creative programs, including diplomas, degrees, and MA courses, visit www.northernart.ac.uk.
As the curtains draw on World Down Syndrome Day, Todd’s ‘Extra Ordinary’ project stands as a beacon of hope, inviting us to embrace the beauty of diversity and celebrate the extraordinary in every individual.
