BETTER WITH YOU
Next Wednesday is World Down Syndrome Day. Over the course of four months, Waterloo photographer Hilary Gauld-Camilleri captured portraits of 38 families in the region with a child who has Down syndrome. In this photo, Chris and Simon Hammar, with mom Roberta Thompson, head out for a ride.
WATERLOO REGION — Over the course of four months last summer, photographer Hilary GauldCamilleri captured portraits of 38 families in the region with a child who has Down syndrome.
“Working with these children and these families ... this was life changing for me,” said GauldCamilleri, who has been a photographer in the region for 10 years.
It was three years ago that Gauld-Camilleri first started taking photos for the Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society’s annual fundraising calendar.
Last year, she decided she would meet and photograph the families and individuals who use the not-for-profit organization’s services, at their homes. The goal being to get a glimpse into their everyday lives and to break down any misconceptions the larger community may have. Many of the images are in the 2018 calendar.
“I just really hope that people see that their lives are just like everybody else,” she said.
The vibrant images capture simple moments such as family hugs, bicycle rides and play time.
The full photo series, called “Better With You,” can be viewed online at hilarygauldcamilleri.tumblr.com.
World Down Syndrome Day is on Wednesday.