Acting/Presentations – I Get in Front of the Camera and On the Stage

I starred in an Advocacy video with TN Care for CHOICES program
I’m a volunteer/actor in the Knoxville Nativity Pageant for 8 years
I was a presenter at NFT NYC about using photography for good

I was a panelist at the ARIVAL Travel convention in Los Vegas in a session about inclusive travel

Houston Vandergriff Bio (from Emil on HUG)

Houston's camera captures mesmerizing moments and weaves compelling visual narratives. With each click, he transports viewers to distant lands, immersing them in vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and profound human experiences. Through his keen eye for detail and masterful composition, he paints a vivid picture of our diverse world, evoking a sense of wanderlust and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of humanity. His photographs are more than mere images; they are eloquent expressions that transcend language, inviting us to see, feel, and understand the world through his lens.

Houston’s work is for you if you love exploring new and exotic places through photography.

Every Life - Work for Sale

This image was taken in Iceland by Houston Vandergriff, a travel photographer with Down syndrome. The abortion rate in Iceland for a Down syndrome diagnosis is 100%. Had Houston been conceived in Iceland, neither this image nor the photographer would exist.

This work is part of the socio-historical project CRITICIZE BY CREATING by Breezy Art.

Downs & Towns

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in art?

We are Houston and Katie Vandergriff: son and mom. Houston has always had a camera in his hands. When our family traveled, his older sisters would draw pictures and write stories of things they were seeing. Houston, the youngest in our family, often lacked the fine motor skills to write or draw. So, we gave him disposable film cameras for him to contribute to the family trip scrapbooks.

Through middle school, he did the 4-H Photography Project. In high school, he was a teen leader and a state finalist for the Photography Project. When he graduated and began looking at careers, travel photography was a natural fit.

2. How did you get started in the world of NFTs?

We started selling Houston’s photography as limited-edition fine arts prints in early 2021. At about that time, we noticed on Twitter that people were sharing these amazing photography collages. We learned a little about NFT’s and thought that might be something to pursue. But in October and November of 2021, Houston had a series of strokes, which stopped our world. So, pursuing NFTs (and everything else) took a back seat until his health improved. He had an 8-hour brain surgery in April 2022 and has made a full recovery.

During that downtime, and the recovery time, we learned as much as we could about NFTs.

3. Can you tell us about your creative process when making your art?

Houston has worked hard to build his photography skills. He received his Photography and Advanced Photography Certificates through the University of Tennessee Professional Programs. That resulted from more than 200 hours of class time, homework, field trips, mentoring, and portfolio reviews. He has worked diligently to learn and incorporate the basics of lighting and composition. He has a natural ability to see the best in a situation, but he has also continued working to better train his eye and reflexes and build new skills. Houston uses photography for inspiration, education, and advocacy.

4. What inspires you and your work?

Our family has always loved to travel. Houston has always had a camera. When he was little it was disposable film cameras. Then it was a Canon Powershot point-and-shoot digital. Then Nikon DSLR’s and mirrorless. His camera is his voice. By taking photos he is able to share his view of the world. A fellow photographer, Chelsea Northrup, once told Houston, “You have a really beautiful outlook on life and it shows in your photos.” He has traveled to 26 countries and 49 of the 50 United States. His photography collections and NFTs are all based on trips.

5. How has your experience been as an artist with Down syndrome?

We had never really talked much about Down syndrome or disability in our family. In our eyes every life has value, and every person has unlimited potential. But when Houston was taking a “Photography as a Business” class the teacher encouraged students to dig deep inside and find what made them truly unique. The teacher had a brother with Down syndrome, so he fully encouraged Houston to embrace and celebrate the benefits of Down syndrome.

6. How has your family supported you in your artistic journey?

Downs & Towns is a family affair. Our entire family helps. Houston works behind the camera. His sister, Elisa, helps with the branding and keeps up the website and print orders. I (Katie) am basically like a golf caddy and help with camera equipment and travel planning. Dad, David, has the benefit of international business trips that we have been able to join. And Houston’s oldest sister, Maranda, helps with podcasts, shows, and public events.

7. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that you are especially proud of?

Probably our favorite piece was his very first NFT. He was invited to be a part of the Artists United project featuring photographers from around the world. It was sold as a gacha so collectors didn’t know whom they were getting until the purchase. It came down to the very last piece to be collected was Houston’s genesis piece. The suspense was fun and the camaraderie that was built around the project has given us a true NFT family to help along our journey.

8. How has the NFT community responded to your art and your story?

We have been blown away by the support we have found in the NFT community. We feel like we have found “our tribe.” So many have come along beside us and helped us on this journey. We have been inspired, mentored, included, and encouraged by so many. We have become friends with world-class photographers, art collectors, curators, and fans. When we have questions there is always someone willing to jump in and help. It’s truly a global community so there are people available 24/7. We especially love listening in the spaces. Hanging out in a space is like the perfect combination of attending a local camera club, having coffee with several dozen (or hundreds) of your best friends, and listening in on amazing conversations. We have been embraced by this community in a way we never expected. We have learned so much.

9. How important is it for you to use your platform to bring awareness about Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is often seen as a disability. We see the many benefits that far outweigh the difficulties. In many countries today, babies with Down syndrome are aborted. In some places, the abortion rate is nearing 100%. Through Houston’s photography and his NFT journey, we are striving to show the value and beauty of every life.

10. What advice would you give to other artists with disabilities who are trying to make a name for themselves in the art world?

When speech is difficult for you it is difficult to explain yourself in many situations. For Houston, having a camera means he has a voice. Some people hide their disabilities and try to fit in and “be normal.” With Down syndrome that is not really an option because of the physical characteristics. But, as a society, everyone benefits when diversity is fully embraced. Diversity includes disability. So, we encourage each person to find what makes them truly unique and celebrate it.

11. What are your future plans as an artist?

We say that our plan is to travel the world and have fun. But our mission goes much deeper and is much more important. As we have mentioned before, Houston’s photography has given him a voice. These skills have allowed him to be a travel photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer. His photography has developed an international platform to instigate change. We hope to continue to travel and use his photography as a means to help break down outdated stereotypes surrounding disability.

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Houston and our family love giving back when we can. Our NFT journey has allowed us to do this more. We donate a portion of his proceeds to organizations that support special needs and other social issues. He also donates photography note cards to new families with babies with Down syndrome and other special needs. In the past two years, we have raised enough to pay for handicapped-accessible restroom facilities at a special needs school in Guatemala. Houston met the students on a trip there in 2019. We’ve been able to help other emerging artists facing various challenges. We’ve purchased NFTs and made donations, some of which have been matched by our collectors.

13. What's one thing you want people to take away from your art and your story?

Through Houston’s photography we hope that people can see that everyone has differing abilities, there is beauty everywhere if you look, and every life is of value. One of the biggest benefits of our journey has been the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. Houston never meets a stranger. He is comfortable trying and doing new things. He lives in Tennessee in the USA, but his camera opens doors for him around the world. In places around the world having a disability is seen as a curse. Houston’s biggest passion, besides WWE, is helping break down outdated stereotypes with his camera. Houston spreads light and joy wherever he goes. His photography allows him to reach even farther.

Interview

Hi Houston, let's start at the beginning: how did you discover photography and when did you decide to get seriously involved in this work?

Houston has always had a camera in his hands. When Houston’s family traveled, his older sisters would draw pictures and write stories of things they were seeing. Houston, the youngest in the family, often lacked the fine motor skills to write or draw. So, his family gave him disposable film cameras to allow him to contribute to the family trip scrapbooks.

Through middle school he did the 4-H Photography Project. In high school, he was a teen leader and a state finalist for the Photography Project. When he graduated and began looking at careers, travel photography was a natural fit.

He received his Photography and Advanced Photography Certificates through the University of Tennessee Professional Programs. That resulted from more than 200 hours of class time, homework, fieldtrips, mentoring, and portfolio reviews. He has worked diligently to learn and incorporate the basics of lighting and composition. He has a natural ability to see the best in a situation. And he has continued working to better train his eye and reflexes, and continue to build new skills.

Your images focus on the world of nature and travel; what attracts your attention?

Houston never meets a stranger. He is comfortable trying and doing new things. He lives in Tennessee in the USA, but his camera opens doors for him around the world. In places around the world having a disability is seen as a curse. Houston’s biggest passion, besides WWE, is helping break down outdated stereotypes with his camera. He really enjoys visiting iconic places – like Big Ben in London, the Colosseum in Rome, tulips in Holland, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But, he also likes to get off the beaten path and explore new places, people, and experiences.

Through your photographs you accompany the viewer to explore the world with different eyes, to discover an unusual perspective. I would like to know what your point of view on photography is.

A fellow photographer, Chelsea Northrup, once told Houston, “You have a really beautiful outlook on life and it shows in your photos.” In 2021, when Covid cancelled several of the family trips, Houston’s family finally took time to dig through his photography. He has traveled to 26 countries and 49 of the 50 United States. What they discovered became the basis for his online print shop. His three collections, all based on trips, are offered for sale as limited edition fine art prints at www.downsandtowns.com.

In 2022, Houston has discovered the world of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) for his photography. He is a founding member of the Artists United Collective, which includes 26 photographers of various races, genres, and abilities from a dozen countries, including Italy. The team’s first collection was completely sold out before it was officially launched. It hasn’t been confirmed, but Houston is perhaps the world’s first NFT photographer with Down syndrome.

What significance does photography take on for you as an expressive language?

Because of his Down syndrome Houston’s speech isn’t always clear. His photography has given him voice. Houston is a travel photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer. His photography has developed an international platform to instigate change. Downs & Towns, LLC is a family affair. Houston works behind the camera, and his mom and sisters work behind the keyboard. Through various social media outlets (e.g. Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) they are working to change the outdated narratives surrounding Down syndrome and the disability community.

I read that because of Down syndrome you were bullied. How did photography, if at all, help you overcome those painful moments?

When speech is difficult for you it is difficult to explain yourself in many situations. For Houston, having a camera means he has a voice. Diversity includes disability. In many countries, even today, babies with Down syndrome are aborted. In some places the abortion rate is nearing 100%. Through Houston’s photography he strives to show the value and beauty of every life.

Houston and his family love giving back when they can. He donates a portion of his proceeds to organizations that support special needs. He also donates photography note cards to new families with babies with Down syndrome and other special needs. In the past year he has raised enough to pay for handicapped accessible restroom facilities at a special needs school in Guatemala. Houston met the students on a trip there in 2019.

What would you like to say to those who will look at your photographs and read the interview?

There is great beauty in the world if we open our eyes to see it. Every person has great worth. Every life is worth living. Every moment is worthy of celebrating. Photography allows for that. Even today, choices are being made to minimize, or even eliminate, persons because of a disability. Houston wants to use photography for inspiration, education, and advocacy. He spreads light and joy wherever he goes. His photography allows him to reach even farther.

Downs & Towns

BLOG Content/Ideas (started 9/16/22)

Why did you enter this career field?

Houston has always loved photography. He used to take pictures and make flip books to help with speech and communication when he was in pre-school. He did the Photography Project through middle and high school through 4-H. It has always been a way for him to communicate. When he finished high school, it was a natural career path for him to pursue.

What do you like the most about it?

Travel photography for Houston gives him a cool career. It has given our family a reason to travel and be deeply engaged in our surroundings. By using his photography and his story on social media, he has become an influencer on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

His photography has been exhibited in galleries on two continents, published in books, featured in travel and art magazines, and been included in curated and solo shows.

What has been the greatest accomplishment in your career?

There have been several accomplishments. The first was completing the Photography Certificate and the Advanced Photography Certificate Programs at the University of Tennessee Professional Programs. This involved three years of classes, thousands of photos, multiple exhibitions and critiques, and building connections with our local photography community.
The second was an internship through the BEST program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He worked with the photography department and learned a lot of basic job skills.
The third was opening an on-line print shop to sell his travel photography in 2021.

The fourth was building a significant following on social media. He has been featured on articles/stories in Newsweek, Tiktok for Good, Al Jazeera, Transcontinental Times, and others. He primarily uses Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. His bio on Twitter says: “ART. ADVENTURE. ADVOCACY. Rocking an extra chromosome. Changing the narrative for disability – one photograph at a time.”
In 2020 he was named the “International Photographer of the Year” by the “My Perspective” competition in the United Kingdom.
And, the final accomplishment has been getting involved with photography NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and being a part of three sold-out photography collections in the past 4 months.

Have you had any challenges? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

Every day brings new challenges. Houston faces those challenges head on. Some people have a hard time believing that a person with Down syndrome or an intellectual disability can do much. Through dedication to his art he is showing them there are no limits to what he can do.

Running a photography business is a lot of work. Houston’s entire family pitches in. Houston takes the photographs and he is the spokesman for social media. His sisters help with the marketing, branding, website, on-line orders, etc. His mom helps with social media, scheduling, and seeking business opportunities. His dad travels quite a bit with his work so this allows Houston to tag along to some interesting places, including periodic trips to the South of France.

What are your long-term career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Houston and his family plan to continue to build Downs & Towns, not just as a travel photography business, but as an international platform for awareness and advocacy.
Houston has traveled to 49 of the 50 United States and to 26 countries. In the next five years he plans to continue to travel, take photographs, and use his art as a platform to advocate for people with disabilities.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give other people with disabilities, employers, or other community members?

While entrepreneurship can a good career choice for anyone, it is especially good for people with disabilities. The flexibility of time and responsibilities can be a perfect fit for non-traditional workers. It requires that you have your tribe that consists of people who can help you achieve your goals.
Houston wants others to know that you shouldn’t judge people, or yourself, negatively because of a disability. Sometimes it is the so-called disability that gives you special abilities.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Houston’s travel photography and social media channels have given him a far-reaching advocacy platform. For instance, in 2021 Houston and his mom were presenters at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Dubai. They presented about using social media to bring about social change. They have done dozens of broadcasts, interviews, and podcasts on four different continents.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to share with you our experience with Travello.

We met Ryan Hanly at a travel convention in Las Vegas. He came to listen to a panel session that included my son and me. We spoke about accessible and inclusive travel. Our son, Houston, is 25 and has Down syndrome. He has been to 25 countries, most recently to Egypt as a leader for a Travello trip.

Ryan, and the entire Travello team, gets the meaning of truly inclusive travel. They understand that diversity includes disability and are willing to push the boundaries of boring. For example, on our trip to Egypt Houston floated in a hot air balloon over King Tut’s tomb, rode a camel around the pyramids, and sailed overnight down the Nile. Meanwhile, it is so discouraging to know that others with disabilities, and the ones that love them, sit at home, too afraid their “special” needs may be a cause of discomfort to themselves or to others.

But we know that people with disabilities are people first - people with longings and dreams. Travello as a company is completely committed to fulfilling bucket-list dreams of any traveler. They “get it.” Their inclusive actions are making a tremendous difference in their sphere of influence within their communities. This, in turn, flows into helping deepen the meaning of inclusion in the travel industry, and throughout the whole world.

In summary, please know that every member of our family is a huge Travello fan. We love what they are doing to bring about change to the world of travel. They are opening places and activities to all, not just the ones with strong bodies or high IQs. We are happy and honored to play a part. What benefits one can benefit all.

Sincerely,

Katie Vandergriff,

Downs & Towns