An award-winning travel photographer, Nikon Creator and global advocate, Houston Vandergriff chooses to share the world’s beauty through photographs, alongside his mother, Katie Vandergriff, who is also his travel companion, collaborator and biggest supporter. Together, this mother-and-son duo inspires people to see life through a more inclusive lens. And it all started with a disposable camera.
“Because Houston has Down syndrome, speech is often a challenge,” Katie said. “We gave him disposable film cameras so he could ‘show’ what he wanted to share about his world. Those early snapshots became his way of saying, ‘This is me.’”
Houston’s love for photography has only grown over the years. While earning his Photography Certificate through the University of Tennessee’s Professional Programs, one of his teachers urged him to embrace what makes his art unique, and this encouragement sparked the idea of Downs & Towns, a platform built around art, adventure and advocacy.
“From that day forward, Houston’s camera became more than a tool. It became his voice and his passport to the world,” Katie said.
A Powerful Vision
Traveling isn’t always a seamless event; it can come with its fair share of challenges, such as travel delays, lost luggage and language barriers. Like all travelers, Katie and Houston face certain setbacks when they travel, but Katie said Houston chooses to approach each situation, good or bad, “with patience, humor, and an open heart.”
The differences among people we encounter on trips don’t have to be barriers. In fact, these things can help us connect, and Houston reminds people of this through his photography. Katie and Houston believe that inclusion makes the world stronger, and Houston’s images share a message of belonging.
“His goal is to help others see that when we celebrate diversity, we don’t just make art, we make change. Houston’s vision is simple, yet powerful: make the world a better place by showing its beauty,” Katie said. “If there’s one thing we want people to know, it’s that every life has value. Wherever you go in the world, smiles speak the same language.”
A Visit to the Moon
Houston has done a lot of traveling throughout the years. He has visited all 95 counties in Tennessee, his home state. He’s also traveled to all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and 30 countries.
He’s created tons of moments along the way, but there’s one special travel memory that stands out above the rest, and that’s when he sent his sister to the Moon. He took a photo of his sister on the Croatian coastline, and little did he know that photo would do a bit of traveling on its own.
“That image was chosen to go to the Moon as part of the MoonMars Museum project — a permanent art archive that landed on the lunar surface in March 2025. We got to watch the rocket launch in Cape Canaveral,” Katie said.
“The fact that an image captured by an artist with Down syndrome will be preserved on the Moon feels symbolic of Houston’s journey. What began as a way to communicate has become a story that’s literally out of this world.”
What’s in Houston and Katie’s Carry-Ons?
Katie and Houston each pack a carry-on and a backpack when they travel. “Houston always packs several Nikon cameras, a variety of lenses, multiple memory cards, extra batteries, a travel journal, and snacks. Houston never leaves home without at least 2 WWE action figures for good luck. Houston’s CPAP has been on five continents.”
Originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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