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Katie is the mom of Houston Vandergriff, a world renown photographer with Down Syndrome. The following is her story, from diagnosis day to changing the world through following her son’s passion.
TURNING A DIAGNOSIS UPSIDE DOWN
Despite the doctors’ dire predictions, today our family joins Houston on his journey to be a globe-trotting photographer, entrepreneur and influencer. Houston has traveled to 27 countries, 49 of the 50 United States, and 5 Canadian provinces. His award-winning photos have been in magazines and books and have been shown in galleries in seven countries.
When Houston was born, the geneticist told us that people with Down syndrome “wear it on their face.” As an exhausted and overwhelmed new mom, I thought that was a horrible thing to say and I cried for days. We have since discovered what the doctor meant is that, unlike many disabilities, Houston’s Down syndrome is visible. That can honestly be a very good thing. Inclusive clients who wish to show how they are embracing differences can use Houston’s story to showcase the fact that diversity includes disability. One of Houston’s first influencer clients was Amazon.
Our progress has not happened overnight: it’s a result of just hanging in there, having fun and staying connected. In 2021, we started selling his fine art photos online through his website, www.downsandtowns.com. In 2022, Houston sold his first digital collectible photographs (i.e. NFT). In 2023, he was named by NFT NOW to the NFT100 as one of the top creative influencers in the world. And in 2024, he was named as one of only nine Nikon Creator Official Partners in the United States.
The week that we opened the Downs & Towns online shop, we had a TikTok video that went viral. Houston’s photography story was shared in Newsweek. People started contacting our family from around the world. In just two weeks we did fourteen podcasts and interviews on four continents – thanks to the miracle of modern technology. Our two most viral TikToks (more than 25 million views for the 2 videos) are about traveling and being a travel photographer. Many people find it hard to believe that a person with a disability can do anything. It is fun to prove them wrong.
Since Houston was born, our family’s biggest passion has been helping break down outdated stereotypes. We have been invited as speakers to multiple conventions – including two national and three international – where we were honored to share about our family’s journey. Houston’s camera opens doors around the world.
Our family continues to travel. Since March 2023, we have been to 23 states, seven countries, and four continents. Our trips have included a two week influencer trip to Portugal, leading nine day photography adventure trips to Egypt and Costa Rica (led by Houston), a week of vacation on St. Lucia, a 13 state road trip from Tennessee through New England, and two weeks in Turkey.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
In 2023, Houston was awarded the International “Against All Odds Traveler” by NomadMania. Houston’s story inspires many both inside and outside of the disability community. His photography and personal story have attracted a global audience.
Houston’s travels with his camera open doors and build relationships around the three pillars of travel, photography, and advocacy – and the magic that happens when you combine all three.
Houston’s camera is a voice for inclusion. Social media has given him a chance to shout from the rooftops. Through his photography and our family travel, Houston’s story encourages people to look at disability in a different light. We use Houston’s photography for inspiration, influence, education, and advocacy. Pursuing travel photography has put us in touch with many amazing advocates from all over. Traveling and meeting people from around the world in real life has been the most amazing part.
Houston was labeled the “Champion of Life” by a podcaster in India, and it is exciting to know that as one small family, we can make a difference in disability awareness around the world. Houston has always had a camera in his hand, since he was a little kid. As an adult, he worked hard to make it his profession. He received his Photography Certificates from the University of Tennessee Professional Programs in 2019 and 2020. That resulted from more than 200 hours of class time, homework, field trips, mentoring, and portfolio reviews.
Through Houston’s photography, we have been able to support the special needs community in a variety of ways. We have made donations to international support organizations, used our social media platforms for advocacy, and donated photo greeting cards to newborn babies with Down syndrome. We have supported an emerging artist in Nigeria by helping him purchase a camera and computer. We even raised enough money from the sales of Houston’s photographs to build an accessible bathroom at a special needs school in Guatemala.
Our family has been able to use Houston’s photography for inspiration, influence, education, and advocacy. We love to share the positives surrounding disability on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X, as well as in real-life events. This year, for World Down Syndrome Day, Houston was invited to do a gallery show on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
A MESSAGE TO MY YOUNGER SELF
If I could go back, I would like to say a few things to those grieving parents in the delivery room, and to the doctors making their dire predictions.
I would tell them to take a deep breath, relax, and get ready for a fantastic journey. Climbing the hardest mountain brings the best views. I would tell them that disability may bring bigger challenges, but it also brings bigger gifts. Having Down syndrome is Houston’s superpower.
Houston helps us see the beauty in the everyday, feel the infectious joy of discovery, and understand that true diversity builds a stronger community and world. Houston’s travel photography captures his unique view of the world. With his camera, he can share the beauty he sees in everything and everyone – and it is truly beautiful.
Because we have Houston in our lives, we have learned not to take a single minute for granted. Every day is a gift to be celebrated. Our suitcases and camera bags are always packed for the next adventure.