- Houston Vandergriff - A journey in photography captures dreams and breaks barriers
Art + Adventure + Advocacy By Mel Padmore
In a world that often fixates on differences , one remarkable individual is proving that uniqueness can be a powerful asset . Meet Houston , a 25-yearold with Down syndrome , whose journey into the world of photography has not only enriched his life but has also been a motivational force for countless others and an effective advocacy tool . Houston ' s story is a reflection of the boundless potential that exists within each of us , regardless of our abilities . In a household that refused to define him by his condition , Houston was always cherished and celebrated for the vibrant soul he is . His mom Katie said , “ Houston was just Houston and we treated him like the other children — he ' s got two sisters , 27 and 28 years old . In our family we never made a big deal about him having Down syndrome .”
Your first encounter with Houston may be through his website , www . downsandtowns . com which dazzles with a captivating mix of vibrant colors and sleek , modern design . Its intuitive layout effortlessly directs visitors through its engaging content . From his fine art print collections available for global shipping , to a diverse Merch section offering reusable bags , phone cases , calendars , sweaters , mugs , baseball caps , gift cards , and more – there ' s something for everyone . What makes this website even more special is that it was designed by his sister . She is the visionary behind his logo and branding .
The website , however , provides merely a glimpse of
Houston , the photographer . His journey began long before , as he had always been drawn to photography . Even as a preschooler , he clutched disposable film cameras during family trips , capturing memories with the zeal of a budding artist . Upon graduating from high school , his family recognized the synergy between their love for travel and Houston ' s passion for photography . He enrolled in a professional photography certificate program at University of Tennessee , where he honed his technical skills and immersed himself in the art he adores .
His fascination with photography took a pivotal turn while attending the photography program . During the class , his instructor noted that there appeared to be
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