How Photographer Houston Vandergriff Turns Adversity into Adventure
When forming Them Frames, one of the main objectives was to showcase the photographic talents of young, ambitious photographers. They’re the future pillars of our community and it’s important to give the most talented photographers a voice as soon as possible. Allow Them Frames to introduce Houston Vandergriff…
Still in his twenties, Vandergriff is quenching his thirst for adventure by traveling the globe and creating awe-inspiring travel photographs. His work is full of the type of vibrancy that brings brightness to your day, while also showing you different corners of the earth.
Working with his Mom, Vandergriff certainly isn’t shy when it comes to sharing his content online. From Twitter to TikTok, the pair craft thoughtful and engaging content, sharing their adventures with his followers. On TikTok alone, Vandergriff has amassed millions of views from people all around the world.
The new generation is not only making excellent work, they’re also maximizing the ways people can see what they create, that excites me a lot. Vandergriff is a prime example of a photographer proving that the photo industry will be in good hands.
This young photographer from Knoxville, Tennessee has quite the story to share, one that’s filled with more adversity than most will experience in their lifetime. Let’s give the floor to him, so he can share his moving journey with you all.
Them Frames: Hey Houston! First things first, I love your name: Houston Vandergriff. It’s a strong name. Can you tell us about the history of it, please?
Houston Vandergriff: Thank you. I am named after my Best Buddy (aka Dad), David Houston. He is named after his Grandpa, Mike Houston. We don’t know any further back than that. Some people think I am from Texas, but I was born and raised in Tennessee.
Them Frames: Can you talk to us about your early relationship with photography and what was your inspiration to pick up a camera?
Houston Vandergriff: I have always had a camera in my hand. When I was little my parents would get me disposable film cameras to take on vacation. My mom would put my photos in little flip books to help me with reading and speech. As I got older I did the Photography Project with our county 4-H through middle and high school. Photography has always been a way for me to communicate and share my view of the world with others.
Them Frames: Nature and wildlife seem to be your happy place in photography, why is that?
Houston Vandergriff: Living in Tennessee I grew up going to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My family has always loved to camp, hike, and spend time outdoors. There is so much beauty in the world and it’s fun to try to capture it with my camera and share the images with others.
Them Frames: You’re very well traveled. Please can you share some of your favorite places that you’ve visited in terms of making photographs.
Houston Vandergriff: My family has always traveled. I was homeschooled. We used traveling as a big part of our schooling. I learn best with hands-on learning. So, why just read about a place in a book when you can visit the place and learn so much more about it by being there? When I graduated from high school my Dad took a job that required international travel, so we just started going with him.
So far I have been to 26 countries. It is great to meet people and learn the culture from different places. It’s also great to see the history and natural beauty of different places. We’ve been to France the most – I love photographing the markets, the historical structures, the lavender fields, and the Southern coast. But every place has its own unique beauty. I definitely can’t pick a favorite; I love them all.
We say that our goal is to “travel the world and have fun,” but it’s really deeper than that. My photography gives us an advocacy platform to encourage others with disabilities to dream outside of the outdated box. And, it helps us educate people about the intrinsic value of each person, especially those that have been traditionally marginalized.
Them Frames: You’re no stranger to your home country either, visiting 49 of the 50 states. Other than your hometown, where is a great place to photograph in the United States and why?
Houston Vandergriff: I love it all. The US is so vast and varied. We have taken many road trips. Our family has traveled East to West and North to South on many different routes. We often plan our trips around the best places to visit and photograph.
I have been to Yellowstone several times and that is one of my favorite places. Everywhere you look is a different photo opportunity. Just last week we were in Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave Desert, and Death Valley. So, those places may be my new favorites. Each place is beautiful in a different way.
Them Frames: Your photography is full of adventure. How do you prepare for a day of shooting to ensure you keep energized, safe and get the best shots?
Houston Vandergriff: We always try to build time for photography into our trips. Sometimes I will take minimal gear, maybe one camera body and an extra lens, to lighten the load for the day. But, usually on plane or road trips, we have an entire backpack and sometimes our carry-on with camera gear and a tripod.
Them Frames: If you had to select one of your photographs that you feel truly speaks to who you are as an artist, which one would it be?
Houston Vandergriff: Last fall I shared a photograph of the Glacier Lagoon from Iceland on my @downsandtowns TikTok. That single video has had more than 23 million views. That probably best sums up my photography career in one image – our trip to Iceland, the TikTok sound, the image itself, and the comments that followed (some positive and a few negative). It gives my summary: I like to travel, I am an influencer, I take photographs, and my photography has an impact on people - usually a positive impact, but sometimes as an opportunity for them to learn about disabilities and capabilities.
I also just found out that an image from my Genesis 1/1 collection is on exhibit in a real gallery in Venice, Italy, for the entire month. It is one of 90 curated NFTs in the “Preserving Photograph in Web3” at the Venice Biennale Art Exhibition. My entire Genesis collection, called Moyamoya which means “cloud,” was created because I was diagnosed with Moyamoya syndrome earlier this year. So, every photograph in that collection is very personal to my journey and my story and having it exhibited in real life as an example for photography makes it even more meaningful. Just like picking my favorite place, it’s also hard to pick my favorite photograph.
Them Frames: You have been involved with several NFT photography collections. Can you please share some and tell us what the NFT photography community means to you?
Houston Vandergriff: We shared about my photography story in a Twitter thread early in 2022. People started reaching out saying that I should get into NFT photography while offering to help me get started. I took a little longer than most due to my health issues. I had a couple of strokes in late 2021 and had an 8-hour brain surgery a few months ago. But, once that was behind us, we went full speed ahead.
I have been a part of three sold-out NFT collections: two collectives/collaborations, and one 1/1 collection. I am now friends with some of the most amazing photographers, collectors, and thought leaders from around the world. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming. Web3 breaks down outdated barriers and makes a level playing field regardless of the culture, language, or ability/disability.
We have found real friendship and have met several NFT friends in real life. In August we met up with six NFT friends in Chicago when we were traveling through. In October we met up with a bunch of our NFT friends at a photography awards ceremony in Italy. It was like meeting up with old friends even though we had never actually met.
The power of the global connection of this community is unlimited. My experience with NFTs has been phenomenal.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Houston Vandergriff: I need photography in my life because it is my way of communicating. Because I have Down syndrome my speech isn’t always clear. But, my camera is my voice. It can show others that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean that you can’t excel at something. It is an advocacy platform to help educate and empower others. Photography is my purpose and my passion.
