D & T Guide to Women: Pampered
By DownsandTowns
THE IMAGE
"Pampered" by Downs & Towns - Houston Vandergriff
The Dive Motel is a motor inn built in 1956 and located only five minutes from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. In its heyday, it had guests like Dolly Parton (one of our favorite people ever), Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. The 23 rooms have been renovated, and the quirky vintage feeling remains.
Houston and his sisters rented the "Rumors" room for a night. His sisters showed up with suitcases of vintage clothes, and Houston showed up with his camera.
"Pampered" features Houston's middle sister. Like many women, she likes to be pampered, to feel relaxed and recharged at the same time. How about you? How do you like to feel pampered...?
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Advocate. Artist. Traveler. Dreamer.
Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting travel photographer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Houston has a simple vision with his photography: Make the world a better place.
He has traveled to all 95 counties in his home state, to 49 of the 50 United States, to 5 Canadian provinces, and to 26 countries. Houston has Down syndrome and inspires others, both inside and outside of the disability community. He is a strong self-advocate who uses the universal language of the arts to push for inclusion. He is a social media influencer - using Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share his story. His clients include Amazon, Tiktok for Good, Nikon, and multiple brands of photography-related equipment.
Houston has appeared in live events, podcasts, and broadcasts on four continents. He has been called “The Champion of Life” by one of the broadcasters from India. By sharing his gift of photography he is also sharing the gift of hope. Houston earned his Certificate of Photography in 2019 and his Advanced Photography Certificate in 2020 after completing more than 200 hours of study through the University of Tennessee Professional Programs. He is a member of the Southern Appalachia Nature Photographers (SANP) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
His photography journey has been shared in Newsweek, It’s Gone Viral, Aljazeera, Transcontinental Times, Spectrum News, and MSN. He and his mom were featured speakers at the 2021 World Down Syndrome Conference in Dubai. His award-winning photography has been displayed in solo and group curated shows, online galleries, and the Inspiration Gallery in Perth, Scotland, He was awarded the 2020 International Photographer in “My Perspective” photo competition in the UK.
THE LICENSE
Extended Editorial: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.
