Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Fitlow.
Hi Jeff, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1995 with a B.A. in Photocommunications, I returned to my hometown of Houston and began my career as a part-time photographer for the Houston Chronicle and Rice University. What started as a short-term opportunity quickly evolved into a deeply fulfilling 30-year journey at Rice, where I currently serve as the Senior University Photographer.
As I enter my final year on campus, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the countless opportunities I’ve been given—from documenting everyday campus life to photographing world leaders like Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and five of the last seven U.S. presidents.
Throughout my time at Rice, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students, faculty, staff, and alumni—building deep connections and telling visual stories that celebrate the university’s culture and achievements. In addition to my role in University Communications, I extended my passion for photography into the classroom. I’ve been teaching courses in photography at Rice’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, and leading travel and cultural photography workshops, helping others develop their creative eye and connect with the world through imagery. I keep sharp by shooting a lot of local music, portraits, travel and anything else that interests me.
As I prepare for retirement from Rice, I look forward to working as a full-time freelance photographer—continuing to teach, collaborate on creative projects, and explore new photographic opportunities both at home and abroad.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working as a photographer is always a challenge—it requires commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. Success depends on balancing creativity with a deep technical understanding of your gear, as well as staying current with the many programs and apps essential to the craft. My goal on every assignment has always been to keep the client happy while producing high-quality work. And when logistical or technical glitches inevitably arise, it’s crucial to stay calm, problem-solve, and find a way forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a commercial photographer and video producer based in Houston, Texas. For more than 25 years I’ve served as Staff Photographer at Rice University, and for the past four years I’ve been the Senior University Photographer. I also teach photography at Rice’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. My passion lies in portrait, music and street photography, and I’ve co-created and led four travel workshops in Latin America.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone starting out, my advice is to keep your overhead low and stay open to opportunities by saying yes whenever you can. Find a mentor who can guide you, build a team of trustworthy colleagues, and take on as much work as possible to gain experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Fitlow
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/fitlow
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitlow
