Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rowlands.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through art. I originally studied Pipe Organ Performance and spent several years as a church organist while working as an elementary music teacher. Although I loved the arts, photography gradually became the creative outlet that allowed me to connect with people in a deeper way.
In 2023, I beat colorectal cancer. Going through treatment changed my perspective on life and made me realize that I didn’t want to spend my life wondering “what if.” It gave me the courage to pursue photography with everything I had.
Since then, I’ve built Dressy Fits Photography around creating intentional, story-driven imagery with a fine art and editorial influence. My work has been featured in DOCU Magazine and exhibited through MONAD NYC, and I’ve had the opportunity to photograph everything from weddings and branding campaigns to editorial portraits and fashion.
Today, photography is my full-time career. My goal isn’t simply to create beautiful images – it’s to create photographs that feel timeless, emotionally honest, and deeply connected to the people and brands I work with. I want every project to tell a story that still resonates years from now.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. However, I don’t think many worthwhile businesses are.
One of the biggest challenges was simply taking the leap. For a while I balanced photography alongside a full-time career as an elementary music teacher building my portfolio, developing my style, and establishing my brand. Like many new business owners, I had to learn not only the creative side of photography, but also marketing, pricing, client communication, contracts, and what it truly means to run a business.
Another challenge was learning the value of my work. Early on, I said yes to opportunities that helped me gain experience and build my portfolio, but over time I realized the importance of setting boundaries and pricing my work in a way that reflected the level of service and artistry I provide. That shift in mindset was just as important as improving my photography.
Perhaps the most significant turning point came after overcoming colorectal cancer. That experience gave me a new perspective on time and purpose. It made me realize that if I wanted to build the business I had always envisioned, I needed to pursue it wholeheartedly instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment.
Today, I still face challenges (as every entrepreneur does) but each obstacle has helped shape both my business and my approach to serving clients. Looking back, I’m grateful the journey wasn’t easy because it’s forced me to grow not only as a photographer, but also as a business owner and a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a fine art and editorial photographer based in Houston, Texas, specializing in weddings, branding, and conceptual portraiture. My work blends documentary storytelling with editorial direction, creating images that feel both timeless and intentional. Rather than simply documenting a moment, I strive to create photographs that evoke emotion and tell a deeper story.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building a business that reflects my artistic vision rather than chasing trends. My work has been featured in DOCU Magazine and exhibited through MONAD NYC, and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible individuals and brands who value meaningful, story-driven imagery.
What sets me apart is my approach to creative direction. Every project begins with understanding the people or brand in front of my camera – their story, values, and vision. From there, I thoughtfully develop concepts, lighting, composition, and atmosphere to create imagery that feels authentic rather than staged.
I believe the most impactful photographs are the ones that still mean something years later. That philosophy guides everything I create, whether I’m documenting a wedding day, developing a branding campaign, or producing an editorial portrait. My goal is always the same: to create images that are not only beautiful, but deeply intentional and enduring.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to focus on developing your vision before chasing success. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel pressured to follow trends, but the work that stands out is the work that is unmistakably your own. Spend time studying light, composition, storytelling, and the artists who inspire you. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you discover your own voice.
I also wish I had understood sooner that running a business is just as important as mastering your craft. Pricing, client communication, marketing, contracts, and building genuine relationships are all skills that deserve as much attention as what’s happening behind the camera.
Finally, don’t be afraid to start before you feel ready. You’ll never know everything, and perfection is an impossible standard. Every shoot, every client, and even every mistake teaches you something valuable. Looking back, many of the moments I considered setbacks were actually the experiences that shaped me into a better photographer and business owner.
Stay curious, keep learning, and remember that building something meaningful takes time. Success rarely happens overnight, but consistency, authenticity, and a genuine passion for your craft will carry you much farther than chasing quick results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dressyfitsphotography.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressy.fitsphotography/
