This is my biography page
I've seen the world through a camera lens since I was 5 years old. I remember everything about that first Kodak Instamatic camera and every camera I've owned since. My grandfather would always give me his old cameras when he bought new ones. It's through them that I've captured my memories, told my stories and documented what I find interesting. Perhaps more importantly, my cameras have given me the opportunity to pursue my passion and make a living doing what I love.
It's been a privilege to be front and center during so many great moments. Photography has opened many doors. I have talked to Henry Kissinger, listened to the Dalai Lama's wisdom, photographed a championship team at the World Series and heard the music of Tony Bennett backstage as he rehearsed.
For the past 13 years, I've worked for Rice University to photograph all aspects of campus life. At the top-tier research university, I've shot breaking news, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, gala celebrations, world leaders and movie stars. But my favorite assignments are the ones involving students. Whether they are serving meals to the homeless, researching nanotechnology or lounging on the college green, they illustrate the university's story and remind me of my own college days.
Never one to leave the party early, I squeaked out of Texas Tech University after 5 years studying photocommunication and art. I returned to Houston upon graduation to begin some freelance work with the Houston Chronicle and do a bit of assisting. It was great learning from other photographers but I liked shooting much better so I explored other options and within six months, landed the job as an assistant photographer for Rice University.
I love the problem solving aspects of photography, meeting new people, chasing the light and being put in unusual situations. I love it all. When my camera is out I am not sick, tired or sore. I can work all day taking pictures and still go out at night and take pictures for fun. I’ve always been this way.
I have lived in Houston almost all my life and always loved the culture here. It got even better for me when I met my wife, Liz, who moved here after graduating from from TEXAS A&M. We enjoy live music, traveling, hanging out with our dog Max and being with friends. I enjoy our live music scene but miss many of the blues greats we have lost over the past years as well as some of the old blues clubs that have been closing down.
In trying to take advantage of all Houston has to offer -- from the museums and concert halls to the Art car and festivals -- I have found that if you get out there and meet people, you can really get the feel of a small town in a big city. Creating that sense of community has become even more important to my wife and I as we welcomed our son Brady Fitlow into the world in March. I am enjoying the changes that come from being a dad and, as my colleagues say, making that baby the most photographed kid in the country.
