We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Fitlow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, what is the most important factor behind your success?

Since the start of my career I have always taken every job seriously. A small job receives the same thought and preparation as a larger commercial job. I try to research the client. Find out who their audience is and shoot with that in mind. I like to look at books and magazines constantly of great photographers especially those in the same style of upcoming assignments. Often you are only as good as your last job. Some good clients might give you a second chance but not a third or fourth. Show up on time. Have the proper gear, memory cards, charged batteries, back up equipment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I went to college for photography. My degree is in Photocommunications I minored in art but would have done better with a business minor. College more than anything taught me how to deal with people, make deadlines and feel comfortable showing work. The first few years out of college I took every assignment I could get my hands on. Later I was able to pick and choose a lot more. Much of my work comes from word of mouth from previous clients. After more than 25 years photographing in Houston I have developed a very loyal client base.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am pretty old school. I love live music especially blues. We have some great spots if you know where to look. I would have to find a show at the Continental Club,Heights Theater, The Big Easy or Emmits Place . Probably grab some tacos or bbq. I love the Pit Room and Tacos Tiera Caliente near the West Alabama Ice House. The original Ninfas and Cidercade in Eado would be a hit. I would have to go to Chinatown for Vietnamese Crawfish and hit any of Chris Shepherds places.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Paul Elledge and Jay Maisel are two very successful photographers that I took classes with at the Santa Fe School of Photography. These two week long hands on workshops changed my way of shooting and seeing. Paul taught us to put ourselves and our emotions into portraits. I learned to go out and find people that interest me and to take portraits for the love of it. Paul has also inspired me to find other creative outlets. I still want to learn to paint, weld and work on learning to play the guitar. Jay taught me to look and see colors and shapes in a different way. I love to learn and there is so much information out there on photography. Find what interests you and start reading or watching. http://www.paulelledge.com. https://www.jaymaisel.com

Website: www.fitlow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitlow

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitlow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.