PORTRAITURE REIMAGINED
At Gittings Houston, we’re honored to carry forward one of the most storied legacies in American portrait photography. As Gittings nears its 100th Anniversary, the studio enters a new chapter, led by the only two people uniquely qualified to guide it forward.
Hand-selected by the previous owners, Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor were chosen not just for their exceptional body of work, but for the values they share with the Gittings name. Specifically, their craftsmanship, storytelling, and deep respect for what portraiture can mean to a family, especially children.
They’re not just stepping into a new studio—they’re becoming stewards of a brand that has shaped the very foundation of fine portraiture in America.
A Legacy That Shaped Generations
The Gittings name traces its roots to Paul Gittings, Sr., who began his career humbly as a plate boy at Bachrach Studios in Baltimore. By 1928, driven by talent and determination, he moved to Texas and opened portrait studios in Houston and Dallas Houston under his own name, Gittings Studio. From those early days, Paul Gittings’ philosophy was clear:
“Portrait Photography is a tool for recording the story we try to tell posterity – a story not of features alone, but of the human force behind those features.”
This guiding belief led Gittings to become known for an unmatched attention to detail and a level of quality that set the gold standard in portrait photography. In 1963, Gittings opened a studio within Neiman Marcus, solidifying the brand’s reputation among dignitaries, executives, and elite clientele. During his remarkable career, Mr. Gittings earned international honors and helped establish the International Photography Hall of Fame, where he served as founding chairman.
Although Mr. Gittings passed away in 1988, his impact lives on through the artists he trained and the timeless techniques they continue to pass down.
Merging Vision with Heritage
Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor founded Sigmon Taylor Photography in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2000. Over the years, the studio has gained national acclaim for its bold, emotional portraiture and contemporary style rooted in timeless craftsmanship. When it came time to choose who would carry Gittings into the future, Monica and Michael weren’t just a great fit, they were the only fit.
As co-Founders of Sigmon Taylor Photography, they’ve earned national recognition for their ability to create bold, emotionally rich portraits rooted in fine art. They’re both award-winning photographic artists and ASP Fellowship Degree recipients repeatedly recognized by Professional Photographer Magazine, experienced educators, and respected voices in the portrait community. More than that, they bring a depth of care and vision that echoes the spirit Gittings was built on.
Their studio has long represented a blend of innovation, authenticity, and technical excellence - values that align perfectly with the Gittings legacy. Their selection was based on alignment, philosophy, and trust.
A Meaningful Connection
While their selection is based on merit, there is a poetic thread that connects Sigmon Taylor Photography to the Gittings legacy. Michael began his career at Skipworth Studios, a studio modeled after Gittings. Michael's early work photographing families across the South was infused with Gittings’ influence before he ever met the man behind the name.
That meeting came early in his career, and it left a mark. Mr. Gittings himself - one of only two people Michael has ever asked for an autograph - would later personally request to hang one of Michael’s first competition prints in the International Photography Hall of Fame.
It was a defining moment, the kind that shapes not just a career but a calling. And now, Michael returns to where his journey first took root. Only this time, as co-owner of the very studio that helped inspire it all.
What This Means for Houston
As Monica and Michael plant new roots in Houston, they do so with deep reverence for the Gittings name and a bold vision for its future. Their goal is to protect the integrity and timeless elegance that has defined Gittings since 1928, while also introducing exciting new offerings like our Black Label and Gilded portrait experiences.
This is more than a transition, it’s a revival. A merging of tradition and innovation. And as Gittings approaches its 100th Anniversary, we invite you to join us in this journey of rediscovery, artistry, and enduring legacy.
Because portraits aren’t just pictures. They’re heritage. They’re memory. And they deserve to be created with heart.