Photography was his big passion and, at the same time, an escape from everyday life. Michał Zieliński tried to record everything with his camera. He went on long walks to soak up the nature and took pictures mean while. He participated in photography competitions many times in his life.

He wanted to make others interested in his hobby. Many of his students participated in additional lessons in a photographic darkroom which he created on his own. One of his students became a professional photographer.