Born in Serpukhov, near Moscow, Ulitin learned painting and photography as a child.  Attended Technical School and worked in Ivan Sytin’s printing and publishing house. Went to Military College, specialized in armored vehicles and became a driver.  From 1911 studied in the portrait studio of K. Fisher.  In mid 1920s joined the Russian Photographic Society and the All-Russian Society of Photographers; was also a member of the editorial board of Fotograf (1926-29).  In the 1920s and early 1930s took an active part in international exhibitions of artistic photography and was awarded many medals and certificates.  In 1928-30 organized a number of photographic clubs for Moscow printing and transport workers. In the 1930s taught at the Moscow Institute of Polygraphy and worked on color process technology using three separations.  In 1937 was arrested, not rehabilitated until 1957.