Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really began in an unexpected place. I never planned on building a photography business—my early career was actually rooted in education. After earning my MBA, I began working in schools and discovered how much I enjoyed teaching and connecting with students. That passion eventually led me to become a middle school teacher, where I still work today.
Photography started as a creative outlet. I was always the person capturing moments for friends, family, and school events, but I didn’t consider turning it into anything more until a few key experiences pushed me forward. I began shooting local events, school functions, and real estate photos purely out of interest, and each project helped me refine my style and build confidence.
When drones started to gain popularity, I became fascinated with aerial storytelling. I invested in my first drone, learned every detail I could, and realized that drone photography combined everything I loved—creativity, technology, and a unique perspective on the world. That opened the door to real estate imaging, neighborhood features, sports photography, and cinematic drone video. One project led to another, and suddenly people were reaching out to hire me.
That’s how Stikna Photography was born. What started as a side passion slowly grew into a professional service built on quality, reliability, and a genuine love for capturing moments. Today, I offer everything from photos and video to drone imaging, 360 tours, and full real estate media packages.
My journey has been shaped by curiosity, constant learning, and the desire to help others see moments—and properties—from a new perspective. It’s been a mix of education, creativity, and entrepreneurship, and I’m proud of how far it’s come and excited for where it’s going next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I had to navigate a mix of challenges while trying to grow my skills and my business. One of the biggest hurdles was simply time—balancing my role as a full-time educator with the demands of building a photography and drone media company. There were many late nights editing, early mornings shooting, and weekends spent learning new equipment, software, and techniques.
Another challenge was the learning curve. Photography is one thing, but mastering drones, real estate media standards, 360 tours, and the technical side of video production demanded constant growth. Every project came with something new to figure out—camera bodies, lenses, editing workflows, FAA regulations, or the expectations of clients who depend on fast turnaround and professional results.
There was also the business side: branding, pricing, marketing, and trying to stand out in a saturated market. I had to learn how to present myself professionally, build trust, and create a streamlined process that made working with me easy and dependable.
But every challenge ultimately helped me grow. The struggles pushed me to be more disciplined, more organized, and more intentional with my craft. Looking back, those obstacles weren’t roadblocks—they were the foundation of what Stikna Photography has become.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Stikna Photography specializes in high-quality visual media with a focus on real estate, drone imaging, sports photography, and community-based videography. I provide a full range of services including professional photos, cinematic video walkthroughs, drone photo and video, 3D virtual tours, 360 mapping, and neighborhood feature videos. My goal is to be a true one-stop shop for clients who need consistent, fast, and dependable visual content.
I’m most known for combining photography with advanced drone work—capturing dynamic aerial perspectives, smooth flight paths, and high-impact visuals that help homes, neighborhoods, and local events stand out. Whether I’m shooting a real estate listing, a sports event, or a community story, I try to bring a clean, crisp style that feels both professional and authentic.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built. My clients know they can rely on me for fast turnaround, clear communication, and quality results every time. As a teacher, I naturally pay attention to detail, structure, and storytelling—skills that translate directly into my photography and video work. I also take pride in constantly learning and evolving, whether that’s adding new drone capabilities, upgrading equipment, or mastering advanced editing tools.
What sets me apart is the combination of versatility, reliability, and genuine care. I’m not just creating images; I’m helping clients present their homes, businesses, or stories in the best possible light. By offering multiple services under one roof and tailoring each shoot to the client’s needs, I deliver a smooth, seamless experience from start to finish.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth happens when you embrace the learning curve rather than avoid it. Every new camera, drone, editing workflow, or client request pushed me out of my comfort zone—and that’s exactly what helped me improve. I realized early on that you don’t have to know everything to get started; you just have to be willing to learn, adapt, and get a little better with each project.
I’ve also learned the value of consistency. Showing up on time, communicating clearly, delivering high-quality results, and treating every client with respect has done more for my business than any piece of equipment ever could. People remember how dependable you are long after they’ve forgotten the technical details of the shoot.
Ultimately, the journey taught me that success is built on small steps, constant growth, and the willingness to keep improving no matter how experienced you become.
Pricing:
- Real Estate Photography Packages: Starting at $199
- Real Estate Video Walkthroughs: Starting at $199
- Drone Photo & Video: Starting at $99
- Sports Photography Coverage: Starting at $200
- Neighborhood & Community Feature Videos: Starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.stiknaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stiknaphotography?igsh=d3ZtM216YXM1aTcx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7vwZ9fSp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/stiknaphoto?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stiknaphotography?si=ijyv3cUX8Eq-KvmW
Image Credits
Eric Stikna – Stikna Photography
