We recently connected with Eric and have shared our conversation below.

Eric, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One meaningful risk I took was transitioning from photography as a side hobby into building it as a legitimate business while continuing my full-time role in education.

For years, photography was something I loved — capturing school events, sports games, and community moments. Over time, people began asking if I could photograph their events professionally. At that point, I had to decide: keep it informal, or invest real time, money, and credibility into turning it into a business.

The risk wasn’t just financial — although purchasing upgraded equipment, drones, insurance, website hosting, and marketing materials was significant. The bigger risk was reputational. As a teacher in the community, stepping into entrepreneurship meant putting my name and work in front of the public in a very visible way. If it failed, it would be very public.

I chose to move forward intentionally. I built a brand, developed pricing structures, created a website, secured proper licensing and insurance, and invested in professional-grade equipment. I also had to manage my time extremely carefully to ensure my performance in education never suffered.

The turning point came when I secured coverage for larger community sporting events and began forming partnerships with organizations. That validated that the risk was strategic, not impulsive.

The outcome has been incredibly positive. Financially, it created an additional revenue stream. Professionally, it strengthened my leadership, communication, and operational skills. Personally, it reinforced that calculated risks — when aligned with values and executed with planning — lead to growth.

Most importantly, it taught me that risk isn’t about recklessness. It’s about preparation, conviction, and follow-through.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Eric Stikna | Stikna Photography

I’m Eric Stikna, a Central Florida photographer, drone pilot, and educator, and the founder of Stikna Photography — built on the idea of capturing moments from sidelines to skylines.

Photography started as a passion while working in education, covering school events and local sports. What began as helping out quickly turned into something bigger. I saw an opportunity to build a professional, reliable visual media company that serves schools, sports organizations, realtors, and businesses with high-quality photography, video, and drone services.

Today, I specialize in:
• Sports photography (youth to professional)
• Real estate photo & video
• FAA-certified drone imaging
• Event coverage
• Commercial and product photography

What sets my work apart is a combination of creativity and strategy. My background in business and education means I don’t just take photos — I think about audience, branding, and results. Clients get professional-grade visuals, fast turnaround, clear communication, and someone who understands both community and business.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built locally. When clients call back year after year, that means more than any single image.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: deliver professional visuals that tell your story clearly — and always have a picture perfect day.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

How I Built My Reputation in the Market

I built my reputation the same way I approach photography — intentionally and consistently.

It started locally. As an educator in Central Florida, I was already part of the community. I began by covering school events, youth sports, and local activities, not just to take photos, but to deliver professional-level coverage that families and organizations weren’t used to receiving at that level.

From there, I focused on three key things:

1. Reliability.
I show up early, prepared, insured, and professional. Fast turnaround times and clear communication built trust quickly.

2. Quality & Consistency.
Whether it’s a middle school game or a professional sporting event, the standard never changes. That consistency creates word-of-mouth referrals — which have been my strongest growth driver.

3. Relationships Over Transactions.
I built partnerships with leagues, schools, realtors, and local businesses. Instead of chasing one-time jobs, I focused on long-term relationships. That approach led to repeat bookings and referrals across industries.

I also leaned into modern tools — drone services, online galleries, strong social media presence — to differentiate myself from hobbyists in the area.

Over time, reputation compounds. Deliver strong work. Be easy to work with. Repeat.

That’s how momentum builds in a local market.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

How I Keep in Touch with Clients & Foster Brand Loyalty

For me, brand loyalty starts with experience — not marketing.

First, I focus on delivering consistently high-quality work with fast turnaround and professional communication. When clients know exactly what to expect and feel taken care of, trust builds naturally.

Second, I stay visible and engaged. I regularly share recent projects, community events, and client highlights on social media. Many of my clients are local schools, sports organizations, and realtors, so showcasing their successes strengthens the relationship and keeps my brand top of mind.

Third, I maintain direct communication. I check in before busy seasons, follow up after projects, and make it easy for clients to rebook. For recurring events — like sports seasons or league opening days — I reach out early so they know they’re prioritized.

I also look for ways to add value beyond the deliverables. Whether it’s sharing marketing insights with a realtor or providing extra candid moments for a league, those small touches create long-term loyalty.

Ultimately, loyalty comes down to consistency, professionalism, and genuine investment in the client’s success. When clients feel supported — not just serviced — they come back year after year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stiknaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stiknaphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AokAmMa2h/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstikna?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stiknaphotography?si=0Z-7LnKqkvnQ_UFM

Image Credits

Images provided from Stikna Photography www.stiknaphotography.com