We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erik Stone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erik, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I have always had an interest in photography since I was about 9 years old. I came from an artsy family so I considered this an art form. Through the years I always had a camera with me but never had the funds for good equipment. At age 19 and 20 I took photography courses in college and finally got a good quality camera. I was elated when I won 1st place in a huge photo contest. I believe my photo won, not due to its technical quality, but because it was creative and unique. Technically it was good but I have seen nearly perfect photos on a technical basis that were quite boring to look at. My biggest mistake was not pursuing photography as a business while raising a family. However, I always took photos throughout the years. As digital photography came into existence I was intrigued greatly and got an expensive digital camera in 2009. I was in photo paradise! I learned the fascinating process of editing and manipulating digital photos. I thought to myself, “why don’t I turn this into a business?”. After all, it fulfilled that creative, artistic itch I had and would make a great business because there seemed to be a hole and a need for good photo editing.
I started the process by editing and enhancing about 500 photos that I scanned to convert to digital and made photo books (available online) of my family at different ages. I gave copies to various family members. Next, I created photo pages on social media and also a business web page. I created a logo that I put in the corner of my photos and on writing pens that I pass out. I made a separate email and PayPal account for my business. I belong to 4 photo web pages and stay in contact with many other photographers. As a music lover, I have become the photographer for a couple of bands. I also learned how to restore old damaged photos and also design social media profile pages for others.
To succeed I think there is more needed than what I have mentioned above. I make it a habit to post constantly to my social media pages where I am getting known by many. But I also make sure I interact with people who leave comments. I let them know that I appreciate their comments. I become a friend to them in a way. I think it is important to keep learning and perfecting my craft so I regularly get input from other photographers.
And finally, I want to stay different, unique, and creative so that I stand out from others. I will succeed because I love what I do.

Erik, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

A little about me: I come from a family full of creative people. They are artistic, musical, into crafts, and love to build things in new ways. I follow suit. My artistic side: music, crafts, art, and photography. My analytic side is into math, science, and technology. This lends itself well to what I have chosen which is digital photo editing and restoration. Why am I different? What sets me apart? One of my friends asked me a couple of times, “What can’t you do?” I don’t want to get a big head. Everyone has their own talents. However, this let me know that I must stand out a bit. I strive not to copy others but create my own unique product. I’m proud of my photos. They bring others joy. That’s my hope. I get compliments often. But I view it as a compliment, not of me, but of the one who created all things. I’m just a messenger, so I pass that message along in the best way that I can.
As I mentioned earlier, stay unique and creative. Stay humble, and engaged with your clients/fans/followers. But I am also driven. If there is an obstacle in the way I don’t give up. Are you a problem solver? What is the solution? If you cannot remove an obstacle just go around it. Think outside the proverbial box. Ask others in the business what they do. Do research. The internet has tons of information on every subject. Maybe there is even a video on it. Make your work, work.
I’m proud of giving quality work that others enjoy. I’m proud that the business continues to grow and my reputation is a good one. I’m happy to get to know others like me trying to make their love of photography a success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have worked in landscape/maintenance for over four decades. Getting older I saw the need to get into a less physical type of work. What would I do? Living in expensive Southern California I must still work while getting a little Social Security. I have cut my landscape work down to 20 hours per week while building my photo business. I can’t do it overnight so I transition slowly from one to the other.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is not just to make money. That is important but if I hate the work it would be counterproductive. So my goal is to build the business, have fun, bring others enjoyment, and make connections with others. I have heard from several emerging musicians who say that it is more than just making money. It is about expressing their creativity and making others happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erikstone.wixsite.com/etchedinstonephoto
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik.cody.stone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etchedinstonephotography
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Etched_Stone
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQO0_hsAFzLN2kqQb1GhJQ

Image Credits
Erik Stone