Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Stone.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erik. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from a family of creative people. Many including my parents are/were musicians. My dad taught music at the city college in Riverside. My mother was involved in many aspects of music too including musicals. Many others in my family played instruments. Besides music, much of my family are creative artistically. Each of us has found our path in music and art. Early on I was interested in photography. Although I dabbled in woodworking, leather-crafting, ceramics, candle-making, painting and other things, photography has been of special interest to me. In college, at age 19 I took some photo courses. My teacher entered one of my photos in an eleven state contest where I won 1st place in the black and white category. My life took other directions and I didn’t return to considering photography as a business until five years ago. Now I do photo editing and restoration and will be selling prints of my best work soon. Also about five years ago I discovered a hidden talent of drawing within myself. So with color pencils, I draw portraits. I’ve done many for musicians and also friends and family. I will be selling this service too. I cross over often into music with my photography. I take photos of two local bands in the San Diego area. I’ve also gotten to know a few musicians in Nashville and have passed along a few photos to them too. Music-wise I also play the piano (or electric keyboard) I also have several guitars and an accordion.
So basically I’m immersed in many creative activities. In the process, I have come to know many wonderful artists, musicians and photographers. It makes life fascinating!
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always bumps in the road when you have goals in front of you. For me, it has been a slow process of getting my work out there before the right people. Like many in the public eye, there are seemingly millions of others to take your place. I feel like I am drowning in a sea of other creative people. How can I get noticed?
Here is my process.~ I try to put out only my best work. I try to be unique and not follow the crowd. I use social media widely to find many viewers. I post often. Staying humble is important so I thank and respond to those who notice my work. I interact as much as possible. I do some free work and many musicians and agents have returned the favor by re-posting my work on their page. I keep good communication with other photographers, artists, and musicians and learn from them. I post their work to my pages for good relations with them. I do much research in my field. I belong to many photo sites and pages and run many of my own.
Don’t give up. Don’t slow down. Keep moving forward. Don’t lose sight of your goal. Immerse yourself in all aspects of your quest. Be humble. Let others help you.
Please tell us about your business.
I run a photography company. I specialize in restoring, fixing and enhancing a photo to look great. I also love nature shots. Many of my pictures are from hiking and exploring. I try very hard to be unique and present quality work. I have caught the attention of many for my meticulous effort for quality and artistic skills in my photos. I’m proud of my photos that many are saying are stunning and beautiful. I also like to see the reaction of those whom I have restored photos for. For example, I recently restored an old original photo from 1932. It was faded, torn, scratched, stained and yellowed. It was the parents of an older woman I know. I completely restored it and added a little color to it. She was very happy. So was I. What sets me apart from others is that my work is not just a job. It is an artistic outlet and expression, for me. I love it. I also love people so I make personal connections through my work. I give people personal attention so that they are happy with my work.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
San Diego has many beautiful things to see and do. There is Balboa Park, many museums, beaches, the Zoo and Sea World, the Globe theater as well as many others and stadiums. Also, many breweries are popping up and music events too. We have some of the best weather in the world. With its many good things to see and do, it has its challenges too like most big cities. The cost of living is high such as housing or rentals. Gas prices are high too. Traffic, crime and homelessness are always issues. But those are much worse in many other big cities. Overall it is a fine place to live.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1990 Alessandro Trail Vista CA 92084
- Website: https://erikstone.wixsite.com/etchedinstonephoto
- Phone: 765-400-3025
- Email: etchedinstonephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik.cody.stone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etchedinstonephotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErikCStone
Image Credit:
Erik Cody Stone
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