Today we’d like to introduce you to Embry Flory
Hi Embry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got my first drone when I was around twelve years old. The thrill of flying it, paired with my passion for photography, laid the groundwork for my first business. What began as a hobby—capturing aerial photos and videos—soon evolved into a business when I recognized the potential to turn my passion into a profession.
After obtaining my commercial drone license in 2021, I started Flory Aerial Photography, a San Antonio-based aerial photography company. My first ever client came from local solar panel manufacturer, Mission Solar, as I was hired to capture some drone footage of their factory here in San Antonio. This opportunity would lead to my first tabling event at Mission Solar’s annual Solar Fiesta. There, I had the chance to network with potential clients, which helped to accelerate my business.
As I began to expand my portfolio, foster client relationships, and collect positive testimonials, the phone gradually began to ring more and more. The business was heading in a great direction, as I had opportunities to work with some high-profile clients in San Antonio. Fast-forward to 2024, when I had my best year in the history of the business, and where I found my niche in the real estate and development industries. Now, my business continues to grow as I help realtors market their listings, and developers track the progress of construction.
I still carry that same child-like joy, exhilaration, and curiosity with me today, as I provide aerial photography and videography services to a wide variety of clients here in San Antonio.
Flory Aerial Photography is more than just a business; it is an avenue to connect with influential people in my desired industry. I will graduate this year with my bachelor’s in real estate finance at Liberty University Online and plan to pursue a career in real estate sales and investments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since I work closely with real estate, market trends directly affect my business. When the market slows down, business tends to follow, as fewer new properties are listed that require photos or videos. Real estate is also seasonal, with peak activity in the spring and summer, while winter and fall see fewer properties being bought and sold.
Airspace restrictions also impact my business. The FAA enforces no-fly zones to prevent interference with manned aircraft, and drones can only fly in these areas with specific authorization, which can take up to 90 days to secure.
These obstacles were certainly a challenge to navigate when I was in the early stages of scaling my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an aerial photographer and videographer, that is, I take photos and videos primarily with a drone. I service a wide variety of industries, with most of my business coming from the real estate and development sectors.
Building and retaining client relationships has been the backbone of everything we do. I believe that these relationships are built on the trust that our promises of high-end deliverables and some of the best pricing and turnaround time in the city will be kept.
I also have a special love for building relationships. This comes from my belief in Jesus Christ and desire to love the way He loved. I feel that one of my spiritual gifts on this earth is to create genuine connections with people and spread the love of Christ that has been so impactful on my life.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID pandemic helped me realize just how dependent my business is on the industries I service—real estate rebounded sharply after the initial slowdown, while the construction industry experienced severe supply chain issues that caused lengthy delays, all of which influenced the demand for aerial photos and videos in both sectors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floryaerialphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flory_aerial_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloryAerialPhotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/embry-flory-2262ba235/
