Meet Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Leipprandt.  

Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Being in education for 11 years as a 5th-grade teacher and an Instructional Technology Consultant, that is the field I thought I would retire in. Eight years ago, when commercial drones first hit the industry, I was intrigued. The fact that I did not have to be in an airplane or helicopter to see things from a bird’s eye view. What most popped my curiosity was the fact that I could see the tops of buildings that I once rode my bike by as a kid. There was this one tall grain elevator with a door at the top, and we always wondered what was up there. Once drones came out, I was able to see what was up there, which blew my mind. 

Spending $2,000 on a toy drone was not in the budget, so I met with real estate agents in my area to see if they would be interested in drone photographs of their listings. Because drones were brand new, everyone was on board and excited. But for me, I had no photography background or drone experience, so I bought a $2,000 drone and began to dive into YouTube to learn as much as I could. 

After two months with the drone, I doubled my money, and clients kept asking for more. I kept booking more jobs and purchasing new equipment. 

It wasn’t until the first time that I was able to photograph Turnip Rock in the winter with my drone that I fell in love with landscape photography. Real estate was good and paid well, but to be able to travel to different Michigan locations and photograph them in a way that had not been done before was what motivated me and still does. 

While working in education full-time and running my new business, Michigan Sky Media, it was only a matter of time that I had to quit one of them. Working two full-time jobs was tough, especially with a wife and 4 kids. So, in 2020, I quit my job, we sold our house, and moved to Traverse City to pursue a new self-employed life. 

We have been in Traverse City for almost 3 full years, bought a house, and have formed so many good relationships with clients. There is no place we would rather be and love all that Northern Michigan has to offer! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the largest challenges was to leave my full-time job with benefits and move to Traverse City. I did not have many connections up here, so I essentially had to start over and try to build my brand. We also moved right after the pandemic in 2020, so trying to get my name out there and meet people was very tough. 

We’ve been impressed with Michigan Sky Media, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Michigan Sky Media about 8 years ago strictly to take aerial real estate photos. We have expanded the services we offer into photography, videography, and virtual tours. 

From the very beginning, I have said that I want to do photography different and capture photos that have not been thought about before. I think I have been able to accomplish that with some of the crazy adventures that I have been on. From dangling off the top of the Mackinac Bridge, hanging out of helicopters over the Big House, to taking stunning aerial photos of Sleeping Bear Dunes. While I am known for my landscape photography, I also offer my photography services for events, product photography, travel, and more. 

Here in Northern Michigan, I also offer videography. I have many clients who I film most of their social media and YouTube content. I am also proud to say that my best friend and I just completed our second season on TV. We have our own hunting show called “Trekin Outdoors,” which can be found on the Sportsman Channel and has been seen by tens of millions of viewers. 

Lastly, I am also in the virtual tour space as well. One of the areas I specialize in is very large-scale tours, such as complete school districts or high-end hotels. Many times, these tours take many full days to complete with thousands and thousands of photos. The end result is so satisfying as these spaces can be shown off to the world as if you are the one walking through it. 

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the lessons that I have learned not only as a person but a photographer as well, is to always treat others with kindness and respect, even when they may not deserve it. There have been times where I have been in some really tough situations, but I try to keep my cool and “kill with kindness.” Many of the incredible opportunities I get come as a result of having a mindset like this and treating everyone with respect. 

Contact Info:

• Website: michiganskymedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michiganskymedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michiganskymedia/ 

Image Credits
Michigan Sky Media