Cinematographer & Photographer

Lana Perhacs is a trailblazer in the world of visual storytelling, blending technical precision with a unique cinematic eye. As an accomplished and accredited professional, Lana’s work is defined by its depth, clarity, and the seamless bridge she builds between still and motion imagery.

Lana is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), a prestigious accreditation earned through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) that signifies a rigorous standard of excellence and consistency. Her dedication to the craft is further highlighted by her active membership in the Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO), where she continues to push the boundaries of modern imaging.

A World-Class Milestone

Lana’s career is marked by a historic achievement: she was the first woman in the world to earn the title of Merited Professional Videographer/Cinematographer. This distinction underscores her role as a pioneer in the industry, proving her mastery in a field where art meets high-end technical execution.

Areas of Expertise

• Cinematography: Crafting compelling visual narratives through intentional movement and light.

• Professional Photography: Delivering high-caliber imagery backed by industry-standard PPA certification.

• Creative Innovation: Applying award-winning techniques to every project, from commercial sets to private commissions.

Whether she is behind a cinema camera or a still lens, Lana brings a level of expertise that is quite literally world-class.

With a career spanning over 30 years in the industry—including more than 20 years as a vital part of the Mystic Image team—Andrea Bartel is a master of the photographic craft. Her extensive portfolio includes over 500 weddings and special events, a milestone that reflects her deep commitment to excellence and her unwavering passion for capturing life’s most significant moments.

Andrea’s approach is rooted in three decades of experience, allowing her to anticipate every smile, tear, and celebration before they even happen. Her ability to blend technical mastery with a warm, professional presence ensures that her clients feel both comfortable and confident in front of the lens. Whether she is documenting an intimate ceremony or a grand gala, Andrea focuses on creating timeless, high-impact imagery that truly tells a story.

I've dedicated my career to one simple art: quietly capturing life's moments as they unfold. I'm drawn to the joy and authenticity of candid photography, believing that the best stories are told through genuine emotion and spontaneous connection. When I'm not behind the lens, I find inspiration in nature, art, philosophy, gardening, beekeeping, and the quiet wonder of the stars—all reminders that beauty exists in both celebration and stillness.

With over 13 years of expertise at Mystic Image, Katie Cole brings a seasoned eye and a calming presence to every event she documents. Having personally captured over 500 weddings and special events, she has mastered the art of being in the right place at the right time—ensuring that no fleeting glance or grand gesture goes unnoticed.

Katie’s approach blends classic portraiture with a candid, photojournalistic flair. Her decade-plus tenure in the industry has given her a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and the unique rhythm of live events. For Katie, photography isn't just about the technical shot; it’s about preserving the genuine energy and emotion of the day, creating a visual legacy that her clients can revisit for a lifetime.

I’m a proud cat lover and someone who deeply values my friends and family, always making them a priority both in life and in my work. When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me exploring local thrift stores, hunting for hidden gems, or enjoying a craft beer at a local brewery. I’ve learned that the greatest joy in this career is the people you get to meet and the privilege of witnessing new chapters of their lives unfold. Being trusted to document those moments is incredibly rewarding and something I never take for granted.

With over 13 years of dedicated experience at Mystic Image, Erin Stewart is a cornerstone of our cinematography team. A highly skilled visual storyteller, Erin has expertly captured and edited more than 500 weddings and milestone events, blending technical precision with an intuitive eye for emotion.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Education (M.A.Ed.), and she is currently a doctoral candidate (Ed.D.). This unique academic background, combined with her extensive field experience, allows her to approach every project with both artistic sophistication and meticulous attention to detail. Whether she is navigating a complex wedding timeline or crafting a bespoke heirloom film, Erin’s goal is to ensure that every couple's most profound moments are preserved with a timeless, cinematic aesthetic

With a career spanning 30 years in the visual arts, including over 20 years as a defining voice at Mystic Image, Christopher Stabile is a master of cinematic storytelling. Having documented more than 500 weddings and special events, Chris possesses an unparalleled ability to blend technical precision with the emotional heart of every celebration.

As both a seasoned cinematographer and a lead editor, Chris understands the narrative arc of an event from the first frame to the final cut. His three decades of experience allow him to navigate complex lighting and fast-paced environments with ease, ensuring that every film he produces is as polished as it is poignant. Known for his keen eye and dedication to the craft, Chris remains committed to transforming fleeting moments into timeless, high-definition legacies.

Zach Tancak is an integral part of the Mystic Image cinematography team, bringing over 10 years of experience in capturing high-end weddings and events. Known for his versatility and technical skill, Zach holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and serves as a vital "utility player" on site, ensuring every angle is covered and every technical detail is executed flawlessly.

His decade of experience in the field has honed his ability to anticipate key moments before they happen, allowing him to produce cinematic footage that is both dynamic and emotionally resonant. Zach’s commitment to artistic excellence and his collaborative spirit make him a favorite among clients who value a seamless, professional filming experience.

Zach was identified as an ideal team member and recruited to our team  by Lana when he was a teenager.   Zach began his training as a photographer's assistant, and transitioned to Cinematography under Paul's tutelage.   Zach and his wife Michelle are proud parents of a new baby boy.

More on Zach & Michelle:

Michelle Tancak brings a high level of energy and technical precision to the Mystic Image team, specializing in the essential behind-the-scenes work that makes every event a success. With over 5 years of experience as a dedicated Photo Assistant and Lead Green Screen Operator, Michelle is a master of logistics and interactive event technology.

Whether she is assisting our lead photographers with complex lighting setups or managing high-volume green screen activations, Michelle ensures that every guest has a seamless and fun experience. Her keen eye for detail and organized approach allow her to navigate fast-paced environments with ease, making her an invaluable asset to our onsite productions and a key reason our live event services run flawlessly.

As the visionary behind Mystic Image, Paul Perhacs has spent over 30 years at the forefront of the cinematography industry. His career is defined by a deep commitment to visual storytelling, having led the Mystic Image team through three decades of evolution in film and digital media. Paul’s extensive experience ensures that every project—from intimate weddings to large-scale corporate productions—is handled with the highest level of professional artistry.

Beyond his work with Mystic Image, Paul’s distinguished career includes a significant tenure at the Diocese of Cleveland, where he successfully managed the video production department. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of the medium in his role as a simulation video producer, applying cutting-edge techniques to educational and professional environments. This unique combination of high-stakes production management and creative cinematography allows Paul to bring a level of expertise to his clients that is truly rare in the industry.