We recently connected with Elsa Krieg and have shared our conversation below.

Elsa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The question I have received the most about my business, is why the name Lonesome Dove Photography? Well, if you know, you know. And by that, I mean you know the mini series Lonesome Dove. Two former Texas Rangers rejuvenate their sense of adventure and drive a herd of cattle from the dusty town of Lonesome Dove, TX, bordering the Rio Grande, to the breath taking mountain ranges of Montana. The story highlights the friendship of Captain Woodrow F. Call and Captain Augustus McCrae. The friendship is the epitome of what I believe the world needs more of today, is while they hold different opinions on a lot of topics, the respect they hold for each other and the accountability they have for one other is something that is missing in today’s society. The friendship literally defines ride or die when Gus’s final wish on his death bed is asking Woodrow to take him back to Texas for his final resting place. The movie puts so many life lessons into perspective. It’s something I grew up watching and the lessons taught in this series have stuck with me through my life and the series became a favorite movie of mine. I cherish this movie near and dear to my heart and it seemed fitting to incorporate it back into the newest adventure I’m on!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my photography business on pretty much out of thin air. I was at a point in my life where I was ready to step outside my comfort zone of the previous career I was in and do something completely out of left field. I attended a business retreat and had the opportunity to shadow a photographer soon after that. I guess you could say the rest was history. I connected with some amazing mentors and before I knew it I owned my own camera and Lonesome Dove Photography was born. While how my business came about is not the most thrilling, the journey has been nothing but a thrill since the day I had my very first shoot. I grew up in a small rural town and ranching and agriculture were a huge part of my life. I knew I wanted to share that passion through this newfound passion of photography that I had. I love capturing the essence of the west and western industry in all capacities. Whether that be couples and weddings, branding cows and working ranch dogs, or portraits of high western fashion, I love showing all sides of what the “wester industry” is.

What I think sets me apart is I love to step outside this niche and capture all different styles. I love the challenge of seeing a different style and being able to photograph it, while still keeping the style that I have created. If engagement photos with cows are not your thing, let’s go down town to the city streets and capture your love in an environment that fits you. What I want people to enjoy their experience with me in an environment that they are most comfortable in and be themselves.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

While I knew about workshops different photographers host, it took me forever to decide to invest in myself and business! Lots of photographers host workshops where you can attend and receive presentations on running a business, editing help, and even have to opportunity to shoot with models! I wasn’t sure if it was going to be worth it to me or not and if it was worth the money. But I walked away from my first workshop a completely different photographer and I can honestly say it was a huge turning point for my photography career. I not only walked away with some drool worth content, but I walked away with a clear business plan about pricing and how to hold my self to the price I am worth. I also walked away with a lot more knowledge about editing which I feel has really taken my style to a different level. Shout out to Emily Nicole Photo Co for the most amazing workshop!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth has absolutely been amazing in getting new clients. That’s why creating a fun and memorable experience is crucial when hosting a shoot. You want people to feel at ease and comfortable in front of the camera and want them to almost forgot you are there taking pictures. I love when clients get lost in the moment during our shoots. I have been so lucky to have such amazing clients who refer me to their friends and family. I would not be where I am today with out each and every one of them!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lonesomedovephotography.com
• Instagram: @lonesomedove.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonesomedovephoto/

Image Credits
Headshot by Nykilah Torres Lucero