Meet Kasie Craig

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kasie Craig. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kasie below.

Kasie, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity is deeply rooted in a love for animals and a belief in the power of photography to preserve the spirit and essence of those we love—especially those we eventually have to say goodbye to.

In June 2020, I lost my dog, Koda Bear, at the age of 16. He lived an incredible life full of adventures, but after he passed, I realized I didn’t have nearly as many photos of him as I thought I would. That realization became the heartbeat behind Doggie Days, a fundraiser I launched to honor Koda’s memory.

Doggie Days has since grown into a beautiful annual event where we create professional portraits of dogs while raising money for Woods Humane Society. It’s become a way for dog lovers to celebrate their pets, preserve memories through photography, and give back to animals still waiting for their forever homes.

We’ve raised over $10,743 so far, and our fifth annual event is coming up this June in San Luis Obispo. What started as a way to grieve and honor my best friend has transformed into a community tradition that’s full of wagging tails, joyful moments, and so much heart.

For me, generosity comes from a place of love, loss, and the desire to give others what I wish I had more of—photos that tell the stories of the companions who mean everything to us.

True, I’m not primarily a pet photographer—my company focuses on weddings, portraits, and event photography and videography—but events like Doggie Days have a special place in my heart. Through them, I’m incredibly blessed to attract ideal clients who share my love for pets and recognize just how important they are to our families.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Kasie Craig, the owner and lead creative behind SLO Town Studios, a wedding, portrait, and event photography and videography company based on the stunning Central Coast of California. What started as a hobby over 12 years ago quickly grew into a heartfelt calling—documenting love stories and growing families through timeless, warm, and candid imagery.

What makes my work so special isn’t just the photos or videos themselves—it’s the relationships I build with my clients. Many start as couples celebrating their engagement and wedding day, and return to me years later with babies, dogs, and growing families. I’ve had the honor of documenting milestones from “I do” to “first steps,” and I truly consider my clients part of my extended family.

What excites me most professionally is creating experiences that are just as memorable as the moments I capture. Every session includes one-on-one planning support, a personalized style guide, and a shoot that’s full of fun and ease—even for families with toddlers or shy pets! I’m known for coaxing out natural smiles, embracing chaos (sprinkles in my bag for kid bribes!), and making everyone feel at home in front of the camera.

One of my favorite and most meaningful projects is Doggie Days, our annual fundraiser for Woods Humane Society. It began as a way to honor my own dog, Koda Bear, after he passed, and it’s now grown into a beloved event celebrating over 100 pups each year through professional portraits. We’ve raised over $10,743 for homeless animals so far, and our 5th annual event is coming up on June 1st in San Luis Obispo.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Authenticity & Connection
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that clients don’t just book you for your photos—they book you for you. I want my clients to feel like they know me, so they can feel safe, comfortable, and seen throughout the entire experience. Showing up authentically, both online and in person, creates trust—and that trust is what leads to meaningful, lasting connections.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your brand. Whether it’s through social media, your website, or how you communicate, let people know who you are. When you show up as your full, honest self, you’ll attract the right people and build relationships that truly matter.

2. Adaptability
Things rarely go exactly as planned in photography—weather changes, timelines shift, and sometimes toddlers (or dogs!) just aren’t having it. Being able to roll with the punches and still create magic is essential. Adaptability helps me stay calm and creative, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Advice: Practice in every kind of situation—sun, fog, chaos, calm. Learn how to pivot quickly and make the best of what’s in front of you. Confidence comes from experience, and experience comes from saying “yes” to the challenge.

3. Community
Our local wedding industry thrives on the belief in community over competition. I’ve learned so much from others who have shared their knowledge and experiences with me, and I love paying that forward. Building genuine relationships with fellow creatives has shaped my business in the most positive way.

Advice: Don’t isolate yourself—find your people. Get involved in your local creative or small business community, attend meetups, support others, and share what you know. There’s more than enough work to go around, and when we rise together, we all win.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was lead by example. Both of my parents—and honestly, the majority of my family—are entrepreneurs. Growing up surrounded by business owners, I learned early on what hard work, dedication, and grit can create. They showed me that while entrepreneurship is one of the most challenging paths you can take, it’s also the most versatile, fulfilling, and empowering.

My mom played a huge role in building my confidence from a young age. She always supported me, believed in my potential, and encouraged me to go after my dreams—even the really big ones. That kind of unconditional support gave me the courage to start my own business and trust in my vision.

My dad, on the other hand, taught me the art of connection. Watching him interact with clients and build trust so naturally showed me how important relationships are—not just in sales, but in creating a brand people believe in. He gave me the foundation to be personable, professional, and confident in the way I show up for my clients today.

Together, they helped me see that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about showing up with heart, building relationships, and doing the hard work day in and day out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://slotownstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slotownstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLOTownStudios/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjqWGHS7ceRulnNTS9LysA

Image Credits

Photo of Kasie Craig/Headshot – By Asia Croson
All other images – By SLO Town Studios