We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Dotoli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, how do you think about risk?
For me, taking risks has never meant being fearless – it’s about moving forward even when you’re unsure how things will turn out. I moved from Germany to the U.S. with my husband at the time, and while it was an exciting step, staying here also brought a lot of worry. I left behind stability, family, and a system I understood. Suddenly I had to figure out everything from scratch – personally and professionally.

There were moments I doubted everything – and honestly, I still do sometimes. But I promised myself to be less afraid and to build a life I truly want, because I believe I deserve that. I started my business 10 years ago, and five years ago, when we moved to America, I built it all over again from the ground up. There were moments I doubted everything – and honestly, I still do sometimes. But I promised myself to be less afraid and to build a life I truly want, because I believe I deserve that. I started my business 10 years ago, and five years ago, when we moved to America, I built it all over again from the ground up.

Then, after breaking up with my husband, I had to completely redefine myself – not just emotionally, but also practically. The breakup was a huge shock. I had given up a secure job in Germany to move with him to the U.S., and suddenly I was alone, self-employed, and trying to survive in a foreign country. It was deeply destabilizing and traumatic.

But slowly, I found my way back to myself. I leaned into my creativity again, piece by piece.

Risk is scary, yes. But after everything I’ve poured into my business, I owe it to myself to keep going and to grow into the version of me I was meant to become. And I truly believe that version belongs here, in America. I see so much potential in what I’ve built, not just as a photographer, but as a creative partner for my clients. This country challenges me, but it also inspires me. And I know my business has only just begun to show what it’s capable of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is rooted in the connection between horse and human, and in the feeling an image can leave behind. I’m a photographer and videographer, but more than that, I capture people and their horses in a way that feels real and true. One thing I hear often from my clients is that they feel seen – like I really capture them as they are, not just how they look. That’s something I care deeply about.

I also bring more than ten years of experience into every shoot. I know horses, I work quickly, efficiently, and with a clear eye for the shot. Clients may invest more when they book me compared to someone else, but they walk away with ten times the result. I know how to use light to shape the atmosphere and emotion of an image, and I aim for images that are both beautifully composed and full of life.

Right now, I’m also growing into a new role that I’m really excited about. I’m helping equestrian professionals and other creatives build their online presence in a way that feels strategic and true to who they are. I’ve always had a strong visual sense, but now I want to support others in showing up with clarity and confidence.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that I truly care. I care about my clients, their horses, their stories, and their goals. What I do is personal. It’s about creating something meaningful together – something honest, beautiful, and lasting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a good one! To kick off their trip, I’d probably take them to dinner at Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff – such a great spot to start with a view.

The next morning, we’d grab coffee early and head to Solana Beach to just sit and watch the surfers. From there, I’d take them on my e-bikes along the coast, and depending on the time of year, we’d look out for orcas and dolphins. Oh, and of course the kite surfers in Torrey Pines.

On a Saturday, we’d go to the farmers market in Little Italy, and on Wednesday, definitely the one in Ocean Beach – just to soak up some of that fun hippie vibe.

Paddle boarding in Coronado is a must, and so is breakfast or brunch at The Henry. I love strolling around Coronado in general. Maybe we’d rent a golf cart and drive around looking at houses — actually, now that I’m thinking about it, I really want to do that!

Another day, we’d visit the USS Midway and stroll around Seaport Village.

We’d also go for a little “hike” in La Jolla – I once saw it on TikTok and had to try it. It turned out to be super short, but the view was still worth it. There’s also that cave entrance at one of the shops nearby. We skipped it last time because of an earthquake, but it’s still on my list. Also, we’d have breakfast at Il Giardino di Lilli, which has such good food!!

And of course, we’d spend some time in Del Mar, watching the dogs at the dog beach. It’s simple, but it’s one of those little joys that never gets old.

San Diego is such an incredible city, but honestly, I’m in love with America in general. What a beautiful country!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a big shoutout to my mentor, who’s been helping me take my business to the next level. I’ve worked as a photographer and videographer for years, but lately I’ve been shifting, helping others with social media strategy and talent management, especially in the equestrian world. She’s been such a huge support in bringing all my ideas into structure and helping me stay focused, which isn’t always easy when you’re creative and self-employed.

I’m also really grateful for my close friends. They’ve seen me through some big life changes and always reminded me of who I am, especially when I had to start over here in the U.S.

And of course, my incredible clients. So many of them have become friends over the years. My work is very personal and it’s about trust, connection, and truly seeing each other. I’m lucky to work with people who make that possible.

And one more, maybe unexpected shoutout: Dr. John Gottman. His research on relationships and human behavior has helped me understand people and myself on a much deeper level. That understanding flows into everything I do, especially in a business that’s so much about connection and communication.

Website: https://www.elena-dotoli.com

Instagram: elena_dotoli

Other: Private, new Instagram: i.am_elena.d

Image Credits
Picture 1 & 2 & 3 Lauren Pitylak

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