118 YEARS AND COUNTING

On a September day in 1905 photographer Henning Svenson stepped off the train in Laramie, Wyoming and realized he had arrived. Born in Kiel Germany, Henning’s long journey had started as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s court photographer. He moved to live in Switzerland and then Paris working as a fine art photographer and noted portrait artist  before moving to the United States in 1902. Settling in New York City, Henning found employment as a studio photographer with the prestigious Mr. Aimè DuPont on 5th Ave. He later joined his brother in Webster City, Iowa. The brothers were partners in a photo studio. Henning, however, heard the call to “Go West” and looking for adventure purchased a one-way ticket. Henning arrived in Laramie in September of 1905. The night he arrived in Laramie, he stayed at the Johnson Hotel and wrote to his fiance, Marie “Mamee”. He loved Laramie’s beauty and pressed wildflowers to send to her. Laramie was his new home. 

Small Beginnings

Henning only had $1 when he arrived. He took a $30 loan from the mayor and started a credit account with Kodak in Denver. His studio, located on 3rd street was up and running by October. Henning returned to Iowa a year later to marry Mamee. The couple returned to Laramie to continue building Henning’s photography business. They had three daughters; Helen, Anneleas, and Lottie. Each was extensively trained in photography and worked at the studio. Svenson Studio soon became the  premier studio in the region. In 1925 Henning built his own building on the corner of Ivinson and 3rd street. The studio is still in this location. 

Svenson’s Photographic Legacy

Henning extensively photographed Laramie, its residents, the University of Wyoming and its students, faculty, clubs and sports. He also photographed the Union Pacific Railroad, Native Americans, ghost towns, ranching, outdoor recreation such as skiing, hunting, fishing, rock climbing. and scenic locations in Wyoming such as the Snowy Range Mountains, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and the vast plains surround- ing Laramie, as well as many other natural wonders. Henning passed away in 1932 at age 53.After Henning passed away, his daughters continued to operate the studio. His legacy now lives on as Ludwig Photography. Owned and operated by 4 generations of women in her family, Anne Brande carries on the heritage of her Great Grandfather Svenson. Anne is proud to be the owner of the oldest ongoing photographic business in the country.