Welcome to my blog! My name is Natalie Franke and I'm a wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer in the Philadelphia, Baltimore, & DC metro areas!

I specialize in capturing candid moments as they unfold and finding real emotion in each image that I produce.

I love my job & feel so blessed for all of the incredible friendships that I have gained through photography. I'm happy that you've come across my little piece of the universe! Take off your coat & stay a while!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Annapolis Family Session

Two absolutely beautiful families + a bunch of energy + my camera = FUN! :) I had an amazing time at my family session today & couldn't believe how well the children did despite the heat. It was in the high 80's and extremely humid, but when it came down to having fun -- there was more than enough to go around! Check out a few shots from today's session:

I never realized how much untamed energy children have. They can run, jump, and laugh for hours!

Their laughter was contagious! Too cute for words.


Meet the world's most content baby. It was so incredibly hot & he was just happy to be there!



Thursday, July 30, 2009

Kristen & Allie's Session

For Kristen's senior session, I met her in her neighborhood and she drove me around on a golf cart in search of fun locations. It was a steamy day with a nasty thunderstorm right across the Severn River, but it didn't stop us from having fun! Kristen's younger sister, Allie, joined us to get in a few of the pictures! Here are just a few shots from the session!




These girls can jump! :)
Kristen & Allie are incredibly gorgeous!




Wednesday, July 29, 2009

So KISSable

As a surprise to Amy & Ryan, I recently ordered a Little KISS 4x4 album from KISS Wedding Books. These small, nearly pocket sized albums are beautiful. The quality is of the highest standards in the industry and I'm absolutely in love! :) I can't wait to order a few of their larger books for my clients in the future as well!


One of my favorite aspects of the album, is that it lays completely flat. Perfect!




I'm thrilled with KISS Wedding Books and the quality of their products. Not to mention the fact that their customer service is incredible. :)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Ashley & Erich's Engagement Session

Ashley and Erich are absolutely meant to be a couple. They fit together perfectly, as if they were born soulmates and spent their lives destined to find one another. Erich knows exactly how to make Ashley laugh and the way the look at one another is electric! I can't wait to shoot their wedding this October in Washington, D.C. -- It's going to be fantastic! We did their e-session at Sandy Point State Park and did our best to avoid the overwhelming crowds of beach goers that swarmed the entire complex. Check it out!






Isn't she gorgeous! I just loved this shot.
AE-8st


I love a couple that doesn't think twice about doing something crazy. Lets chase sea gulls.





I had a great time shooting this e-session. Even after puncturing my knee in an attempt to get the "perfect shot" -- I wouldn't have changed a thing about this session! I can't wait to shoot your wedding in October! :)

All the best,
Natalie Franke

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Doxiepoo Puppy

I have always loved puppies. When I was five, I memorized nearly every dog breed in the canine encyclopedia. I spent hours watching Animal Planet and researching breeders online. I was that annoying child that begged her mother three times a week to go to the SPCA. So - - When my aunt and uncle called me while I was in Florida announcing they had adopted a Doxiepoo puppy (half daschund, half poodle), I couldn't wait to snap some pictures of her. My three cousins named their new puppy Jazz & she is absolutely precious.



She only weighs two pounds, but is always trying to climb on things as if she were a big dog. This is a shot of her jumping up on my knee while I'm taking pictures. I guess she wanted her close up!

Puppies seriously melt my heart. They are too cute. :) I'm hoping this won't be the last post I do on this little angel! She is adorable.

Yours Truly,
Natalie Franke

Friday, July 24, 2009

Spontaneous Florida Vacation

Last week I was out to dinner with Shannon and her friend Becky that flew in from England to visit for a few weeks over the summer. We were talking about how much fun it would be to plan a spontaneous trip & just jet off into the sunset... the following morning - Shannon called me with a plan. Before I knew it, my bags were packed and I was holding a ticket to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This short vacation turned out to be one of the best I've ever had & I wanted to share a few pictures from our adventure!

My first mirror shot when we got to the hotel!
I promised Becky that when she came to the US - we would have a photo shoot! :) It was a blast!

Florida-1-4st

Lounging by the pool.

These lizards were everywhere. When we would walk on the sidewalk, dozens would dart out of our way.
My friend Shannon rocking her favorite sunglasses.
The best friends! :) Separated by the Atlantic Ocean.
Becky & I after a long day at the beach!
Our last sunset!
The view from our balcony at night, overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway.
Florida-1-3st

If you are one of the many people who emailed or called me over the last few days, I am doing my best to get back to you all! :) I'm hoping to finish responding to emails by tomorrow morning. Thank you for being so patient!

All the best,
Natalie Franke