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!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

When I Look at the World

When I look at the world, I see everything with potential. Every blade of grass, every flower, every tree. There is something beautiful just waiting to be discovered and I know that with a camera in my hand -- I can do it. I have never looked at myself as an artist, but lately something is changing. I have a new curiosity. I want to create something beautiful with my camera. I want to capture the color of this world in a new way. And aside from my portrait work, I take a little time every week to explore the world around me. We've been having a lot of thunderstorms lately, so most of these pictures are centered around rain drops. I guess you could call it this week's theme.

"A picture is a poem without words." -- Horace



I loved how the water droplet was sitting in the shape of a heart.

Can you believe these beauties were in a pot outside of the Market House in Annapolis?
Something simple. Something abstract.


They are by no means incredible, but my half decent attempt at creating art with my camera has resulted in somethings that I'm proud of. Okay so off to the business portion of the post.

UPDATES:
- I am completely booked for the month of August. I feel bad because I keep having to repeat this email after email this week. With a session nearly every day, I have stopped booking for the summer. If you are interested in scheduling with me for the fall, I am booking sessions in November around Thanksgiving. Email me soon because my available spaces are already filling up.

- August 27th is my birthday. Just throwing that out there... lol.

-In September I'm moving up to Philadelphia to begin my sophomore year of college at the University of Pennsylvania. I will be shooting sessions in Philly if anyone wants to take a day trip! It's a fun city & I can't wait to live there!

That's all for now! I'll keep you posted as things begin to change towards the end of the month! Moving, a new school, some amazing weddings, and much more.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Newman Sisters

How would I describe the Newman sisters? Hilarious. A breath of fresh air. Yes! I had an amazing time tonight photographing this gorgeous sisterly duo. We walked around Annapolis for two hours, exploring and taking pictures along the way. I even discovered a bunch of new places downtown that I love! Check out a few pictures from their shoot:



I can't even count the number of times they just started laughing. :) They are so fun!
We turned Ego Alley into a catwalk.



Taylor's Senior Session

Taylor takes gorgeous to a whole new level. She's so sweet and outgoing - I had the absolute best time doing her senior pictures. Not only does she have a beautiful smile, but her serious expressions are amazing as well! Here are just a few of the hundreds of great shots from her session.. I had the hardest time deciding which ones were my favorite because I love them all so much! :)



BrowniesBeach-20st









I love the way these turned out! :) Hearts of sand.
Hands

Also, I'm completely booked for the summer! I'll be shooting Senior Portraits in November around Thanksgiving and in March when I return from school! :) Not to mention in May right before graduation!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Clow Family

My second shoot of the day yesterday was with the fun & fabulous Clow Family! I've known Chrisi for almost a year when she started working at Liu Liu's Salon as an amazing hair stylist. When she asked if I would photograph her family, how could I say know? :) Here are a few pictures from their session!

These two were so full of energy! :)

I still can't get over his eyes.
So blue, absolutely gorgeous! :)
Clow-1-3st

One of the best things about Quiet Waters Park for families is the play ground!



Clow-6st

Clow-8st

Catrina's Maternity Session

Catrina is one gorgeous mama to-be. She is so happy, so full of life! I absolutely loved doing her maternity pictures at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis yesterday. It was hot, humid, and a true July day - but - nothing was going to get in our way of having a beautiful session!

"Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart."
-- Mandy Harrison --






This family simply radiates happiness! :)