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!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Alice & David

One of the things that I love most about photography is the way that it brings people together. Long before I moved to Philadelphia or realized that I would be transferring to Penn, I admired the work of a young and incredibly talented photographer on flickr. It was an incredible coincidence that when I received my acceptance letter, Alice told me that she was a Senior at Penn. Since I've arrived on campus she has been nothing short of amazing - giving me advice on everything from the spotty internet connection in the dorms to where to eat around campus. When Alice texted me yesterday that she was on a photo walk with her beau, I went to meet them & it turned into a fun spontaneous photo session! Here are a few pictures of an amazing couple!





You can tell so much about a couple in the way that they look at each other.
You can see the happiness, see their personalities. It's a beautiful thing.

Oh look! :) Credit goes to David for snapping this shot of us.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Anna & Micah's Wedding

On a day forecasted to rain, my second shooter Vida Carson and I took the five hour drive from Philadelphia to Charlottesville, VA to photograph Anna and Micah's gorgeous wedding at the Veritas Vineyard and Winery. By the time we reached the venue there was only sunshine and a soft autumn breeze. Anna looked absolutely stunning and after she finished getting ready we headed outside for their "first look" before the ceremony. From the minute Micah saw his bride, he couldn't stop smiling. What mattered that day wasn't the gorgeous vineyard, the sun setting behind the mountains, or the intricate details on each and every table -- but it was the fact that two people dedicated their lives to one another. Anna and Micah make an absolutely incredible couple and I am so blessed to have been a part of their wedding day! Congratulations to both of you! And have an amazing time in Australia! :)

Anna put together nearly every detail for her wedding.
The bouquets, table settings, and color scheme came together perfectly due to Anna's creativity!



The "first look" before the ceremony.



Anna and her gorgeous bridesmaids!

I have honestly never seen such a beautiful background for a ceremony. It was breathtaking!



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Anna and her parents.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Lauren & Michael's Engagement Session

From the minute we started photographing, Michael couldn't take his eyes off of Lauren. The happiness between these two is contagious. It finds its way into every laugh and every kiss. When Lauren and Michael are together, you can't help but smile along with them! Here are a few shots from their engagement session! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to photograph Lauren and Michael's wedding in the spring. Congratulations to both of you!



"A day without laughter, is a day wasted "
Charlie Chaplin




After photographing at my favorite abandoned field, we headed to the beach just before sunset.



Monday, October 26, 2009

Weekend Sneak Peek

This weekend was one of the best by far! I photographed Anna and Micah's gorgeous Charlottesville wedding on Saturday and wrapped up my 2009 wedding season! The fabulous Vida Carson drove down with me to second shoot and the 5 hour trip from Philadelphia to Charlottesville seemed to fly by! :) Here is one little sneak peek picture from Saturday! I'm loving the autumn colors!


On Sunday afternoon, after returning from Virginia, I photographed Lauren and Michael's engagement session in Annapolis. I'll be photographing their wedding in early April and (especially after their amazing photoshoot) I am extremely excited! They are so happy together, and it shines through in every single image. Here is a sneak peek from their session on Sunday as well!


Stay tuned for more pictures from these two amazing couples later on in the week! :) I've been incredibly busy lately so if you are waiting for images, just hang tight! I sent out one shipment of discs this afternoon and will start editing again after my midterms conclude on Thursday. You all are the best and I appreciate your constant support!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Akeia & Mike's Engagement Session

Akeia and Mike drove up to Philadelphia for their engagement session and we lucked out with gorgeous fall weather! After days of 45 degree mornings and rain, the sun arrived at the perfect time! It becomes obvious after a few minutes how happy Akeia and Mike are together. They are one of those couples that you can honestly see spending the rest of their lives together. Here are a few photos from yesterday's session! Enjoy! :)






Her ring is absolutely gorgeous! Seriously, gorgeous!



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When looking through the images there was something really magical about this one. It fits them so perfectly. The world is spinning, cars are passing by, and all that matters are that they are together.