8 minute read
Featured Photographer M. Francke Photography
For more than 10 years, Los Angeles based photographer, M. Francke Photography, has brought joy to so many with the beautiful moments she captures behind her lens. Every frame brings together magic and emotion through life events frozen in time. The beauty of a glowing mother-to-be, the peace of a sleeping newborn, the sparkle in a child's eye, all shine through in Francke's work.
These cherished moments captured on film have become the foundation of M. Francke Photography. "It is a gift to be able to share the artistic layers of these lifetime memories," says Francke. More than just producing pictures on paper, Francke allows her artistic vision to push the creative envelope in every session. “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
With a degree in interior design, and a natural talent in art, an interest in photography began to grow. "I started to play with creative captures of friends and their families," says Francke. One shoot led to another and Francke’s interest turned into a passion. She dove deeper into the art of editing, adding special effects into the final photograph. As Francke began to stock up on props she would seek out inspiration for her settings.
With a degree in interior design, and a natural talent in art, an interest in photography began to grow. "I started to play with creative captures of friends and their families," says Francke. One shoot led to another and Francke’s interest turned into a passion. She dove deeper into the art of editing, adding special effects into the final photograph. As Francke began to stock up on props she would seek out inspiration for her settings. Throughout the years, Francke’s unique style has made her stand out amongst other photographers in her genre. Francke’s specialty and creativity is embedded with a variety of themes according to the season, the occasion and holidays. However, across every image, Francke stays true to her synchronized color palette. “The most valuable mentoring I received was not to buy anything that doesn’t match what I already have,” says Francke. “When I search for props, dresses and backgrounds, I invest in things that can be used interchangeably with different sets. Thus, this investment will be used more frequently as opposed to a single use session.” A highlight of Francke's work is in her whimsical depictions of scenes that are crafted right out of a fairytale. "Children are the most imaginative beings, they see magic, they feel magic; they ARE magic," says Francke. In fact, Francke'sphotography took off when she began creating unique enchanted fantasy children’s portraits. Francke is inspired by children as they express their favorite character or feel playful and animated in a photo session. She takes that opportunity to breathe life into the most beautiful story telling image. Tapping into her own inner child has allowed Francke to connect with her clients on their level, playing games and indulging them to share what they love.
During the pandemic this need to indulge her client's imaginations became much more prevalent in her work. "Children’s imagination and creativity have been shadowed by screentime and staying indoors during events of the past few years," says Francke. "I see the change in the personality and social skills while shooting and I aim to guide and open the minds of these children." Though separated by a camera, Francke finds that the connection made between photographer and subject as essential to creating pieces that are filled with emotion. "One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is getting to know the children and the families," says Francke, "thus being able to create portraits that reflect their unique characters." Professing that she is a bit of a perfectionist, Francke's talents reach far from just her camera as she transforms these photos into works of art using both her photography and editing skills. "I pour every inch of my perfectionism and creativity into shooting, editing and producing a unique collection of beautiful and timeless images. In our busy lives, it is important to take the time to capture the special milestones in life. The whole process of being apart of their life story has been truly incredible and it is a pleasure to be able to document family history in an artistic manner.” A true testament to her client's appreciation comes from the returning clients and referrals that have allowed Francke's business to quickly catapult into a successful career. The stunning pregnancy portrait is followed by that same mother asking for newborn photos, as well as other milestones for her family that follow. Another reward is the true connection and all of the emotions she gets to experience with the children and parents in sessions filled with laughs, smiles and even tears together. Francke feels that the moments captured are sacred and timeless and only the beginning of the journey where these photographic memories will travel through generations to come.
To Francke, photography is never simply what it looks like, but what feeling the picture evokes. “Whether I’m with children or adults, I’m using specific descriptions to teach them how to express emotion, evoke thoughts, and create the energy I’m looking for,” says Francke. “The authentic emotion of the pictures is what I find most intriguing.” This stands true across all of her sessions, but especially with children or women who feel less comfortable in front of the lens. The final outcome while overcoming these discomforts, is what makes the most authentic images. Beyond her portrait sessions, Francke has shared her talents with many others in the industry. She has worked with celebrities, influencers, models and other artists seeking the best content for their portfolios. A model and a photographer are equally important to the success of a photoshoot. In order for a photographer to bring forth the model within every client, a special connection, experience, and guidance is imperative to achieve the desired look. The goal is to compliment the style and personality of both photographer and model. “Deciding upon your photographer, is in essence, like the search for your soulmate,” says Francke, "someone that speaks your “photo” language, your style, your colors, and personality.” Francke says there is a harmony between her and her clients that is essential in creating the perfect results. The experience of the photographer, their personal style, and the client’s desires and style, will guarantee the vision comes to life. The right photographer will become apart of a model’s creative team, and a fan of their journey and vision, as they cheer them on to success. “It is a reward to accompany every client that has entrusted me to be apart of their modeling journey,” says Francke.
Going mainstream and focusing on branding herself with world known names under her belt is always an amazing experience and fun story to share. However, Francke says that the truth is, this a job for them as well. “It is often not an investment nor a luxury to them and the emotions attached to yet another beautiful gallery of theirs is hardly the same as to someone who has never experienced this type of session as they see themselves in an fine portrait for the first time.” As rewarding as it is connecting and networking among the elite in their industries, Francke’s heart belongs to the individuals that don’t have everyday access to these types of luxuries. "There’s something special about a hard working mother, who hasn’t gotten her makeup done since her wedding or hasn’t had a moment to herself since having children and turning her into a complete Goddess, bringing her beauty into a light she’s never seen before."
As a mother and full time photographer herself, Francke understand the struggles these women have to actually find time for themselves. “There are so many deserving of this,” says Francke. “I know how hard it is to step out of the comfort of being a nurturer to my family and focusing on myself.” Those days are the days Francke feels most fulfilled. “The mother on a glamorous set made just for her, makeup and hair done and wearing a gown that she probably would have never thought of wearing, and looking at the images I’m showing her in my camera, as she sits in disbelief with tears of joy and the biggest smile on her face asking me ‘Is that really me?' These are the magical moments I was blessed, as I give back to these deserving women.” In the industry of photography Francke would say that one of the most important rules of thumb would be to acknowledge your skill and know your worth in order to succeed. For her the goal is to offer something unique, something simply different and says to aspiring photographer to “ask yourself ‘what sets me apart from the photographer next door?’” She believes it is an absolute necessity to focus within the big picture of the desired goals and to create experiences that will lead there. “Experiences and focus will be your best guide,” says Francke, “and the most valuable lesson in this priceless journey.” Francke is in awe of the opportunities photography has opened her up for her. The variety of clientele, cultures and creative spaces she can venture into with her camera has been unmeasurable. She has recently opened a beautiful and spacious full service studio, equipped with anything she needs for any portrait session. With a full service creative team Franke can now offer each client an experience filled with glam. Every growing business has its own challenges, but Francke takes those challenges as learning opportunities. “I look forward to the many experiences brought forth with new and return clients and setting new industry standards by pushing creative boundaries in my new space.” Says Francke. In the near future, she hope to share her artistic knowledge and experience by teaching aspiring photographers how to tap into their artistic capabilities in the world of Fine Art photography.
