Today, we're excited to introduce you to Natalie Franke Hayes! We have enjoyed following her photography work on her blog as well as on social media and we are very excited to share about her as a Fotospotting Feature! (Follow her here!) We hope you enjoy learning more about Natalie and her inspiring work as a professional wedding photographer!
Hello! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm Natalie Franke and I'm an International Wedding Photographer, Avid Writer, Coastal Traveler & Anchor Lover! I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we live outside of Annapolis, Maryland with our two pups! I have worked as a professional wedding photographer for over five years, co-launched the nautical wedding blog: Bayside Bride with my best friend Krista A. Jones, and continue to pursue my love of visual storytelling and writing full time. I'm also one of the founders of the Rising Tide Society, which aims to empower creative entrepreneurs to thrive in the spirit of community over competition! I cherish my family, lazy Sunday mornings, and good coffee... And I firmly believe that love conquers all!
What can you share about your business?
I was seventeen when I first held a DSLR in my hands. A simple little camera, with a kit lens attached, that opened my eyes to the beauty of photography. It was my senior year of high school, almost six years ago, when I realized that I wanted to be a photographer. From that very moment, I felt this excitement and hunger to learn everything that I could about the camera. Not just how to properly expose images – but how light traveled through three-dimensional space, how we see the outside world, how the visual system works, and how images have the power to change lives.
What's the best advice you've been given about your business?
Treat others as you want to be treated. It’s the ‘Golden Rule’ after all. Apply this to business, to client relationships, to life, and to the art of making images. Be hungry for knowledge and accept that in the world of photography, you will never stop learning. Hold on to your love of the craft and work like crazy to learn everything that you can… not only on the first day as a professional photographer, but all the way through to your last.
What's your favorite thing about Fotostrap?
I love that Fotostrap gives back! :) And who couldn't resist the monogrammed straps!
Who do you admire and why?
I really admire my Mom. She was a single mother who raised two daughters on her own... She taught me everything I know about hard work, compassion, and courage.
Where do you find inspiration?
I'm most inspired by love stories and the people that I photograph. I find so much joy in learning about my couples and spending time with them. Relationships, in a sense, are my inspiration!
Describe where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years.
I always dread this question because ten years ago, I was fourteen... And I didn't even own a camera! Ah! I see myself chasing down whatever dream is on the horizon... living life to the fullest... and still watching sunsets on the Bay.
What are some of your favorite photography "must haves"?
I couldn't survive without my 50mm f/1.4 - Everything else is optional! ;) Haha!
It's been great getting to know you, Natalie. Your photos are beautiful and inspiring! We wish you the best with your photography aspirations and we look forward to seeing where you take your Fotostrap in the future!