Portrait Info

Where are you located?
I am located out of the Maryland & DC area, but will be temporarily located out of Philadelphia until Mid-May. I schedule most of my seniors and portrait sessions within my breaks in Maryland and over the summer – depending on what type of weather and scenery they want in their portraits! The best way to know if I’m available is to send me an email.

How far in advance should I book my session?
I’ve been known to book out a few weeks in advance, so it’s best to be on the safe side and email me early! I prefer to only shoot one portrait session per day (Monday through Friday), my Saturdays and Sundays are generally booked with weddings, and Mondays I try to reserve for personal time! If your schedule makes weekday sessions difficult, just let me know and I can do my best to reserve a weekend for your session!

What time of day do you normally schedule your sessions?
The best time of day for a shoot are during the “golden hours” immediately after sunrise and in the two hours before sunset. Since most of my clients don’t like the idea of waking up before 6am (and I don’t blame them) almost all of my sessions are scheduled in the evening.

Do I have permission to print the photos? Can I use them on Facebook?
The high resolution disc gives you all of your images in the highest professional quality. In addition to the disc, portrait clients receive a personal usage release that allows you to print the images at any photo lab of your choice for friends & family and use the images online. You may not however – sell, edit, alter, or advertise the images in any way. I ask that if you post your images online – please state clearly that these photos were taken by Natalie Franke Photography.

How long does it take to receive my photos?
On average, portrait sessions take 7-10 days for full completion! Once the images are edited, they are uploaded to a password protected online viewing gallery and your disc will be mailed shortly thereafter!

How many images do I receive? Are they edited?
For an average two hour session, the client will receive between 40 to 60 fully edited images! Many of these images will be both in color and black and white to give you a full array to choose from!

Do you have any suggestions on where we should do the shoot?
I get this question a lot & I do have a small list of locations that I frequent: Downtown Annapolis, Quiet Waters Park, Sandy Point, & West Annapolis. The best locations are always the ones that you think of — new exciting venues for photography. Before your session, take a car ride around your neighborhood or ask friends if they know of any good spots for photography. I love to mix it up and shoot at new locations.

What should I wear?
This is the biggest and most important question that I get! I recommend being creative & fun with your clothing and accessories. Choose bold, solid colors for the center of the ensemble [ex: dark jeans + cute solid top] and mix with fun or funky accessories [scarves, flower headbands, pink pumps, cowgirl hat, rainboots, pearls]. You can always bring a bag full of different accessories and I can help you choose which ones to wear at the location. I highly recommend going shopping the week before your shoot. There is nothing like new clothes to spark your mood & flatter your figure. I have also put together a Pinterest Board dedicated to portrait fashion – so feel free to browse for inspiration and ideas!

What other things can/should I bring to the session?
Fun props always make the shoot fun! Think: vintage suitcases, big sunglasses, baloons, beach hats, or your own camera. Some of the best photo shoots that I’ve seen have had a central theme or inspiration. If you pick something and bring props/accessories – we can make your shoot something unique and completely brilliant!

Some sources of inspiration:

  • Anthropologie: No one knows how to style like Anthro. Cute clothes & accessories.
  • Salt & Prep: Fashion inspired senior portrait blog! I love this website. So many cute ideas!
  • Etsy: Hand crafted accessories that are both beautiful & completely unique.
  • Pinterest: Filled with fashion forward images and fabulous ideas!

*Please note: Prices & rates are subject to change at any time!