Name, Location, Occupation
Nicole Franzen
Brooklyn, New York
Photographer
Please describe your workspace:
My workspace changes almost every day. I often shoot on location, whether it be outside, in a restaurant or in a studio. I edit and answer emails from my home office.
What are you working on right now?
This past summer I shot two different cookbooks which are due out next fall. One was photographed in the Hudson Valley and the other in a Lower East Side restaurant. They both have been fun projects with great people. Also keeping with in my regular routine of shooting restaurants, a few magazine editorials and some work related travel.
What has been your most rewarding project to date?
I think when these cookbooks are finished and come out, it will be my largest achievement and most rewarding body of work.
Who are you inspired by?
I am inspired by SO many, the talent is rather endless. I am so fortunate to have a great group of uber creative pals. I have mentors and photographers whom I highly regard such as Gentl & Hyers. Also friends who are photographers in different areas that inspire me immensely, such as Emily Johnston. I am also inspired by farmers, floral designers, interior designers, furniture makers, really anyone who creates beautiful things.
Has there been a defining moment or turning point when you realized what you wanted to do for a living?
Well, I have always been passionate about cooking and the food industry. Since I was a young child I would experiment in the kitchen and watch cooking shows. I got my first restaurant job at the age of 14, working both front and back of the house. I always loved interior design, gardening and travel. When I finally realized that in doing photography I was able to combine all my loves it seemed to be the right fit, I had found my niche.
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of your work?
I think many don't really know what is involved in running your own photography business or any business for that matter. While I truly love it, it is work. I am glued to my email all hours of the day, I work on weekends. In the end we are offering a service and you have to fulfill all your clients needs. Not only do you have to be really good at taking photographs, you have to do a great job at delegating your workload, knowing how much time you need with certain projects in post, creating invoices, I could go on and on.
What are you reading at the moment?
Loving the journal of Rene Redzepi from his newest book, 'A Work in Progress'.
What websites do you visit for inspiration?
I channel all my inspiration on pinterest, its great. I visit some sites regularly that inspire me, such as Nikole Herriott’s blog Herriot Grace. Andrea Gentl’s blog Hungry Ghost, I love going to SF Girl by Bay for interior inspiration, I thoroughly enjoy reading Lily Stockman’s blog Big Bang Studio and Sarah Ryhanen’s for Saipua. Mimi Thorisson’s blog Manger is serious food porn, I want to live in her photos! I could go on and on.
What are your simplest daily pleasures?
Waking up early, making a cup of tea and toast. Browsing blogs and pinning on pinterest. Going to the farmers market on weekends before everyone else is awake.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Good question, hopefully happy! I see a house upstate with a garden, a dog in the yard, a handsome man. Working in photography or in a similar creative field. Traveling often, seeing the world, living well.
