Behind the Lens With Fathom 24 Best Travel Photographer Nicole Franzen
She finds beauty in the simple things. Then she takes a picture. All photos by Nicole Franzen.
We loved Nicole Franzen's clean and simple style so much that we put her on Fathom's 24 Best Travel Photographers list. She calls herself a visual storyteller, capturing everyday objects and people in whimsical, magazine-worthy ways. But there's more to her work than just pointing and clicking. Read on to learn how she captures the beauty in the mundane.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a lifestyle, interiors, food, and travel photographer based out of Brooklyn, New York. I like to think of myself as a visual storyteller. I was raised in southern California and northern New Mexico. I left at seventeen, started traveling, and ended up living on the island of St. John. I moved to Buenos Aires at 21. Then I traveled throughout South America. I come from a food background, and worked in fine-dining restaurants all my life. But I always enjoyed photography and wanted to combine all my loves into one. I've been shooting professionally for about five years now. My work takes me all over the world and I'm extremely fortunate for the amazing opportunities that have come my way.
How would you describe your photography style?
I gravitate towards clean and simple styling and natural light. I tend to prefer a gray day, an early morning, and late afternoon light. I have a clean aesthetic and often choose less over more. I seek out beauty in simple things.
Tell us about your camera(s)!
I use a Canon 5D Mark III and a Fuji X100T. My trusty iPhone never leaves my hand. I shoot with Canon lenses: 24-70mm is my go-to, and though it's heavy, it's versatile and great for travel. I also have prime lenses — 35mm and 50mm.
What do you love most about photographing on the road?
I love exploring new places. I make lists before I go anywhere and collect the best food and shop recommendations from my mates. I map it all out. I typically hit the cities pretty hard and end up walking around five to ten miles a day, snapping along the way. I also love driving and enjoy being in the countryside visiting beautiful landscapes, farms, etc. Traveling keeps things fresh and exciting. I love being able to tell the story of each place through my photos.
Where are you headed next?
I spent last month in Europe. I was recently in Scotland. Currently: London and then Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Paris. A quick trip to Miami. A cookbook shoot in Maine. Then Los Angeles and a week in Hawaii.
A QUICK PORTFOLIO
