Marc J. Franklin Photography

Pizza aficionado  // Staff Photographer for Playbill

[marcjfranklinphoto]

New Year, New Adventures

As 2019 begins, one of the things that I want to focus on this year is taking more photos for myself. While I wouldn’t trade being a full time artist for the world, when photography becomes your job, it can become difficult to see your art as a creative outlet rather than a tool for a product. In order to help tip that balance, I started January 1 by bringing my camera with me as explored the West Village. I wanted to start my year by doing the thing that got me where I am today: creating for myself. 

Cheers to 2019!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

The Work Continues

One of my biggest inspirations early in my photography career was letterer and graphic designer Jessica Hische. As a self proclaimed “internetter,” she is a lover of a side project, living out loud, and creating her own work on her own terms. I always aspired to be just as prolific, and to this day, there is seldom a day in which I don’t have my camera with me, trying to both find the beauty in every day spontaneity and capture it.

Lately, however, I’ve wanted to extend that notion further and produce more work. Rather than stumbling upon a portrait or a scene, I wanted to craft it. I want to be just as prolific but in a way that narrows in on the editorial lifestyle work that I love. For this shoot, I just asked a friend “coffee date chic” – casual but styled – and meet me in our neighborhood. What followed was a fantastic summer sunset photoshoot in Harlem, capturing the modern man’s aesthetic.

Model: Jon Otano (IG: @MarvinHamlish)

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Portraits to Dream About

In prep for the release of his book Dresses to Dream About, I had the honor of photographing acclaimed fashion designer Christian Siriano for an interview with Dennis Kenney of Style with Den in his midtown studio. I’d been a fan of Christian’s work since his season on Project Runway, falling in love with his innovative takes on classic silhouettes. Being in his studio and getting a glimpse of his process was definitely an inspiration that I’ll take with me for the rest of my career

(Shot in October 2017)

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Ready. Set. Go!

On Broadway, when a production is just about to open, the press schedule can be filled to the brim with events which means, when I have a feature shoot, sometimes I have as little as 10 minutes for a photoshoot. And that was this case for my session with the Band’s Visits Katrina Lenk. I was given a 10 minute window in the middle of show’s press junket, shooting after interviews were concluded but just before the cast took the stage to perform a sneak peek at the musical. Luckily, we were in the Strand’s Rare Books Room so the show’s star and I found a cozy corner away from the hustle and bustle of the event to create this timeless photo set! Like, being shot out of a cannon, this session had us continuously moving, proving you can strike gold in 10 minutes!

(Shot for Playbill, October 2017)

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Tracey X Chelsea 

I’ve been a fan of lifestyle/fashion photography for as long as I can remember. There is something so enchanting about taking the everyday experience and making it glamorous, almost aspirational. When my friend Tracey and I decided to collaborate on a brisk October morning, I knew I wanted to create images that felt crisp, modern, and flirty but still natural and grounded in reality.

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Love is Love

This summer, I got to take a trip to the gorgeous Hudson River valley and photograph engagement photos for the incredible Alex and Sarah. The brides-to-be were nothing but joyous and fun, but during the shoot, I found myself reflecting on how powerful it was to even be holding this session. As a gay man, I don’t take for granted how far LGBTQ+ rights have come through the ages. Getting to capture this pure, beautiful love was easily one of the highlights of my summer!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

On Saturdays, we brunch

The West Village will always have my heart. From it’s lush greenery in the summer to it’s quaint quietness in the winter, the village brings the small town vibe to the big city. While having brunch with my friend Izzi on a warm saturday, I found myself inspired to explore and have a spontaneous photoshoot!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Telly Leung x Playbill

One of my main goals at Playbill is to continue to refine my eye when it comes to editorial photography and working for a magazine constantly forces me to stretch that muscle and grow. For this feature shoot with Aladdin’s Telly Leung, I knew I wanted to create a range of images that captured the energy of the Broadway but also the sweet yet grounded personality.

Check out the feature here: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-every-broadway-role-has-led-telly-leung-to-playing-disneys-aladdin

[marcjfranklinphoto]

And now, we party!

One of the highlights of my first season on Broadway was getting to conclude it by capturing the official Tony Awards after-party for Playbill. After being thrown into this crazy industry mid-season, celebrating the talented people I’ve gotten to work with and incredible accomplishments the theatre has achieved felt euphoric! On to the next season!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Jojo at Irving Plaza

When I purchased my ticket to see Jojo at Irving Plaza, I knew that I would need to capture it! Both as a massive fan and as a photographer, I wanted to capture the energy of her performance as well as create images that I could have to relive the incredible night!  

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Nothing better than a snow day to capture the joy of a wintery afternoon! Thanks to my roommate Kristin for playing with me!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

When actress Jasmine Rush asked me to photograph some new shots for her portfolio, I jumped at the chance to create something that felt editorial and high-fashion but still let her glowing personality shine! This photoshoot was one of the funnest sessions I’ve had to date!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

A summer afternoon with Lexi

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Doughnuts and Day Light

I recently had the pleasure of photographing my friend Nicole for super exciting birthday photoshoot! What’s better than a beautiful spring day, good company, and doughnuts!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing EYES SHUT. DOOR OPEN by my friend Cassie Seinuk. So honored to have captured such a thrilling, dark, intriguing, and captivating play. Boston, go see it!

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Self portrait - Bed Time

[marcjfranklinphoto]

Midday in Midtown