Franklin Knox Photography

08/14/2026

Optimistically, I have about 780 Mondays left in my career.

I hope to continue working another 15 years. My uncle was born in 1935 and still regularly completes 30-to-40-mile bicycle rides. My great-grandfather, also a cyclist, remained active into his nineties and likely would have reached 100, but died by su***de at 93. My family history suggests that my plan isn't absurd and that I may remain physically capable for many years.

Even so, the number 780 creates a sense of urgency. The challenge is to act on that urgency without surrendering to hustle thinking.

Urgency says not to postpone indefinitely the work, relationships, and experiences that matter. Haste says every day must be productive or it was wasted. Haste can consume the very quality of life that urgency is intended to protect.

Every Thursday, I try to plan the following Monday. I consider Friday my last chance to get that done.

After 38 years as a full-time photographer, my objective is not to squeeze something impressive from each of the next 780 Mondays. It is to decide what matters before they arrive and not to sleepwalk through them.

07/23/2026

Every custom portrait begins with its own lighting design. By the time my client arrives, I have built and tested it so our time together can be devoted to creating the photograph.
Of course, Mrs. Franklin Knox Photography often gets drafted as the test subject.

07/15/2026

07/10/2026

A few months ago, a doctor called while planning a visit to Charlottesville for a UVA Medical School alumni gathering. He wanted me to precisely recreate the 1940s lighting used in a portrait of his father, who was also a physician.

I love working in the noir and Hollywood portrait styles used by top photographers of that era, but they are only right for some clients. Sadly, I could not fit him in while he was here.

He remembered me.

Today, he booked an appointment for later in July. He will drive from Norfolk to my studio, about three and a half hours each way, so I can create this portrait for him.

A portrait made for your business or profession represents you and tells part of your story. Sometimes, though, it carries something more.

07/10/2026

Summer has a different rhythm.
People are focused on vacations, part of the team is often out of the office, and the pace can feel a little slower before fall gets busy again.

That makes it a good time to replace old executive portraits.

If your team’s business portraits are starting to look dated, or if my dogs have better portraits than your leadership team, it may be time for an update.

06/19/2026

Many of my referrals come from attorneys, physicians, executives, marketing professionals, and others whose own reputations matter.

These people rarely simply purchase a photograph.

Before scheduling a session, they usually want to know:

"Can this photographer create images that accurately represent who I am, what I do, and the story I need to tell?"

For them, a portrait is representation.

Professional referrals are among the highest compliments I can receive. When a client refers a colleague, they are associating their own name with mine and expressing confidence that I will take good care of someone important to them.

I never take that trust for granted.

06/17/2026

Set up at today's Discover Expo hosted by the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and ChamberRVA.

The display includes a judge's portrait, a healthcare CEO's business portrait, and portraits of a musician, and attorney, and a dancer.

Different professions call for different approaches. A judge, physician, CEO, musician, and entrepreneur are all telling different stories.

Clients already know who they are and what they want to communicate. My job is to understand that story and create images that support it.

What do you think makes a business portrait effective?

06/02/2026

There is a difference between buying a camera and dedicating a lifetime to mastering light.
It's not something one can ever finish. I am still learning.

05/04/2026

Most people don’t know how to evaluate a business portrait.

They just know when one works really well.

This client explained it better than I could:

"I chose Franklin because his photos were more nuanced in light and shadow than typical headshots, and I could tell he had an artist's eye.

It was easy to make an appointment using his online calendar, and he followed up with directions as well as suggestions of things for me to consider before the session.

When the day came, I packed a few clothing options and headed to his studio, which is in a peaceful, not-too-rural location. He will also come to you if you prefer.

He has a comfortable dressing room set up for his clients, and everything was very well cared for. I appreciated that he allowed plenty of time for the work, no rushing.

Franklin is a detail person. He has a gift for reading facial expressions and thinking about your objectives and the intended use of the images. He’ll tell you to fix a stray strand of hair, your collar, or adjust your jacket. That’s why the final images work.

But best of all is his understanding of light. His use of lighting and backgrounds produces strong results.

It’s nice to see yourself looking like you look in the best light on your best day. I’m grateful to have found Franklin and highly recommend him.

P.S. His pricing was very reasonable, especially for the quality of his work."
— Susan M.

04/30/2026

Judge Ashwell sent this snapshot to me today.

His portrait is now installed in the Fauquier County Courthouse in Warrenton.

I’m grateful to have been part of it.