Meet Franziska Lewis | Photographer and Camera Assistant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Franziska Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Franziska, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I have been showing my kids the world while traveling to various countries for 1-2 months at a time to immerse ourselves in the culture and learn another language. We have lived in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. It’s important for them to see that people are happy with less stuff, no TV, no devices. I encourage lots of outdoor time, building/creating with nature, and being happy with very little belongings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography business, Franziska Lewis Photography, definitely still has its up and downs. There are busy and slow months and you have to wear lots of hats. My passion is documentary photography, traveling to a country like Haiti and document about things that matter. I went with my friend Lauren to Haiti and we took photos and videos for the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer to raise awareness. Unfortunately photography jobs like that are very hard to get. So when Im not traveling I enjoy family photography as well. I believe my photography stands out because it’s “alive”. You can feel the energy in the photographs. It’s not just a staged photo. I try to make it a fun photography session for my clients. When clients rebook 4 years in a row that makes me feel good! It’s tough having a photography business in Charleston though. There are so many great photographers in the city. It’s hard to stand out, but I love taking photos. The best part is the feedback after my clients received their photos and are overjoyed by them. When they are happy, I am happy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Charleston has so much to offer. Since I am an ocean lover we would first check out Folly Beach. I probably would suggest a sunrise surf session by the pier assuming my friend surfs. Then its breakfast at Low Life. The avocado toast and the peanut butter french toast are delish! We then check out the local surf shops McKevlins and Ocean Surf Shop. After sitting at the beach, looking for sharkteeth, playing in the ocean, and enjoying the waves we would head to Chico Feo for a drink and music before heading to Jack of Cups for dinner. The next day, we check out Downtown. Breakfast at The Daily and then I would rent or bring bikes and cruise through the small alleyways of the lower peninsula. I would show my friend all the beautiful, historic homes. We stop for a rooftop drink at one of the many rooftop bars like Citrus Club. Then we continue to ride bikes through Hampton Park. We’ll book a sunset sail with either Blue Life Charters or Charleston Sailboat Charters and enjoy the views of Downtown from the water. Dinner would be at Basic Kitchen, my favorite restaurant Downtown. On the third day we drive to Botany Bay which is 1h from Charleston. It’s a magical place with a Boneyard beach to walk around at low tide. Afterwards we’ll drive to Edisto for lunch at the old Gas Station, Whaleys. On our way back to Charleston we stop at the Angel Oak Tree and thank Mother Nature for sharing her beauty with us.
On a Sunday after my favorite yoga class at James Island Yoga, we check out the Farmers Market at the Pourhouse with live music and tons of food trucks. There you always run into a friend or two.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sending a Shoutout to my German Family who always believed in me and supported my “American Dream” that I am still working on haha

Website: www.franziskalewisphotography.com

Facebook: @Franziska Lewis Photography