Chamber Spotlight: Franklin Knox, Headshot Photographer
What does your organization do?
I provide my clients with professional images for personal and corporate branding. My clients come away with headshots that help give them the best possible chance of being noticed and taken seriously.
What is unique about your organization and the work you do in our community?
I’m a specialist in the field of headshots, and that’s rare. Ordinary people who want to look good in front of the camera come to me because I can put them at ease and make them look great with artistic and professional lighting and posing without crazy filters or out of control retouching.
What was your first job?
I had two first jobs: Helping a golf pro with chores around the clubhouse and cleaning/repairing typewriters & adding machines.
How did you choose the field you're in?
Two of my older brothers were professional photographers. When I was young they bought me a camera and a Big Book of Photography and gave me lots of encouragement. This developed into a hobby and a lifelong passion.
What career highlight or accomplishment are you most proud of?
My accomplishment that I am most proud of isn’t a single photo or event, but that I have thousands of past clients who will always be proud of their portraits and how they looked in them. In my work I was able to show the best version of them that the people who loved them most see.
What's your favorite thing about the Charlottesville area?
My wife and I stopped in Charlottesville for a couple of days during a bicycle tour of Virginia in 2012. We loved the beauty and culture of the area and made a decision to move here.
What do you believe is most important for the future of our region?
Careful planning to avoid the mistakes of other growing regions and to preserve the natural beauty for future generations.
What is one of your favorite nonprofits to volunteer with or support, and why is it important to you?
The Arc of the Piedmont! The Arc helps people with developmental difficulties and their families become their best and have better lives.
How do you like to spend your days off?
Bicycling with my wife.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice?
You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want. —Zig Ziglar
What else would you like to tell us about yourself and your work?
Portrait photography has never been a side-gig for me. I've been a full-time photographer for over 30 years and am a Certified Professional Photographer.
What do you like about being a Chamber member?
I am a new member this year and am of course enjoying the networking opportunities. I admire the partnership of the Chamber with local businesses to improve our economic wellbeing and quality of life.