Meet the Owners: Samantha Franke & Emily Franke!

About Samantha:

Samantha studied at Hallmark Institute of Photography graduating in 2015. She continued on her life long dream of being a photographer & has been a business owner for over 10 years. She loves to document your most treasured, real life moments.

Samantha’s passion for documenting memories is what led her to become a photographer. Ever since she was little she loved looking at photo albums. There is nothing more timeless then a photograph! Getting the privilege of looking through albums of our parents growing up & even grandparents childhood is truly a blessing. Growing up, Samantha always wanted to make a difference to those around her. Samantha is known for her love and dedication to Childhood Cancer Foundations. She spent most of her time volunteering with the Jessie Rees Foundation, St. Baldricks, Brooke's Blossoms & Buddies and Colin's Crew. She's won the Volunteer of the Year Award and was also flown to California in April of 2013 for the Compassion Award. She offers Hero Sessions to families fighting Childhood Cancer. She also makes a yearly trip to Give Kids The World Village in Florida to photograph families during their Make A Wish trip.

When Samantha is not following her dream, you will still find a camera in her hand. She loves to travel and take nature photos. Samantha loves joining art galleries & markets to share her nature work! She also has an Etsy shop where images can be purchased!

About Emily:

In August 2025, Emily officially joined the team as Co Owner! Em is not only Sam’s wife, but she is an incredible helper, second shooter and child wrangler. She is the cause of so many laughs during a session! She is such a people person and loves helping document memories with Samantha Viola Photography! Many call her the hype girl! During a session you’ll always see two of us! She has always done so much for SVP especially behind the scenes or during a session. We are so excited to officially have her on the team!

Em is a published author for her very 1st book the Ladybug Who Lived On a Four Leaf Clover. She enjoys touring all over the state & beyond to schools, senior living centers & so much more! Her book has truly touched the lives of so many & you’ll see Sam at every single book event too. We are so lucky to have jobs where we can support each other!

When she is not following her dreams she is almost always by the water, chasing a sunset at the beach or star gazing.

Both Samantha & Em have years of experience with children which is a secret touch for working with families & all different types kids. With Samantha Viola Photography you can guarantee more than just a photoshoot, but a lasting connection!