Lynn Frankel is a New York-born wildlife photographer, designer, and conservationist who formerly worked in marketing and the music industry. She’s also known as the ex-wife of Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood, with whom she was married from 1995 to 2015.
Have you ever wondered about the woman who captured Mick Fleetwood’s heart for two decades? Lynn Frankel isn’t just known for her high-profile marriage. She’s built her own identity as a talented photographer who documents African wildlife and designs custom furniture. Her career spans from corporate boardrooms to African wildlife sanctuaries, showing a unique blend of business acumen and artistic vision.
In this article, you’ll learn about Lynn’s background, her career transformation, her marriage to the rock legend, and what she’s doing now.
Lynn Frankel’s Early Life and Background
Lynn Frankel is a native New Yorker who spent nearly 30 years working in the music and film industries. She lived alternately between Southern California and Maui, Hawaii during her marriage.
Before becoming known for her photography, she established herself in a completely different world. Lynn built a successful career in marketing and advertising, where she developed expertise in brand development and communication. She worked with various firms helping them create distinctive identities that resonated with their target audiences.
Her analytical abilities paired with creative thinking earned her respect in the industry. But despite her success, Lynn felt pulled toward something more personally meaningful.
The Marriage to Mick Fleetwood
Lynn married Mick Fleetwood on July 26, 1995, at Tavern on the Green in New York’s Central Park. The wedding reception took place at Downtime in NYC and attracted celebrity guests including Pat Benatar, The Beastie Boys, and REO Speedwagon.
The couple met through Lynn’s father, who handled Mick’s finances in the early 1990s. Lynn was 33 years old when they married.
Their Family Life
The couple welcomed twin daughters, Ruby and Tessa Fleetwood, in 2002. For nearly two decades, Lynn balanced her role as a mother with her professional pursuits.
The family split their time between Los Angeles and Hawaii. Lynn describes herself as a mother, designer, photographer, and elephant lover who creates from instinct and emotions.
The Separation and Divorce
Mick Fleetwood filed for legal separation from Lynn on March 22, 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. The documents didn’t become public until April 9, 2013.
The divorce was finalized by a judge on November 20, 2015, officially ending their nearly 20-year marriage. The separation process took over two years to complete.
In the separation filing, Mick sought joint legal custody of their twin daughters but not physical custody. He also requested sole control of music royalties and earnings from before the marriage.
The divorce documents show that child and spousal support arrangements were made, though specific details about amounts and custody arrangements weren’t publicly disclosed.
Lynn Frankel’s Photography Career
After years in corporate settings, Lynn made a bold career shift. Her transition from executive work to photography wasn’t a retreat but an ascent, allowing her to channel creative energy into wildlife preservation and environmental awareness.
Wildlife Photography Focus
Lynn specializes in photographing wildlife in Africa and has the capacity to capture both emotional and physical sensations through her lens. Her work goes beyond pretty pictures. She tells stories about the animals she documents.
She’s particularly obsessed with elephants and ambient lighting. Her Instagram bio makes this passion clear.
A portion of Lynn’s proceeds from her wildlife photos goes to either the David Sheldrick Animal Trust or the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. This demonstrates her commitment to conservation isn’t just talk.
Where to See Her Work
Lynn’s photography is featured on Studio CT, a design platform that showcases her wildlife images. Her portfolio includes breathtaking wildlife shots and serene landscapes.
Initially inspired by photographing wildlife in Africa, Lynn has expanded her subjects and finds beauty in the unexpected.
Design Work and Custom Creations
Photography isn’t Lynn’s only creative outlet. Her work also includes custom lamps and bespoke furniture, shaped by her deep awareness, love of nature, and eye for detail.
She brings the same artistic sensibility to her design work that she applies to her photography. Her pieces often reflect natural themes and incorporate her aesthetic preferences.
People who visit her home often comment on her signature scent of Nag Champa incense, which has become associated with her personal space.
Lynn Frankel’s Online Presence
Lynn is active on Instagram, where she shares her photography, conservation work, and personal moments. Her page features stunning wildlife photographs, peaceful landscape shots, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process.
Her use of the platform extends beyond showcasing art. She shares causes close to her heart, including elephant conservation and wildlife preservation in Africa.
Her online presence is active but curated, showing her preference for substance over follower counts. With a compact but loyal support base, Lynn engages meaningfully with her audience. Her posts often include thoughtful commentary and supporting facts about the subjects or locations she photographs.
Conservation and Advocacy Work
As an animal lover and someone sensitive to the world around her, Lynn uses her photography to support conservation efforts.
Her focus on African wildlife, particularly elephants, comes with financial support for organizations doing critical work. By donating a portion of her photography sales to elephant trusts, she’s putting money behind her beliefs.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues orphaned elephants and rehabilitates them. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants conducts long-term research on elephant behavior and ecology. Both organizations benefit from Lynn’s contributions.
Comparison: Lynn Frankel’s Career Phases
| Career Phase | Focus | Years | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Executive | Brand development, advertising campaigns | 1980s-1990s | Built reputation in competitive industry |
| Music Industry Professional | Working alongside Fleetwood Mac tours | 1995-2013 | Supported major music events and tours |
| Wildlife Photographer | African animals, especially elephants | 2000s-present | Work featured on Studio CT platform |
| Designer | Custom lamps, bespoke furniture | 2010s-present | Creates nature-inspired functional art |
Lynn Frankel’s Personal Philosophy
Lynn starts each morning by listing three things she’s grateful for from the previous day and drinking at least eight ounces of water. She checks to see if her daughters have texted her before lighting her incense.
This daily ritual shows her focus on mindfulness and maintaining connections with her children. Despite living apart during their father’s touring schedule, she’s kept strong bonds with Ruby and Tessa.
She describes creating from instinct and emotions rather than following strict formulas. This approach applies to both her photography and design work.
Where Is Lynn Frankel Now?
Lynn Frankel has avoided the spotlight to the extent that her exact whereabouts are unknown. She’s intentionally kept a low profile since her divorce.
What we do know is that she continues her photography work and maintains her creative practice. Her social media activity suggests she’s still pursuing wildlife photography and conservation efforts.
Sources indicate Lynn’s future is as vibrant as her present, suggesting she’s actively working on new projects and expanding her portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Lynn Frankel meet Mick Fleetwood?
Lynn met Mick Fleetwood through her father, who handled the drummer’s finances in the early 1990s. Their professional connection through her father eventually turned romantic, leading to their 1995 marriage.
What happened to Lynn Frankel and Mick Fleetwood’s daughter Ruby?
When Ruby was six years old, she had a near-drowning incident at a pool during a playdate. She was doing somersaults in the pool, became disoriented, and swallowed a significant amount of water. Paramedics revived her with CPR, and she was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Doctors were optimistic about her full recovery, and she did recover completely from the incident.
Does Lynn Frankel still use the Fleetwood name?
Lynn’s Instagram handle and some professional credits show her using “Lynn Frankel Fleetwood”, suggesting she’s kept the Fleetwood name professionally even after the divorce. However, she’s also referenced simply as Lynn Frankel in many contexts.
What kind of photography does Lynn Frankel specialize in?
Lynn specializes in wildlife photography with a focus on African animals. She initially concentrated on African wildlife but has expanded to find beauty in unexpected subjects. Her work captures both emotional and physical sensations through her lens, particularly emphasizing elephants and natural lighting.
Lynn Frankel’s story shows that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. She went from corporate marketing to rock star’s wife to respected wildlife photographer and designer. Her work now supports the conservation causes she cares about while allowing creative expression.
Whether you know her as Mick Fleetwood’s ex-wife or as a talented photographer in her own right, Lynn has created a meaningful second act focused on nature, art, and making a difference for endangered species.
All in all, Lynn Frankel’s story shows how it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, follow your creative passions, and make a meaningful impact through art and conservation, and you can always find more inspiring stories like this on earlymagazine.
