Luster Studios » North Carolina Photographers Craig Carpenter

Carrie had contacted me over the holidays with a bit of a dilemma. She had already booked another photographer, but wasn’t ecstatic with the photographs from their engagement session. She mentioned that Matthew is normally very uncomfortable about having his picture taken and that it would take a special photographer to capture those special looks she gets from him when they are alone.

I explained to her that everyone has a different style of shooting and the way they interact with their clients. We talked at length and I felt that I might be exactly what they was looking for. Instead of a traditional meeting, I offered to take a few photographs and actually SHOW them how I photograph my clients (instead of just telling them). I often get comments about my photographs like “They look so natural…” or “I can tell that they had a great time with you!” but actually experiencing a fun and unique session first hand is different. They loved the idea!

One of the core beliefs I hold is that when people are comfortable around me they act natural and look great. I believe that through my genuine interaction with strangers I can capture amazing photographs of even the most “camera shy” person. It’s this reason that I constantly strive to go above and beyond to get to know my clients and their friends and family at every event.

If you’re wondering if this tale had a happy ending… it did! It was a difficult situation because they had already made a hefty downpayment to secure their previous photographer, but after working with me, they booked me on the spot. Thank you for trusting me Carrie and Matthew.

Here is a referral letter they wrote me recently.

“I was upset and worried about how our wedding photos would turn out after we received our engagement session proofs from our original photographer. I couldn’t decide if I should find someone new, but finally my worries got the best of me and I found Craig on the internet. I was intrigued by his photos so I gave him a call.

I was impressed right away when he told us that he would be willing to show us how he takes photos as opposed to just taking our deposit money and showing up at the wedding. When someone is willing to take the time to show you their work first hand, you know that they’re able to back that up! The actual meeting with Craig went so well that you can see my gums in the photos because I was laughing so much! I will have to work on that gum showing business for the wedding though! haha

I feel that we are working with a real honest to goodness photographer who loves his art and strives to produce actual memories and not just photos. As I continued to look through his work each photo tells a story with just a moment in time. He was able to capture my handsome Matthew with his beautiful smile that I fell in love with and I was so very delighted!! Now I can’t wait for Craig to take our wedding photos and am excited all over again! Thank you so much Craig. You’ll be our photographer for life! You are so very talented and everyone should be so lucky to be able to work with you!!”

Carrie