Luster Studios » Raleigh wedding photographers for engagement bridal portraits at your NC wedding venues

Luster Studios bio picture

About Craig:

My arrival into wedding photography was a complete surprise to me, but in hindsight, I think it has always been my destination.

My fascination with art began at an early age and continued as I earned my Fine Arts degree. I've enjoyed expressing myself through various medium such as illustration, animation, music production and even glass blowing, but photography has always felt most personal to me. It became an integral part of my life as I began documenting special events for myself as well as friends and family. I often fashioned gifts using those photos and soon realized how great it felt to give something meaningful.

Later, when I decided to propose to my wife, I created a simple book. Each page held the words “Remember when?” and was followed by a series of photographs and stories from our relationship. At the end it simply read “Remember when I proposed to you?” As she turned that last page and I lowered to one knee I was overwhelmed with emotion. I couldn’t think of any better way to show her how I truly felt.

As we discussed our own wedding, I realized how important these memories were to us. I wanted to somehow utilize my talents to create this experience for others, so I decided to make wedding photography a full-time endeavor. I truly feel that my personal approach and artistic understanding of light and composition is what sets me apart from most photographers that do not share this fundamental foundation.

Those I work with hold tight bonds with family and friends, and generally have a great sense of humor. Besides the kind words, and heartfelt feedback, I’ve also been told that my unique blend of technique and emotional imagery is what people notice first. As I work with them, my positive energy and commitment to capturing their true personality is what they come to appreciate. I tend to mirror the energy that is around me. When the mood is subdued and romantic, I take on the roll of a modest professional. When the celebration kicks into high gear, I deliver fast paced, high impact images.

I am unobtrusive not because I distance myself, but because I am thoughtful, sincere and enthusiastic. I set people at ease and can often anticipate moments that happen in the blink of an eye. I look forward to capturing the true you!

- Craig Carpenter

NC State Campus / The Brickyard (Leigh + Duncan)

Take a tour with me across the North Carolina State University campus and enjoy a fresh perspective on some favorite NC State landmarks and traditions. Your guides today will be the recently engaged Leigh and Duncan! They requested my engagement and wedding photography services for their upcoming wedding this year on April 26th. Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times! This is a fun couple that are sure to deliver some twists and turns…

We start in The NC State brickyard. This is also known as University Plaza and is covered with red and white bricks which have been organized into various decorative mozaics. Near the center is the NC State logo where these photos were taken.

engaged couple tree nc state

The Memorial Bell Tower was built to honor thirty-three NC State alumni. It’s 115 feet tall and Duncan told me that he tried to climb it one night!

This tunnel is known as the “Free Expression Tunnel” and gives students a venue for expressing their thoughts and feelings about anything. Spray paint is usually left at either end. It’s been around for over 40 years and Duncan told me a neat story about how his dad used to use the same wall when he went to school there. I’m sure the paint wasn’t quite as thick as it is now though…

There are two concrete chairs called “parabolic reflectors” so that someone sitting in one chair can easily hear the person in the other chair from a far distance.

I was inspired by my art background to place them in a “Leonardo Davinci pose.” I color corrected the photograph to hint at his drawing of The Vitruvian Man.

I love these engagement jumping photographs

This one looks like they are stuck in an anti-gravity chamber… just floating about…

3 comments

these are great – bet the couple had a ton of fun. love the Da Vinci-esque one! :)

shane

Great set, Craig! You found some great backdrops for these two. Looks like they had a blast. Nice work.

Bridget C.

The Da Vinci pose is my favorite! What a great shot.

Back To Top|Share On Facebook|Follow Me On Twitter|Pinterest|Contact Me

© 2012 Luster Studios|ProPhoto Photography Theme by NetRivet, Inc.