About Us, THE ARTISTS…
I am…
One Part Family
One Part Photographic Artist
One Part Business Owner
Four Parts (well, maybe five parts) Coffee
…and one highly caffeinated visual story teller!
One Part Family
One Part Master Photographer (it is a REAL title in the professional photography world)
Six Parts Jedi Knight
…and one super amazing human being!
About Carrie Draghi Photography, LLC, THE STUDIO…
After years working as a freelance photographer, I (Carrie) decided to venture out to establish my own identity as an artist. In 2005, I established Carrie Draghi Photography, LLC. Shortly thereafter, I outgrew my home-based studio and relocated to a full-service studio in the heart of the historic (and oh-sooooooo-New England) “Nayaug Village” in South Glastonbury, CT. And, in 2013, the exceptionally-talented Dan Roggi (formerly the lead photographer and owner of Stephen Charles Photography) joined me as a photographic partner.
And, in 2020, after 13 years in our beloved studio, we had to relocate out of that space because of a pandemic we never saw coming. Who knew a measly, little virus could flatten the entire event industry in roughly 48 hours flat?!
We survived the pandemic (mostly) intact – but absolutely everthing has changed! Carrie Draghi Photography remains a full-service photography studio – with some modifications.
- As I am working on my plan for new studio space in the future (I have a big plan in the works), we are renting studio space for portraits and headshots as needed from a local photographer friend of mine. Because, generally, professional photographers are very supportive of each other.
- “We” have a smaller staff. And, by “we,” I mean, “me.” I still have talented photographers like Dan shooting by my side. But, no Studio Manager. No Album Designer. No Editor. Just lil’ ol’ me. Being a solopreneur again has it’s challenges (most of which will resolve as our industry recovers and heals). But, for now, I am living like it’s 2005 again and working from home. I have been finding ways to make this work by utilizing technology for schedudling, meetings, etc. Necessity sometimes pushes creativity. It’s not terrible – but it is still not ideal.
We still photograph: Weddings, Engagements, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, Children & Families, High School Seniors, Corporate Headshots, Acting & Modeling Headshots, Pets, Boudoir, Corporate Events, and Commercial & Editorial assignments both in our rented studio space and on-location.
We still take being professional photographers seriously. From: the photography gear that we have invested in; the degrees we hold; the associations we are aligned with; the continuing education that we pursue; and the vendors with whom we partner for our archival/heirloom albums, prints and canvas wraps. We are not mere hobbyists with a good camera and a good eye. We are proud to run a professional, insured and registered business – even though my editing desk is currently in my kitchen – SIGH. This too shall pass.
It is a necessary evil for an artist (at least one who is in business), to share their props and accolades in order to market their services. To that point, Dan and I have done our share of photo assignments with and for some notable brands such as: L’Oreal, W Magazine, Nissan, Interior Design Magazine, Hudson Mod Magazine, KPMG, The Food Network, FoodBag, Cigar Aficionado Magazine, Conning Corporation, and Janie and Jack, etc. We have photographed everything from cigars to cars – but what REALLY moves us as artists is capturing the energy and emotions of real people in real (non-commercial) moments of their lives.
Now, that was far too “official” sounding to reflect who we are as individuals. Dan and I have a ton of fun doing what we do! Please check out YOUR EXPERIENCE to get a feel for what it is like to work with us. The bottom line is – with the professional background that Dan and I have, and the structure of a professional LLC, our clients can be confident entrusting us to document their landmark, once-in-a-lifetime moments. And, they have fun with us in the process!
You should not hear these things from me alone (after all, who would say that they are not good at what they do?!) I would rather you hear these things from our clients. PLEASE check out the TESTIMONIALS on our site. These testimonials will be wedding-centric because I have pulled these in from Wedding Wire. But I did this so that the reviews stay current for anyone considering hiring us. Our clients have written some amazing things about us (I promise I neither paid them nor threatened them!) :). We have also been blessed to receive numerous awards including The Knot Best of Weddings and the Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice – both of which are awarded based upon client reviews and feedback.
