The Carty Method Podcast - the Art of Making a Living with Your Camera

The Carty Method Podcast - the Art of Making a Living with Your Camera

By Steve CartySociety & CultureEducation
Download on the App Store

The Carty Method Podcast - the Art of Making a Living with Your Camera episodes

  • The Most Profitable Niches in Photography

    Iโ€™ve structured this episode to give you a deep dive into each niche, one by one. For each segment, Iโ€™ll explain what the niche is all about, what makes it lucrative, and most importantly, how you can break into it. Iโ€™ll share insider tips, strategies that have worked for others, and the potential income you can expect.

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep9 - The Most Profitable Niches in Photography

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.5K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ This Habit Tracker will transform how you approach your photography career. Itโ€™s not just a toolโ€”itโ€™s a system that keeps you accountable, motivated, and focused on what really matters. https://www.thecartymethod.com/habittracker โœ…

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Work with me at TheCartyMethod.com

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.6K Subscribers. 1,161,584 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my The Carty Method Instagram account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    43 min
  • Choosing Your Niche Comes Before the Work

    Many emerging photographers believe that their niche should be based solely on what theyโ€™ve already shot. But thatโ€™s putting the cart before the horse. Instead, you need to learn how to read the market first. By identifying gaps in the market and understanding whether thereโ€™s a demand for what you want to shoot, you set yourself up for success from the start.

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep5 - Choosing Your Niche Comes Before the Work (re-upload)

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.5K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ This Habit Tracker will transform how you approach your photography career. Itโ€™s not just a toolโ€”itโ€™s a system that keeps you accountable, motivated, and focused on what really matters. https://www.thecartymethod.com/habittracker โœ…

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.6K Subscribers. 1,161,584 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my BtPwithCarty account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    27 min
  • 17 Social Media Hacks Every Photographer Needs to Know.

    If you've been struggling to gain traction online or wondering how to convert your followers into paying clients, you're in the right place. I'm about to share 17 social media hacks that have helped countless photographers like you boost their online presence, attract more clients, and build a thriving business.

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep8 - 17 Social Media Hacks Every Photographer Needs to Know.

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.5K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ This Habit Tracker will transform how you approach your photography career. Itโ€™s not just a toolโ€”itโ€™s a system that keeps you accountable, motivated, and focused on what really matters. https://www.thecartymethod.com/habittracker โœ…

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.6K Subscribers. 1,161,584 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my BtPwithCarty account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    43 min
  • HOW I Get High Paying Photo Clients on AUTOPILOT

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep7 - HOW I Get High Paying Photo Clients on AUTOPILOT

    If youโ€™re listening this, it may be because youโ€™re struggling to get good leads to follow up with for your creative business. This simple tool solves your problem.

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.5K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    Today I'll reveal my secret to exactly how I get my perfect high paying photography clients on Autopilot and how easy it is for you to do exactly the same. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Use my link to sign up for ScoreApp. https://share.scoreapp.com/31b8db26 It costs you nothing but helps me continue to bring you this great content. This Habit Tracker will transform how you approach your photography career. Itโ€™s not just a toolโ€”itโ€™s a system that keeps you accountable, motivated, and focused on what really matters. https://www.thecartymethod.com/habittracker

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.6K Subscribers. 1,161,584 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my BtPwithCarty account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    49 min
  • Are you blocking your own way?

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep6 - Are you blocking your own way?

    If youโ€™re listening this, itโ€™s because something in you knows that you might be the one blocking your own way.

    The title and thumbnail for this podcast, "Are You Blocking Your Own Way?" should hit close to home.

    Whether it's self-doubt, bad habits, or a mindset thatโ€™s holding you back, the truth is, you could be the biggest obstacle in your photography career.

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.5K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.4K Subscribers. 1,153,653 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my BtPwithCarty account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    29 min
  • 9 HABITS to Help YOU Get BETTER at PHOTOGRAPHY & LIFE - FAST

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep4 - 9 HABITS to Help YOU Get BETTER at PHOTOGRAPHY & LIFE - FAST

    Today weโ€™re going to break down nine crucial habits that can change not just your photography career but also your life. These arenโ€™t just abstract ideas; these are practical, actionable habits that Iโ€™ve integrated into my own life, and Iโ€™m excited to share them with you. Letโ€™s get into it.

    Rate | Review | Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack

    Host: Steve Carty.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.4K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. It only takes 3 minutes to see where you need to improve today.

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit TheCartyMethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The Carty Method Photographers Community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Get coached by a 34yr Pro.

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE Viewer image showcase

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. Helpful actionable tips sent every Saturday.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja! Click this link to support what I'm doing with this channel. Use social proof so show how well you take care of your photography clients.

    Submit your photographs for review live on YouTube. Learn more here.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. Use this link or code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ The GearList of a 34yr Pro ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethodShop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Watch me on YouTube. 19.4K Subscribers. 1,150,230 views

    Learn more about me at SteveCarty.com

    Follow me on Instagram Instagram.com/SteveCarty

    Follow my viewers amazing work on my BtPwithCarty account.

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    52 min
  • Start Before You Know How

    The Carty Method Podcast Ep3 - Start Before You Know How

    Host: Steve Carty.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ How ready are you to be a Pro? Take my Pro Photographers Readiness Scorecard. Takes 3m ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://thecartymethod.scoreapp.com

    ๐Ÿงจ You could become part of my Photographers Pro Education system and start building your Photography Career, right now: ๐Ÿ’ฅ https://thecartymethod.com

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethod.com/community

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethod.com/coaching

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SENJA. Collect Testimonials like a Champ using Senja!

    Use my link to support what I'm doing with this channel ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ

    https://www.senja.io?via=steve94

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. https://weareindy.com/steve-carty or use code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿคฏ From my Cameras, lenses of choice to Rigging. Itโ€™s all here, including all my podcasting equipment. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://stevecarty.com/gear ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    ๐Ÿ˜Ž Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพhttps://www.thecartymethodshop.com

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY.

    ==============================

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    Learn more about me at http://stevecarty.com. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevecarty

    โœ… I hope this content brings you value.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    34 min
  • How to Use Passion Projects to Attract High-Paying Photography Clients

    If youโ€™re a photographer and youโ€™ve been struggling to land your first big client or feel trapped in a cycle of low-paying gigs, this story is going to resonate with you on a deep level. Listen up.

    The Shift: Creating Work You Want to Get Paid For

    Why This Works: The Psychology of Client Attraction

    Taking the Leap: How to Get Started

    The Payoff: Attracting High-Paying Clients

    How Ready are YOU to be a Pro?

    I recently built the Professional Photographers Readiness Scorecard.

    Answer these 40 yes or no questions to find out how ready you are to be a working pro photographer.๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿพ

    https://thecartymethod.scoreapp.com

    P.S. The next round of my Professional Photographers Accelerator Starts Aug 11. (TOMORROW) If you want in, you have to act right now. Access closes at midnight.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.

    My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Mindset shifts and Immersive Pro Education on YouTube ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿพ

    Learn more about me and see my work at ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ SteveCarty.com

    Join my photographers community ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ TheCartyMethod.com/community

    Work with me ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ theCartyMethod.com

    Listen to the Carty Method Podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and right here on Substack.

    Behind the Picture Magazine is now on Substack. Subscribe to my incredible viewers image showcase + more educational content for the emerging professional.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    9 min
  • Use SOCIAL PROOF To BLOW UP Your CREATIVE Business

    Collect testimonials like a champ from your happy clients using Senja. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพhttps://www.senja.io?via=steve94

    Leave me a testimonial if this channel is helping you! ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://senja.io/p/thecartymethod/r/5LxmTb

    ๐Ÿงจ ๐Ÿ’ซ Join the fastest growing photography community on the internet ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethod.com/community

    NEW BEHIND the PICTURE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://thecartymethod.substack.com

    Have your photographs reviewed by a Pro every Thursday at 6pm EST right here on this channel. Go here to participate ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethod.com/youtubesubmissions

    Work with me. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethod.com/

    Shop my CREATIVE Collection for a limited time only ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://www.thecartymethodshop.com

    Become a smarter Pro Photographer in just 5m a week. ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ https://stevecarty.substack.com

    ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ INDY. The ultimate workspace for photographers looking to grow their business. https://weareindy.com/steve-carty use code CARTY35 to get 35% of your Pro Plan's first year. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

    ๐Ÿ‘‘ ABOUT CARTY ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ I am a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA. My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators. Learn more about me at http://stevecarty.com

    A Life Behind the Camera is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    27 min
  • Letโ€™s talk about how to become a pro photographer.

    (Listen to my actual voice read this post to you. If you enjoy it, leave a comment and perhaps Iโ€™ll make it a regular thing.)

    For over 3 decades Iโ€™ve been a working pro, itโ€™s kinda mental when I think about it.

    Iโ€™ve been coaching photographers the entire time, after I dropped out of photography school, I got a studio and started working.

    In my third year of business I was invited back to the university I dropped out of, to lecture to the next generation of pro photographers.

    Iโ€™ve always helped my assistants transition to working pros, it usually takes about 2 years.

    Over the lockdown when work really slowed down, I started building this YouTube channel by helping new photographers with my content and photo reviews.

    Last year after my channel started getting traction, I was asked if I did online coaching. I took on a few viewers and helped them build their businesses.

    I believe strongly in coaching. I have 3 coaches myself.

    A Business Coach, a Creative Coach and a Marketing Coach.

    This past winter during one of our winter retreats, I shared my brilliant idea about building out my coaching program.

    My marketing coach had one very valid question.

    How do you help photographers make a living with their cameras? How do you actually do it?

    He kinda stumped me there. Iโ€™d never really mapped out how I help these emerging and struggling photographers, I just did and it just worked.

    That weekend really forced me to go back to the drawing board and map out the way that I develop photographers for the first time.

    That week of mapping out my process is really how this entire thing came together.

    Iโ€™ve refined my coaching approach and developed what I now call the Carty Method, a structured system designed to help emerging and struggling photographers transition into high-demand professionals.

    If that sounds like something youโ€™re interested in, letโ€™s get into how you can turn your love for photography into a thriving career, following the six phases of the Carty Method.

    A Life Behind the Camera is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Phase 1: Your Work and a Market for That Work

    When I began, I focused on honing my skills and finding my unique style in photography. I knew I wanted to be a fashion shooter.

    Itโ€™s crucial to identify what kind of work you love to make, but more importantly, who might need that work.

    Explore various nichesโ€”whether itโ€™s portrait, wedding, commercial, or product photographyโ€”and understand where thereโ€™s a demand within your market.

    This phase is about mastering your craft and recognizing the market that values your style and expertise.

    Phase 2: The Packaging

    Back in the early days, I didnโ€™t have the luxury of digital portfolios or social media.

    Iโ€™m old.

    When I started, there was no internet. But today, there are powerful tools at your disposal.

    Your portfolio, website, social media presence, and your personal branding are all part of your packaging.

    You are the most important part of your package.

    All of this together tells your story and showcases your work to potential clients.

    Make sure your portfolio highlights your best work, your website is professional and user-friendly, your social media reflects your brandโ€™s voice and vision and you care about yourself enough to be presentable to any potential clients.

    That includes perhaps shopping for yourself more then once every 5yrs.

    If your website and work is great but you donโ€™t look the part or are presentable to clients, youโ€™re not going to get work.

    Phase 3: Creating a Value-Based Photography Business

    One of the most critical lessons I learned was to understand the value of my work.

    This phase involves creating a business model that reflects the worth of your services.

    You really do need to understand industry standards when it comes to pricing like charging by the project and never by the hour.

    Itโ€™s important to Establish your pricing strategy, if youโ€™re stuck you can download my free pricing guide in the video description.

    Clearly define your services, and ensure you are delivering value that meets or exceeds client expectations.

    Itโ€™s not just about the pictures you make, but the experience you provide and the problems you solve for your clients.

    And set up your business and run it like a business.

    Create a corporation or an LLC and get an accountant so youโ€™re not leaving money on the table or paying extra taxes because youโ€™re a sole proprietor.

    Phase 4: Developing Systems for Everything

    As my business grew, I realized the importance of having systems in place for every aspect of my work.

    Thereโ€™s a reason that McDs and Starbucks and Apple are such massive companies.

    Systems.

    You get the same vanilla half cafe latte in Switzerland as you do in Toronto.

    The same Big Mac in Salt Lake City that you get in Manchester.

    From client acquisition and communication to project management and financial tracking, developing efficient systems can save you time and reduce stress.

    Use tools and software to streamline your workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and keep your business organized and professional.

    Iโ€™ve built amazing systems. And digital tools to keep me organized and make me more money. I just put them out there and make them available to everyone.

    Phase 5: Outward Reach (Hunting for Clients)

    Speaking of putting yourself out there, my entire career Iโ€™ve had social anxiety and putting myself out there has always made me spiral into, โ€œno one cares, youโ€™ll never work again, your work is shitโ€ spirals which always stopped me dead from doing outward reach.

    Putting myself out there and finding clients was always one of my biggest challenges.

    I had to conquer that fear, it came from taking a few workshops and doing a lot of soul searching.

    Now, i know clearly how to do it and Iโ€™ve proved it to myself and others, with the right strategies, outward can become one of your strengths.

    Itโ€™s a numbers game. So many super successful ceos send hundreds of emails and dms per day.

    Hundreds.

    Are you sending hundreds? I wasnโ€™t either.

    Networking, attending industry events, leveraging social media, and using online platforms can all help you reach potential clients.

    Research and contact hundreds of potential clients.

    They need you but they donโ€™t know about you yet.

    They wonโ€™t find your website.

    You have to Be proactive in your outreachโ€”donโ€™t wait for clients to come to you.

    Show them why they need your unique niched specialized skills and vision.

    Phase 6: Integrating All These Elements Together

    The final phase is about bringing all these elements together into a cohesive, functioning business.

    Your skills, market knowledge, branding, value proposition, systems, and client outreach should all work in harmony.

    Continuously evaluate and adjust your strategies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with your goals.

    Making photography your career is a journey that requires dedication, strategy, and continuous learning.

    Iโ€™ve walked this path, succeeded, failed, succeed and failed again, this up and down struggle that freelancers often face is exhausting and I was tired of it.

    I worked for year with my coaches helping me fix my shit, and now Iโ€™m here to help you navigate yours.

    if youโ€™re ready to take the next step in your photography career, youโ€™re for sure in the right place.

    You may be tired of your 9-5 grind and ready to transition from an underperforming photographer to high-demand professional, thatโ€™s my gift.

    Itโ€™s what I obsess over. Letโ€™s work together.

    Last thing.

    I'm looking for the right type of committed shooters with the right attitude that are ready to take their work and career to the next level in their career.

    If that's you, check out my Pro Accelerator.

    I'm helping 50 photographers change their reality this round. Make sure you're one of them.

    Thanks for reading me this week.

    P.S. If youโ€™d like to chat, reply to this email or book a free consult. I get off on helping photographers move their needle.

    Youโ€™d be silly if you didnโ€™t join my FREE Community. I have hundreds of photographers in there 24/7 just like you, chatting, sharing work and resources while I help them daily get to the next level with their careers. Iโ€™d love to hear that you heard about my community from Substack.

    Every week I give a tight brief for an assignment my viewers have 6 days to complete. I then do live a stream Thursday reviewing those assignments helping those that submit improve everything from composition to lighting and even improve their ideas.

    Every week I award Photos of the Week and an overall Best in Show.

    Itโ€™s mind blowing how quick these shooters improve with my eyes on their work. Itโ€™s becoming a proven part of my system. If you want to be a part of it, you can sign up here.

    Watch Thursdayโ€™s episode and see this weeks winners by clicking the thumbnail below.



    Get full access to The Carty Method - Substack at stevecarty.substack.com/subscribe
    8 min

About The Carty Method Podcast - the Art of Making a Living with Your Camera

From the publisher's feed

Master the Art of Making a Living with Your Camera. Learn how to be a high value working pro by leveraging my 33yr pro experience. I provide actionable steps, and support along the way.