theory is just a stylized thought in a different frame. equally unactionable. You should be about action. positive action. talking about it, analyzing it can only get you to a certain point. you can't theoretically learn how to be a pro shooter. Just like you can't theoretically learn how to dance. you either "do" or you sit on the sidelines and theorize. which one are you?
Replay gang, back at it! Picking a single most valuable takeaway from the past five months in the Accelerator? Almost impossible. So here’s a summary of what’s impacted me most: TECHNICAL - The camera is just a tool. What matters is learning how to make images-that’s what sets the pros apart. TAKING PHOTOS - If you’re shooting an event, don’t just take the same shots as everyone else. Go behind the scenes, find the angles no one else is seeing, and tell the story. MAKING PHOTOS - Always think about the final use of the image-what’s it for? - Ask yourself, “Who would actually pay for this?” - When you think you’ve nailed it, keep going. “The shot” is often just the warm-up for something even better. PORTFOLIO - Be brutal: only show the work you want to be hired for. - If it’s blurry, noisy, or doesn’t tell a clear story, drop it. BUSINESS - Check out what other local businesses are doing. If you’re not matching or beating them, there’s more to do. - Take on personal projects-they can lead to new ideas and opportunities. - Use your real name. Period. FEEDBACK - Be careful who you’re comparing yourself to. - Pay attention to who’s praising your work-are they actually qualified to judge it? - Feedback from a pro is worth paying for. Anything else? Take it with a grain of salt. Thanks for all the solid content this year, Steve. Joining the Accelerator has changed a lot for me-how I approach the craft, the industry, and even my mindset. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m on the path now, thanks to what I’ve learned here. 2025’s going to be big. Let’s make it count.
Since joining the Carty Crew I have learned many many things I would not have learned anywhere else. The one thing that has been the most transformative is learning to let go of my emotional attachment to my photos
I've learned many valuable things from you in 2024! Here are some that stick out in my mind: - How to reach out creatively to potential clients - How to turn pro with a solid photography business plan - the importance of clarity/removing distractions - the MYTH of multitasking The most important one, to me, is the importance of "shifting your mindset!" You're so right when you say that words have magic, and you have to consistently speak your own life into existence!
There was an episode where you went through getting clients, creating questionnaires, review forms and that kind of stuff and it really shed some light. Since then I've created a website, business email, portfolio, review forms, and consistently completing meaningful actions to propel my photography forward. You are a God sent! All the best in 2025
The most important thing I have learned from this channel is line "if nobody is paying you to take that image, it is not a thing." Focus on one thing that people WANT.
That art director story hit the core of my soul. I feel like you had to go through that experience to be able to tell that story. Oh and “birds don’t have wallets” 😂 monumental thing I learned is to make photos and not take photos plus every detail counts. Oh MOST importantly PICK A NICHE which I plan to do this week. Happy New Year.
Important lesson(s) this year: 1) In about 1979 my magazine writing prof taught how to place the subject for a cover, & the wisdom of shooting for an inside spread & inside vertical. I’d forgotten all about that. 2) Much more recently, my digital photography prof at the local two-year college emphasized creating a body of work. You’ve brought her lesson home by defining “niche” & emphasizing that all portfolio work must be in that niche.
I've been in IT for almost 30 years, supporting and using mainly Windows systems. You got me to switch to Apple and its been a very eye opening experience. Granted I did support Macs but never really used one as a daily driver. Past that, for me the Mindset change you've provided me has been life changing. Love everything you do. Thank you Carty!! Onward and upward.
Replay gang. One of the big things I’ve learned is to remove any emotional attachment I may have from my images. Especially when they’re up for review. I’m here to learn because I clearly have a lot of room for improvement. Even my last image was slightly ripped apart and I understood every reason why and took it in. Unfortunately, I will not be in this round of the accelerator because my new job will require quite a bit of my time and mind power for the first little while. I know it’s time for me to do it, but the timing isn’t right.
I learn just what is takes and the kind of focus it takes to make it as a pro. This Chanel stands out as you give the actual guide lines to success with no bs and I appreciate that. I look forward to being apart of this community.
So many things brought me value from this channel, but one of my favorite and most helpful episodes for me was the niche ladder of destiny exercise you had us do a couple months ago.
Carty , ”Why have you decided to focus on creating a TH-cam show now? Has your passion for photography shifted toward teaching, or is this a way to adapt to changes in the industry and its opportunities?”
Since joining the channel I've learned to "make photos not take photos" 💯
This year you have given me confidence strong enough to make actual, PHYSICAL moves towards my overly theoretical goals!
theory is just a stylized thought in a different frame. equally unactionable.
You should be about action. positive action.
talking about it, analyzing it can only get you to a certain point.
you can't theoretically learn how to be a pro shooter. Just like you can't theoretically learn how to dance.
you either "do" or you sit on the sidelines and theorize.
which one are you?
Replay gang, back at it!
Picking a single most valuable takeaway from the past five months in the Accelerator? Almost impossible. So here’s a summary of what’s impacted me most:
TECHNICAL
- The camera is just a tool. What matters is learning how to make images-that’s what sets the pros apart.
TAKING PHOTOS
- If you’re shooting an event, don’t just take the same shots as everyone else. Go behind the scenes, find the angles no one else is seeing, and tell the story.
MAKING PHOTOS
- Always think about the final use of the image-what’s it for?
- Ask yourself, “Who would actually pay for this?”
- When you think you’ve nailed it, keep going. “The shot” is often just the warm-up for something even better.
PORTFOLIO
- Be brutal: only show the work you want to be hired for.
- If it’s blurry, noisy, or doesn’t tell a clear story, drop it.
BUSINESS
- Check out what other local businesses are doing. If you’re not matching or beating them, there’s more to do.
- Take on personal projects-they can lead to new ideas and opportunities.
- Use your real name. Period.
FEEDBACK
- Be careful who you’re comparing yourself to.
- Pay attention to who’s praising your work-are they actually qualified to judge it?
- Feedback from a pro is worth paying for. Anything else? Take it with a grain of salt.
Thanks for all the solid content this year, Steve. Joining the Accelerator has changed a lot for me-how I approach the craft, the industry, and even my mindset. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m on the path now, thanks to what I’ve learned here.
2025’s going to be big. Let’s make it count.
There is another very important lesson this year - executing ideas vs taking pictures
Since joining the Carty Crew I have learned many many things I would not have learned anywhere else. The one thing that has been the most transformative is learning to let go of my emotional attachment to my photos
I've learned many valuable things from you in 2024! Here are some that stick out in my mind:
- How to reach out creatively to potential clients
- How to turn pro with a solid photography business plan
- the importance of clarity/removing distractions
- the MYTH of multitasking
The most important one, to me, is the importance of "shifting your mindset!" You're so right when you say that words have magic, and you have to consistently speak your own life into existence!
There was an episode where you went through getting clients, creating questionnaires, review forms and that kind of stuff and it really shed some light. Since then I've created a website, business email, portfolio, review forms, and consistently completing meaningful actions to propel my photography forward. You are a God sent! All the best in 2025
The most important thing I have learned from this channel is line "if nobody is paying you to take that image, it is not a thing." Focus on one thing that people WANT.
That art director story hit the core of my soul. I feel like you had to go through that experience to be able to tell that story. Oh and “birds don’t have wallets” 😂 monumental thing I learned is to make photos and not take photos plus every detail counts. Oh MOST importantly PICK A NICHE which I plan to do this week. Happy New Year.
Important lesson(s) this year:
1) In about 1979 my magazine writing prof taught how to place the subject for a cover, & the wisdom of shooting for an inside spread & inside vertical. I’d forgotten all about that.
2) Much more recently, my digital photography prof at the local two-year college emphasized creating a body of work. You’ve brought her lesson home by defining “niche” & emphasizing that all portfolio work must be in that niche.
I've been in IT for almost 30 years, supporting and using mainly Windows systems. You got me to switch to Apple and its been a very eye opening experience. Granted I did support Macs but never really used one as a daily driver. Past that, for me the Mindset change you've provided me has been life changing. Love everything you do. Thank you Carty!! Onward and upward.
Replay gang.
One of the big things I’ve learned is to remove any emotional attachment I may have from my images. Especially when they’re up for review. I’m here to learn because I clearly have a lot of room for improvement. Even my last image was slightly ripped apart and I understood every reason why and took it in.
Unfortunately, I will not be in this round of the accelerator because my new job will require quite a bit of my time and mind power for the first little while. I know it’s time for me to do it, but the timing isn’t right.
of the photography youtubers i watch you and pierre t. lambert inspire and push me to dive deeper into photography
I learn just what is takes and the kind of focus it takes to make it as a pro. This Chanel stands out as you give the actual guide lines to success with no bs and I appreciate that. I look forward to being apart of this community.
TheCartyMethod.com/community we're waiting.
I've learned so much with you here, Carty, I just can't put it in words. Thanks ❤
So many things brought me value from this channel, but one of my favorite and most helpful episodes for me was the niche ladder of destiny exercise you had us do a couple months ago.
so glad you're with us jenn. onward to the accelerator and skys the limit after that for you.
Stop taking and start making photos resonated with me.
My condolences to you and your family and I'm grateful for your content! 🕊
What I learned from this video today is do and then talk. Thanks again Steve.
Carty, love the channel. You have helped me to play to strengths in creativity and niching down. Keep the great content and community growing.
Replay gang
That I need a mentor and I choose you! Good Job Brother. i'll be in your next class.
My condolences to you and your family. 🙏🙏
Looking good brother!!
Sorry to hear about your mum x
please accept my deepest condoles
Carty , ”Why have you decided to focus on creating a TH-cam show now? Has your passion for photography shifted toward teaching, or is this a way to adapt to changes in the industry and its opportunities?”
Everyone wants to be a Gear gawd