What is The Carty Method?

The Carty Method is my proven, six-phase system designed to take emerging photographers from where they are right now to becoming high-value, working professionals.

Whether you’re stuck at a creative plateau, struggling to make a living with your camera, or ready to level up and scale your photography business, the Carty Method is a roadmap that will guide you through every phase of growth—from setting your foundation to building a sustainable, high-value photography career. Here’s how it works:

YouTube and Substack (Free Content)

I believe in giving value first, and that’s why I offer free content through my YouTube channel and Substack newsletter. My YouTube channel is loaded with in-depth tutorials, portfolio reviews, live photo challenges, and insights into what it takes to transition from hobbyist to professional. These aren’t your average 'how-to' videos; I focus on the mindset, systems, and professional practices that will help you make a living with your camera. You can engage with content designed to address specific pain points for photographers who want more than just taking pictures—they want to make pictures that matter, attract clients, and build a brand around their work.

On Substack, my newsletter, The Carty Method - Daily, complements my YouTube content. It’s where I share deeper insights, industry trends, and direct calls to action for the free weekly photo challenges I run. Subscribers receive the right actionable business information and exclusive content aimed at helping you implement what you learn from my videos and articles into your own photography practice.

Weekly Challenges, Assignments, and Photo Reviews

Every week, I run weekly portfolio and assignment reviews designed to push your creative boundaries and build the kind of portfolio that will attract high-value clients. On Thursdays, I release the brief for that week’s challenge on my YouTube channel.

You have six days to complete the assignment, make your best work, and submit it for review. This is not just about participation; it's about progress. Each submission is carefully reviewed during my live streams, where I offer direct, constructive feedback on how you can improve your images.

These weekly challenges emulate real-world professional assignments, focusing on specific niches like editorial, environmental, and commercial photography.

The goal is to help you build a portfolio filled with high-value images that showcase your ability to solve clients’ problems with creativity and execution.

The best submissions win 'Photo of the Week' or 'Best in Show' and are highlighted on substack and instagram, I'm dedicated to showcasing the best work from my community of photographers.

It’s an opportunity to get recognized, improve your craft, and understand what clients are looking for in a professional portfolio.

Portfolio Reviews on Tuesdays

In addition to my assignment reviews on Thursdays, I've recently added portfolio reviews every Tuesday.

This is specifically designed to help photographers bridge the gap from shooting for themselves to shooting for potential clients. 

These portfolio-focused sessions are perfect if you're at the stage of your photography journey where you are building your portfolio website and seeking guidance on building this most important asset.

By participating in these photo reviews, you’ll receive constructive feedback on your work, helping you develop your portfolio quickly and build confidence with your body of work. These reviews ensure photographers that are trying to be pros have a clear path forward, making sure you’re prepared to transition into higher-level challenges. Click YT submissions at the top of this page to access.

Mentorship Community

My mentorship community is at the heart of the Carty Method. It's where photographers at all stages—whether you're emerging, stuck, or scaling—come together to support one another and receive ongoing feedback.

This is not a static forum but an active, engaged group that participates in weekly work sessions I call cohorts.

These cohorts allow you to receive peer and mentor support as you work through what you're learning from me on YouTube as well as meet others from my community.

You’ll get the opportunity to interact directly with me and photographers from all over the world. It's up to you to ask questions, and participate in group discussions that address your specific challenges.

Digital Tools.

I've spent a lifetime building systems and thanks to the explosive growth of Notion, After spending almost 4 years using this as a program to organize my life and business, I started sharing the tools I've built that I use myself. I now have a growing suite of digital tools and Notion templates, which allow you to track your progress as you grow your business and understanding. See tools at top of page.

One-on-One Coaching

For those who need more focused attention, I offer one-on-one coaching and portfolio reviews where I work with you directly to address your specific challenges and goals.

This personalized coaching is designed to help photographers who are ready to take their business to the next level. Whether you need help with business systems, client acquisition, portfolio building, or brand positioning, my coaching programs are tailored to your needs.

Through these sessions, I dig deep into your workflow, mindset, and execution strategies. I bring my 34 years of professional experience to the table, offering insights into how to land high-value clients, build long-lasting relationships with them, and create work that commands top dollar. See coaching at top of page.

The Professional Photographers Accelerator

If you're serious about making photography your full-time career, my Professional Photographers Accelerator is the ultimate system to take you from where you are now to becoming a high-value working pro.

My Accelerator walks you through each phase of the Carty Method:

1. Phase 0: Setting Your Stage – You’ll define your goals, choose your niche, and set the foundation for the work ahead.

2. Phase 1: Your Work and Market – Here, we focus on building a body of work that resonates with a specific market and attracts the right clients.

3. Phase 2: Packaging – We work on your portfolio, website, social media presence, and personal branding to ensure you’re presenting yourself as a professional.

4. Phase 3: Creating a Value-Based Photography Business – This phase dives into creating offers and packages that your ideal clients can’t refuse, making sure you’re always delivering value.

5. Phase 4: Developing Systems – I help you create systems for client management, lead generation, and business operations that allow you to work more efficiently.

6. Phase 5: Outward Reach – You’ll learn how to actively pursue clients, leveraging cold reach-out strategies and proven marketing techniques to fill your calendar.

7. Phase 6: Integration – In this final phase, you’ll integrate everything you've learned and create a cohesive, sustainable business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

My Accelerator is delivery of my proven 6 phase system using monthly masterclasses, workbooks and pro community support.

Each phase builds upon the last, ensuring that by the time you complete the program, you have a fully functioning business model that’s designed to attract and retain high-value clients.

Portfolio Reviews and Digital Tools

Throughout the Accelerator and in my community, I offer portfolio reviews that are structured to help you refine your body of work. These reviews aren’t just critiques—they’re insights into how your work aligns with the professional market you’re aiming to enter.

I also offer access to digital tools that streamline your business. Tools like Indy (for CRM, contracts, and invoices), ScoreApp (for generating leads and scorecards), and Senja.io (for collecting client testimonials) all work together to help you build a scalable photography business.

In addition to these tools, I’ve developed four powerful digital tools that can make an immediate impact on your business: Links for these in Tools.

1. Cold Outreach Masterpack – This is a comprehensive resource of 18 proven email templates plus a cold outreach guide designed to help you craft cold emails that get opened, deliver value, and generate responses. These strategies are a game-changer when you're hunting for clients and need a system that works.

2. 30 Day On-Camera Challenge – Whether you’re nervous about being in front of the camera or simply looking to sharpen your on-camera skills, this 30-day challenge will push you to get more comfortable on video. It’s perfect for photographers looking to build a strong online presence through social media or YouTube.

3. Professional Creatives Habit Tracker – Success in photography doesn’t happen overnight, and building daily habits is key. This tool is designed to track and reinforce the habits of professional photographers, ensuring you stay consistent, focused, and productive.

4. Ultimate Photographers Call Sheet – This is the go-to tool for managing shoots, client communication, and logistics. Whether you're working solo or with a team, this call sheet helps you plan and execute shoots like a seasoned pro, eliminating the chaos and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

How It All Works Together

The Carty Method is a cohesive system that integrates everything you need to succeed as a working photographer. The free content on YouTube and Substack gives you a foundation, while the weekly challenges, reviews, and community mentorship provide consistent feedback and growth opportunities.

My one-on-one coaching offers personalized support, and the Professional Photographers Accelerator provides a step-by-step plan to transition from where you are now to becoming a high-value professional.

No matter what stage you're at in your photography journey, the Carty Method meets you where you are and gives you the tools, feedback, and community to help you get where you want to go.

It’s a system that works, because it’s built on my 34 years of experience in the photography industry and is designed for photographers who are serious about making a living with their camera.

Ready to take the next step?

Book a free consultation with me today to discuss how I can help you move your photography career forward. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, I’ll offer actionable steps tailored to your unique situation.

Looking for something you can use right away? Check out my Cold Outreach Masterpack, 30 Day On-Camera Challenge, Professional Creatives Habit Tracker, and Ultimate Photographers Call Sheet—four essential tools to streamline your workflow, build daily habits, and land more clients.

If you’re ready to accelerate your career, make sure you're on my Accelerator waitlist. You'll get discount codes and first chance at access.