Want to become a Pro Photographer? Here's How.

You can learn by yourself, stumbling over and over for years or you can accelerate your career with one of the industry's leading and most passionate educators.

Aug 08, 2024

So many people buy a camera, fiddle a bit, and then hop onto YouTube for a few days to learn how to take pictures. After a while, they get pretty good at it and then want to start taking pictures for money.

The next step is to become a professional photographer. Someone who makes a living with their camera. The dream.

There is only one problem, the free content out there hints at what is required to be a Pro but there is so much more to it.

I know how to work a camera, but I needed help making my photography work for me. There is so much mediocre competition out there that you need every trick in the book to make you better. I’ve signed up for lots of different courses and always felt that they were outdated or missing the point. They never discussed the business and the mindset of a Pro Photographer.

After three years of doing this, struggling along, shooting anything for pennies, and hating social media I came across Steve Carty. That’s when it all changed for me.

I came across his website, and it had a “Book a free consultation with me” button. I laughed while I signed up because I thought it would never happen. I mean, how would I get to talk to a professional photographer in Toronto who’s photographed the likes of Pharell, Yasmin Warsame, Colin Firth, and Micheal Sheen?

The next morning I got an email with a Zoom link and that evening Carty was talking to me in the most genuine way over my computer screen. He motivated me to take the next step, to stop wasting my own time, and to join his coaching program.

Here’s what that entails:

The Carty Method Pro Accelerator is an intensive, 7-part program designed to help emerging photographers transition from a 9-5 job to a full-time, profitable photography career.

It combines monthly masterclasses, weekly cohort sessions, and a supportive community to guide you through every aspect of building a successful photography business—from honing your craft and creating a standout portfolio to mastering business systems, client acquisition, and personal branding.

With structured phases, assessments, and practical deliverables, it’s a comprehensive roadmap to turning your passion into a sustainable career.

Escape the 9-5 Grind and Build Your Dream Photography Career with the Carty Method Accelerator

Are you tired of the daily grind, working a job that drains your energy and stifles your creativity? Do you dream of turning your passion for photography into a thriving, full-time career? The Carty Method Accelerator is your path to freedom—a transformational 7-part program designed to help emerging photographers like you make that leap.

With over 34 years of industry experience, I’ve distilled everything I’ve learned into this intensive, results-driven program. The Carty Method Accelerator is not just another photography course—it’s a complete system that guides you every step of the way, from mindset shifts to business mastery, with the ultimate goal of turning your passion into a profitable, sustainable career.

What Makes the Carty Method Accelerator Different?

Monthly Masterclasses

In-Depth Learning with Immediate Application
Each month, dive deep into one of the seven phases of the Carty Method with an intensive masterclass. These sessions are packed with actionable strategies, real-world examples, and insider knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Walk away from each masterclass with a clear understanding of what you need to do next, complete with step-by-step guidance and practical tools you can apply immediately.

Weekly Carty-Led Work Sessions

Stay on Track with Consistent Support and Accountability
Every week, join me for live work sessions where we tackle the challenges you’re facing in real-time. Whether it’s refining your portfolio, optimizing your website, or developing your pricing strategy, I’m there to guide you through it.
- These sessions are your opportunity to get personalized feedback, ask questions, and ensure you’re making steady progress toward your goals.

Pro Accelerator Community

Join a Network of Like-Minded Creatives Committed to Success
Connect with other emerging photographers who, like you, are ready to take their careers to the next level. Our Pro Accelerator Community is a space for collaboration, inspiration, and mutual support.
- Share your wins, get advice on overcoming obstacles, and build relationships with peers who are on the same journey as you. Together, we’ll push each other to achieve more than we ever thought possible.

The Carty Method: A 7-Part System for Total Transformation

Phase 0: Setting Your Stage

Kickstart Your Journey with Clarity and Confidence
Assessment: Evaluate your starting point and set a powerful vision for your future.
- Deliverable: A clear roadmap for your transformation, with specific goals and milestones.
- Takeaways:
- Understand your unique value proposition and how to position yourself in the market.
  - Gain clarity on your long-term goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
  - Build a solid foundation to ensure you’re mentally and strategically prepared for the journey ahead.

Phase 1: Your Work and a Market for That Work

Craft a Portfolio That Attracts the Right Clients
Assessment: Analyze your current portfolio and market positioning.
- Deliverable: A targeted, refined portfolio that resonates with your ideal clients.
- Takeaways:
- Learn how to identify and tap into the most lucrative markets for your photography.
  - Understand what makes a portfolio stand out and how to curate your work to attract the clients you want.
  - Gain insights into aligning your work with market demands to maximize your opportunities.

Phase 2: The Packaging (Portfolio, Website, Social Media, and Personal Branding)

Present Yourself as a Professional
Assessment: Audit your online presence and personal brand.
- Deliverable: An optimized website and a cohesive brand strategy that sets you apart.
- Takeaways:
- Discover how to build an effective website that converts visitors into clients.
  - Learn the secrets of personal branding and how to position yourself as an expert in your niche.
  - Create a social media strategy that not only grows your audience but also drives business.

Signup for the Carty Method! Not convinced yet? Read on . . .

Phase 3: Creating a Value-Based Photography Business

Build a Business That Reflects Your True Value
Assessment: Review and revamp your pricing and client communication.
- Deliverable: A value-driven pricing model and a client communication plan.
- Takeaways:
- Master pricing strategies that ensure you’re compensated fairly for your work.
  - Develop the confidence to communicate your value effectively to clients.
  - Learn negotiation techniques that will help you secure higher-paying gigs.

Phase 4: Developing Systems for Everything (Including Making Money)

Streamline Your Operations and Create Multiple Income Streams
Assessment: Identify inefficiencies and opportunities in your current systems.
- Deliverable: Automated systems and new income streams that work for you 24/7.
- Takeaways:
- Understand how to create and implement business systems that save time and increase efficiency.
  - Learn how to establish multiple income streams to ensure long-term financial stability.
  - Gain the tools to automate parts of your business, freeing up time to focus on what you love.

Phase 5: Outward Reach (Hunting for Clients)

Go Out and Get the Clients You Want
Assessment: Evaluate your outreach strategies and networking efforts.
- Deliverable: A powerful outreach plan designed to attract and secure high-end clients.
- Takeaways:
- Learn how to effectively identify, target, and secure the clients who value your work.
  - Develop a strategic outreach plan that brings you closer to your ideal clients.
  - Master the art of networking and relationship-building to grow your business.

Phase 6: Integrating All Elements Together

Achieve Sustainable Success with a Cohesive Strategy
Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive review of your business and strategy.
- Deliverable: A fully developed business plan that integrates all aspects of your growth.
- Takeaways:
- Understand how to integrate your portfolio, branding, systems, and outreach into a cohesive strategy.
  - Learn how to maintain momentum and continue growing your business long after the accelerator ends.
  - Gain the confidence and clarity to navigate the challenges of being a full-time professional photographer.

Why the Carty Method Works

Intensive and Transformational: This program is designed to push you beyond your comfort zone and deliver real, tangible results. It’s not just about learning—it’s about doing, achieving, and transforming your life.
Accountability and Progress Tracking: With scoring, assessments, and deliverables at every phase, you’ll always know where you stand and what’s next. No more guessing—just focused, strategic action.
Designed for Transition: The Carty Method is specifically crafted for photographers who are ready to leave their 9-5 behind and build a thriving career doing what they love.

What You’ll Achieve

Confidence and Clarity: From day one, you’ll have a clear plan and the confidence to execute it.
A Fully-Optimized Portfolio and Online Presence: Your portfolio, website, and social media will be perfectly aligned to attract the clients you want.
A Profitable, Sustainable Business: With automated systems and multiple income streams, you’ll build a business that not only survives but thrives.
A Network of Support: You’ll be part of a community that’s committed to your success, with weekly work sessions and ongoing support.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me. It’s worth it. If you’re still unsure go to the site and watch the testimonials from all the photographers he’s turning into Pros.