Join Portfolio Lab 👉🏾 https://www.thecartymethod.com/portfoliolab. ✅ You think you’re trying hard. I used to think the same thing.

But most emerging photographers and creative pros are not operating anywhere near their real limits. We’re operating at the edge of our comfort. That’s why growth feels slow. That’s why progress stalls. And that’s why so many talented creatives never unlock the career they say they want.

In today’s episode, I break down the truth about “trying harder.” What it actually looks like. What it actually feels like. And why most of us stop the moment things get uncomfortable. I’m going to walk you through the difference between wanting success and working for it. Wanting is emotional. Working is measurable.

I talk about the moments in my own photography career where my hand was forced. The times I had no backup plan. No safety net. No choice but to level up. And more importantly, how you can learn to raise your standards before life forces you to.

If you’re an emerging photographer or creative professional who wants to grow in 2025, this episode will hit you hard. And maybe that’s exactly what you need.

If this brings you value, subscribe. it’s free.

The Carty Method Podcast #66 - The Brutal Truth About Effort, Trying Hard & Caring

I had a struggling photography business that was barely holding on. I’d been a pro for decades, but the industry changes fast. I was terrible at reaching out and getting new work. I tried showing up on social media, but when it didn’t pay off fast enough, I wasn’t consistent. I thought I was working hard — every day I did something for my photo business — but none of it moved the needle. It was all busy work.

Photo Reviews start again next week.

Learn more this incredible story here 👉🏾 https://stevecarty.substack.com/p/i-had-a-brain-tumour-that-was-cancer

Follow me on instragram here for more updates with me and this story https://www.instagram.com/stevecarty/

Did my first shoot yesterday, check my latest post there.

Tuesday Portfolio Reviews. Thursday Pro Assignment Reviews

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HOW TO SUBMIT:

* Join Portfolio Lab here 👉🏾 https://www.thecartymethod.com/portfoliolab

* Join my “Weekly Assignment” posted inside my Portfolio Lab Community as soon as the episode ends.

* SUBMIT IMAGES 4000px wide @ 100dpi through my assignments folder

* Mark Submission Complete.

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🧨 I can help you start your Photography Career, right now: 💥

https://thecartymethod.com

✅

😎😎 C A R T Y 😎😎

👉🏾 “My goal here is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.” Learn more about me and see my work at

http://stevecarty.com

“Based in Toronto, Carty works across North America and frequently travels to the UK, Europe, and Central America for his assignments. In 2009, he released his first book, “Positives,” and was selected for “Carte Blanche,” the first book of Canadian Contemporary Photographers, which is available worldwide.

Beyond his work behind the camera, Carty is passionate about mentoring emerging photographers. He shares his 34 years of experience through his active YouTube channel, where he offers free professional photography education that cuts through the noise with authenticity and directness.

In Jan 2024, he founded The Carty Method, a comprehensive professional photography education system designed for the modern creator, helping photographers transition from struggling to thriving in the 21st century creative industry.” -Tim Foran.

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“Some are leaves. Some are branches. True creativity lives in our roots. Our seeds are our ideas. You have to dig deep and plant your ideas solid in the right place to be able to reach the sky.” - CARTY

Inquiries: quality_levees.0x@icloud.com (spam protected auto generated email address)

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