http://www.stevecarty.com
Steven Carty, an accomplished photographer based out of Toronto has never worked a day in his life. He does not take the ferry from his Toronto Island home every morning then bike to his job, but to his passion. When Carty is in the studio longer hours than a regular work day, he is not working overtime, he is extending his creative output. And when a scheduled photo shoot runs longer than expected, he is not behind in his schedule, but prolonging the rush evoked in each session.
This is because Steven Carty is one of the select few in this world who does what he loves, and loves what he does. When you walk into the studio, the incredible energy and passion flowing throughout the room and coming out of every individual present is almost overwhelming. Carty has been creating this atmosphere around himself for years.
It all began at the age of 14 when his father bought a professional 35mm camera. “He didn’t even know how to turn it on,” Carty recalls “I showed him how to use it, never having used a camera in my life.” Soon after, Carty told his parents that he would be a photographer. At 14, he knew he wanted to be his own boss. This defining moment merely marked the beginning of Carty’s drive that is his positive and rewarding attitude today.
Carty went through high school practicing photography and decided he wanted to shoot fashion. He recalls the feeling of having the camera in his hands during those days of his life “People are paying attention to me because I have this camera.” Carty took that feeling, and ran with it. Soon he was grabbing the attention of many more.
“I was never told I couldn’t do this,” Carty says, recalling that he has always had a positive drive and never doubted himself and his career. “I don’t say anything negative, anything that is going to stop my own karma from moving forward.” This mentality has certainly payed off for Carty, who is currently living his ideal life- although not a regular one. He describes his life as being very controlled in terms of his craft, but very uncontrolled in how he lives. Everyday is different for Carty, never knowing how much money or work will lie within the next month. But it also fills his life with excitement.
Carty attended Ryerson University for photography and although he only completed one year, that year was the base of the kickoff that soon started his successful career. “Without passing through Ryerson at quick velocity, I’d still be moving but it would have taken a lot longer for me to have that technical savvy,” Carty says as he commends the innovative university and the program. “Ryerson taught me how to be a rock star.”
Today when Carty is showing his portfolio one will find an intriguing collection of incredible individuals ranging from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, NBA player Chris Bosh, Kardinal Offishal, Sandra Oh and many more.
Behind these impressive photos and the walls of his studio situated in the heart of Toronto lies a man who not only loves photography, but gives part of himself back to the industry and to the people he teaches everyday. “ I have an unconventional way of teaching people how to shoot and that unconventional way has made people into photographers.” Carty holds many workshops and speaks to students around the areas. The studio is full of people getting their foot into the door, learning first hand from Carty himself. “ I love the fact that people love being here.”
Meeting amazing people, feeling the rush of taking a photograph, creating scenarios and utilizing the power of teaching others everyday make up the man that is Steve Carty. And that is why at the end of the day, this man hasn’t made it through a day at work, he has simply learned something new that will allow his art to grow tomorrow.
“I’m good, but I’m trying to grow to the point where I’m great, then amazing, and hopefully sometime before I die I will be exceptional.”
