Tell Us Who You Are
A biography video that introduces the photographer with clarity, professionalism, and purpose.
Welcome to This Week’s Edition of The Carty Method Magazine
This week, members were challenged to introduce themselves through motion, voice, and presence by creating a Biography Video.
Rather than relying on still images, photographers were asked to clearly communicate who they are, what they specialize in, and why someone should choose to work with them.
All within a concise, intentional video format.
These submissions function as modern first impressions, designed to live on websites, profiles, and outward-facing platforms where clarity and confidence matter immediately.
Why This Matters
A strong biography video does more than introduce a name or title, it establishes trust.
In under ninety seconds, viewers form an impression based on clarity, confidence, tone, and professionalism.
The ability to articulate who you are and what you offer is a critical skill for photographers working in commercial, editorial, and client-facing environments.
Mastering the bio video forces creators to refine their message, focus on client value, and present themselves with intention.
Not only as artists, but also as professionals.
Assignment Brief
At the end of each review session, CARTY delivers a focused brief, outlining exactly what members must create for the following week.
Here is the assignment exactly as it was shared:
“This week’s assignment: Tell Us Who You Are ~ Your Biography Video.”
Participants were asked to create a 60~90 second video introduction that clearly communicates who they are, what they do, and why clients should work with them.
Each video was structured to include a personal introduction, a demonstration of process, portfolio highlights, and a clear closing statement.
Thus balancing authenticity, technical quality, and a strong value proposition.
Allison Diller
What message about who you are as a photographer did you prioritize in this bio video, and why did that feel important to lead with?
When I think about the people I want to serve, my message to them is about humanizing their businesses to connect with their local customers.
In this video, I wanted to show an example of that.
I wanted to humanize my own business by sharing insights about me, as well as the humans I serve in my local area.
What technical or production decision (audio, lighting, pacing, or structure) became essential in reinforcing professionalism and trust?
Businesses are fighting for attention nowadays.
This means fast-paced videos to fit short attention spans and AI-generated content that optimizes for the sale.
And many business owners are stalled, becuase that all feels disconnected.
I wanted to show that slow, deliberate, human-written content can still attract attention...and maybe even outperform.
How did being on camera change the way you thought about presenting yourself compared to showing only your work?
I often struggle with wanting to put myself out there.
When it all came together, I was really proud of everything I had done, and I’m less afraid of doing it again.
What feedback or realization did creating this bio video give you about how clearly you communicate your value?
One of the things I realized is how I can weave the bigger picture and long-term goals into the current value I’m bringing.
Let me explain.
My long-term goal is to work with national/global industrial brands...Ford, Home Depot, John Deere...
But I can’t start there. My path towards that goal is to serve my local community first.
By proving I can help small businesses grow, I can work with bigger and bigger clients.
If you were to refine this video for a specific client or industry, what would you adjust and why?
This could easily be reworked to show portfolio images that resemble a specific brand’s existing material while keeping the same intro, outro, and audio.
Social Media Handles:
IG: allisondiller
Website: allisondiller.com
Malik Brand
What message about who you are as a photographer did you prioritize in this bio video, and why did that feel important to lead with?
i wanted to show the why behind the photos and why the clients need this while still highlighting what i do
What technical or production decision (audio, lighting, pacing, or structure) became essential in reinforcing professionalism and trust?
The Lighting and the set i wanted to show that im a photographer without having to say it
How did being on camera change the way you thought about presenting yourself compared to showing only your work?
i have experience on camera but i need to use it more and make more content
What feedback or realization did creating this bio video give you about how clearly you communicate your value?
I do think i can talk longer about what i do. i tend to keep things short because i make a lot of short form content.
If you were to refine this video for a specific client or industry, what would you adjust and why?
I want to make it more focused on the small business clients i kind of made the video a little more broad also make it seem less like a ad
Social Media Handles:
IG: malik.a.brand
Website: Malikbrandphotography.com
Jayson Williams
Social Media Handles:
IG: jaywillphoto
Website: www.jaywillphoto.com
Hal Banfield
What message about who you are as a photographer did you prioritize in this bio video, and why did that feel important to lead with?
I prioritized my professional background in the arts and media, that lead me to establish my own photo and video business.
What technical or production decision (audio, lighting, pacing, or structure) became essential in reinforcing professionalism and trust?
A two-part answer:
1: Definitely coming across as clearly confident as possible on camera was essential above all else as effective communication when trying to connect with potential clients can make or break how people perceive you.
2: Sprinkling in a good variety of b-roll to help tell the story of how I engage with my clients and crews behind-the-scenes.
It also serves as a demonstration of the process of creation and the reveal of the final product.
How did being on camera change the way you thought about presenting yourself compared to showing only your work?
Sometimes you can’t just let the work do all of the talking for you.
In the past few years, I have learned that it is equally important to put a face and a voice to the work, which supports brand identity and allows potential clients to resonate with you as a person.
What feedback or realization did creating this bio video give you about how clearly you communicate your value?
The feedback I got from my bio video demonstrated the joy I get from creating visual stories and working collaboratively with my clients and crews.
If you were to refine this video for a specific client or industry, what would you adjust and why?
If I were to refine this video for a specific client or industry, I would reshoot the talking head and tailor the script to whatever particular client or niche I am pitching to.
Social Media Handles:
IG: halbanphotography
Website: halbanphotography.com
LinkedIn: hal-banfield
Social Media Handles:
IG: ozzy.stewart
Website: www.ozzystewart.com
Mira Lee
What message about who you are as a photographer did you prioritize in this bio video, and why did that feel important to lead with?
Every person has a story to share. I help you to transport your story through intentional, authentic photos, so you can create a deeper connection with your audience and attract the like-minded.
What technical or production decision (audio, lighting, pacing, or structure) became essential in reinforcing professionalism and trust?
A dark background for no distraction, a good microphone for clear sound, and content targeted right to my potential clients.
How did being on camera change the way you thought about presenting yourself compared to showing only your work?
The camera hears and sees everything.
Sound adds another layer to the work, so every detail has to be intentional.
Know your content, rehearse and try again and again until your video is impactful, because you cannot “photoshop it” later.
What feedback or realization did creating this bio video give you about how clearly you communicate your value?
As I am sharpening the focus on my target group, it’s getting easier to communicate my value. By niching down, clarity becomes stronger.
If you were to refine this video for a specific client or industry, what would you adjust and why?
I would start with a specific example of how my photos have helped this client in their work or supported their goals.
Social Media Handles:
IG: miralee.photography
Website: miralee.nl
Linkedin: miraleephotography
Professional feedback will change your reality. Joining Portfolio Lab is the only way.
👉🏾 Carty a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.
His goal is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.
👉🏾 Masterclass Level Photography Business Education from a 35yr Pro 👈🏾 on YouTube
See work at 👉🏾 SteveCarty.com
Work with him 👉🏾 TheCartyMethod.com
Subscribe to The Carty Method Magazine to see the best new photographers from all over the world level up right before your eyes. Weekly photographer transformations are happening right now.
Become a smarter photographer in 5 minutes a week by Subscribing to CARTY on The Carty Method - Substack.
Watch the replay of these photo submissions below.