Welcome to This Week’s Edition of The Carty Method Magazine!
This week’s challenge our photographers to showcase their signature shot.
That one image style that screams you—before they even read your name.
It’s not just about having a cool look.
Your signature shot is how people recognize your work, remember your name, and talk about you when you're not in the room.
It’s a visual stamp that builds your rep and sets you apart from the crowd.
So—what’s the shot only you can take?
Ready to be inspired by this weeks photo of the week winners and their signature shot style.
Let’s dive in.
Assignment Brief
CARTY gives a tight brief at the end of his photo review shows which tells us shooters what we have to shoot exactly for the following weeks review.
Here is this assignment exactly how he shares it.
“This weeks Assignment: The Signature Shot”.
Objective: Create a single powerful image that instantly communicates your photography specialty and value proposition to potential clients.
Jennifer Grace
What was your initial vision for this Signature Shot? Did you already have a clear concept in mind or did it evolve during the process?
I knew that I wanted to do a high contrast black and white photo.
What specific elements in this image reflect your unique style or niche? How do you think this image communicates your value to potential clients?
My goal is to photograph real people the way they are and would want to be remembered.
I hope I achieved that in this photo.
What lighting or compositional techniques did you lean on to elevate this shot? Was there one technical choice you’re especially proud of?
I used a two strobe setup and used color gel on the hair light to create more contrast and separation in post.
I was happy with my back light placement, which is something I’ve been working on.
Do you feel this image fully represents where you are right now as a creative? If not, what are you still refining or exploring in your signature style?
Yes I do, after my review I realize I do nee master Rembrandt lighting.
If a dream client saw this image, what would you want them to immediately understand about working with you?
That I am able to make my clients feel comfortable enough to create a scene.
Happy and comfortable people can sell products.
How has this assignment influenced how you’ll approach future shoots? Will you continue to lean into this “signature” direction—or are you still exploring?
I’d like to lean into this, but start incorporating more products into my shoots.
If you had to describe this Signature Shot in just one word, what would it be—and why?
Raw
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: jengracephotos
Website: jengracephotography.com
Doyle Daniels
What was your initial vision for this Signature Shot? Did you already have a clear concept in mind or did it evolve during the process?
I just wanted the space to feel really warm—something that matched the artist’s energy.
He’s such an upbeat guy, and his work is super saturated and full of life, so I wanted the environment to reflect all of that.
What specific elements in this image reflect your unique style or niche? How do you think this image communicates your value to potential clients?
I think, if anything, my strength lies in making people feel truly seen and at ease in front of the camera.
It's not just about taking a good photo—it’s about creating a space where someone feels safe enough to be themselves.
That’s when the real moments show up, and that’s what I’m always chasing.
What lighting or compositional techniques did you lean on to elevate this shot? Was there one technical choice you’re especially proud of?
We played around a lot with the background elements, really leaning into the space to make it work for the story we were telling.
I also timed the shoot for when the light would hit just right through the window—that golden hour warmth made all the difference.
I was really pleased with how everything came together in the end.
Do you feel this image fully represents where you are right now as a creative? If not, what are you still refining or exploring in your signature style?
I think it’s getting close—there’s still room to push it further. I’m still making small mistakes when I try to step back and see the whole picture.
It’s a constant balance: not over-sculpting a scene, but also not settling for whatever’s right in front of me.
We’re here to make pictures, after all—but the goal is always to do it in a way that makes you feel like you were right there in the room, in the environment.
Whether or not I pulled that off? I’ll let you be the judge.
If a dream client saw this image, what would you want them to immediately understand about working with you?
What matters to them matters to me—and I don’t take that lightly.
When someone trusts me to tell their story or capture something meaningful in their life, I feel a real responsibility to honor that trust.
I’ve been a working person my whole life. I know how hard people work for their money, and I know what it means to hand some of that over and say, “I believe in what you do.”
That’s a big ask—and it’s one I never take for granted. Every time I show up, I’m showing up with respect—for their time, their effort, and their belief in what I do.
How has this assignment influenced how you’ll approach future shoots? Will you continue to lean into this “signature” direction—or are you still exploring?
Honestly, it’s all I really want to do—so the short answer is yes.
It’s not always what the client is looking for, depending on their needs, but whenever it’s possible to work this way, I’m all in.
There's just something about approaching a project with intention and storytelling in mind that makes the whole process feel more meaningful—for both of us.
If you had to describe this Signature Shot in just one word, what would it be—and why?
Respectful
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: doyledanielsphotography
Website: doyledaniels.com
Do you want to have your work reviewed by a 34-year pro?
Subscribe to CARTY on YouTube
Join the Carty Method Photo Reviews
If you're ready to elevate your photography skills, cultivate a winning mindset, and become part of a vibrant, supportive community, subscribe to CARTY on YouTube, go to TheCartyMethod.com, and join the Carty Crew Community.
For those looking to submit their work and receive professional feedback, Carty’s Photo Reviews is the perfect opportunity.
New to what CARTY is doing?
👉🏾 Carty a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.
His goal is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.
👉🏾 Mindset Shifts and Immersive Pro Education on YouTube 👈🏾
Learn more about CARTY and see his work at 👉🏾 SteveCarty.com
Join his photographer’s community 👉🏾 TheCartyMethod.com/community
Work with him 👉🏾 theCartyMethod.com
Book a Free 15-minute Zoom Chat
Subscribe to The Carty Method 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 Substack.
Watch the live replay of this photo submission
Carty is a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.
His goal is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.
👉🏾 Mindset Shifts and Immersive Pro Education on YouTube 👈🏾
Learn more about him and see his work at 👉🏾 SteveCarty.com
Join his photographer’s community 👉🏾 TheCartyMethod.com/community
Work with Him 👉🏾 theCartyMethod.com
The Carty Method Instagram @TheCartyMethod
Excellent work by all. I would choose Doyle as the best in show, his description of what he wanted, along with the great placement of the artist in front of his work, left me wanting to see more from this shoot. Great work Doyle! Congrats