Today’s post is brought to you by MPB. Learn about the best place to buy and sell used gear at the end of today’s post.

When I work with photographers inside The Carty Method, Phase 2 is always a turning point.

This phase is called The Packaging, and it's where things start getting real.

In Phase 1, I help you lock in your niche and build the kind of portfolio that’s tailored for the market you're trying to reach—not just pretty pictures, but work with purpose.

Work that speaks to a client.

Work that represents how you execute ideas.

Work that Shows your Visual Signature.

Work that belongs.

Phase 2 is about packaging that work so that it can get hired.

We start by taking the work and giving it a home—your website.

This isn’t just a gallery or a digital business card.

Your website should be a proof of concept.

A clean, focused presentation of your work that makes it obvious who you’re for and what you do.

Every page should be intentional.

Every image should be doing the heavy lifting of convincing someone to reach out.

But here’s where most photographers stop.

They’ve got the niche.

They’ve got the work.

They’ve got the website.

And then… they show up to a Zoom call in a mess.

Or overly dressed like an accountant.

Or they walk on set looking like they got dressed in the dark covered in dog hair.

That’s why the final piece of this packaging phase is critical and completes what I’ve started calling:

Your Packaging Triangle.

It’s made up of three essential sides:

Your Portfolio. Your Website. And You.

The Final point of the Triangle: You

This one is the most overlooked—and the most important.

Because when your perfect client clicks “book a call,” or meets you on set, or hops on Zoom… your work isn’t in the room.

You are.

You’ve already convinced them enough to consider hiring you.

Now they’re scanning you for clues:

• Does this person look like someone they can present to their clients?

• Do they look confident, reliable, interesting?

• What is the vibe I’m getting from this photographer?

• Can they carry the weight of a professional shoot, or a high-stakes campaign?

And you better believe this goes deeper than just first impressions.

This is about identity.

Consistency.

Confidence.

Clients judge you with all 5 of their senses in an instant.

Do You Look Like a Photographer, or a Discount Rack Dad?

Look, I’m not here to roast your wardrobe.

But let’s keep it real.

If your wife is still picking out your outfits based on what’s on sale at Costco, you’ve already given up control of your visual identity.

Your work looks pro.

Your site looks clean.

But you?

You might look like a baseball coach trying to sell headshots.

What if your doctor rolled in wearing a red velour smoking jacket, a Metallica t-shirt, pajama pants and dirty new balance shoes?

You’d for sure have a question mark over your head.

I want you to flip the mirror back on yourself and ask:

What character are you playing in your business?

Is it clear that you’re a creative professional when someone sees you walking into a coffee shop?

Or do they assume you’re an IT guy on lunch break?

Your personal style doesn’t have to be flashy.

It just has to be intentional.

You don’t need to chase trends.

You don’t need to wear Yeezys or Acne Studios.

You just need to look like someone who makes decisions for a living—because that’s what being a working photographer is.

Start With the Uniform

There’s a reason the creative world leans into certain staples.

I call it the Classic Photographer Uniform:

Black t-shirt. Dark jeans. Converse.

Pretty easy to reach that bar.

From there, you can layer in your personality—maybe it’s boots instead of Chucks, maybe it’s a denim jacket or a great watch.

Just make sure it all tells the same story.

The story of you as a professional creative.

I take it a bit further with signature cuts with my pants and tshirt styles, incorporating my own merch and classics like denim jackets, bomber jackets and utilitarian button downs.

I pay close attention to my shoes and eyewear.

I keep a pair of kicks for shooting in studio and always hunt for cool sunglasses.

Resources to Build Your Look

Want to build a style that fits you but still looks intentional? Aim for classic and timeless pieces that work together over trendy.

Here are a few places to start:

• If price is an issue, start at H&M for shirts and jackets or look at Vintage shops.

• Pinterest - Casual Styles for Men

• Derek Guy (@dieworkwear) – Follow him on Twitter/X for smart takes on fashion that won’t age out in a year.

• Real Men Real Style (YouTube) – Good for foundational knowledge: fit, layering, proportions.

• Esquire - Mens Smart Casual

• The Carty Method Shop - Utilitarian Photography Apparel to wear while shooting that start conversations.

This isn’t about fashion.

It’s about clarity and character.

Your personal style is just another layer of your brand.

Don’t leave it to chance.

What to Do This Week

1. Audit Your Wardrobe. What’s working? What’s sending the wrong message? Eliminate anything that doesn’t serve your identity.

2. Build a Uniform. 3 to 5 go-to outfits that make you feel like a pro. Stick to classics, build in your flavor.

3. Own It. Step into rooms looking like someone who gets paid to make pictures. Because you do. Or will soon.

Why This Matters

Your client isn't just hiring your camera skills, although that gets you in the door.

They’re hiring your eye.

Your energy.

Your execution.

They’re hiring you.

And you have to be someone they can present to “their” client

Complete your Packaging Triangle.

Because when your work, your site, and your style all speak the same language, clients stop questioning and start booking.

You don’t just want to be seen. You want to be remembered.

And that starts with how you show up.

Thanks for reading me this week. I hope this brings you value.

I’ll see you next Saturday.

Today’s post was brought to you by MPB

If you’re serious about becoming a working photographer, you need to think about gear differently.

If you’re serious about becoming a working photographer, you need to think about gear differently.

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If you’re building a real photography business, this is the smarter way to do it.

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