ABOUT
Coming into the spotlight as a hip-hop photographer, Steve Carty began photographing talents such as DMX, Fat Joe, and Beenie Man in the early 2000s. His works were and continue to be star-studded with more recent clients including Pharrell Williams, Colin Firth, and Kanye West.
Carty was first exposed to the art of making pictures when he enrolled in an extended media program focusing on photography and video broadcasting in the tenth grade. Soon after, he shot his first professional model at the age of 17 and enrolled in Ryerson's photography program. As a teenager, all he ever received was support from his parents when pursuing his passion for photography. He later opened his first photography studio at the age of 21.
ARTISTIC STYLE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The process in which Carty creates photographic pieces is described as a modest, straight up, human approach, backed by sound technical abilities. His photos have powerful undertones, but are never over stylized, while his strength in photography lies in connecting with the subject in order to capture moments of raw beauty. When photographing subjects, he is known to carry the subject through the experience by engaging in discussion or finding common ground with them; he strives to make the shoot memorable. The strong connections he forms with his subjects can be best exemplified by his shoot with Pharrell Williams as Carty made it a priority to meet with Williams at a location of familiarity (BMX store). Carty proceeded to shoot Williams partaking in an activity of his choice (BMX), which resulted in photos depicting Williams’ raw feelings of exhilaration.
In an interview with Vice, he has said that he considers the “egoless” aspect of his photography to be most important. To paraphrase Carty, photos tend to emphasize the ego of the photographer as the photographer often interjects their skills to the extent that the photo focuses on them showing off their skills, rather than the subject. The importance of having an “egoless” photo justifies his straight up approach: capturing the subject and only the subject.
In view of his prowess as a photographer, his work has been featured in publications such as Wired (Germany), InTouch Weekly, and ELLE Canada. Past clients of his include Nike, Canada Goose, and MTV/MuchMusic. His most notable achievements as a Canadian photographer include the publication of his book, Positives (the first book showcasing Canadian contemporary photography), and his role as Canon Canada’s first Brand Ambassador.
The photographers that Carty looks up to include Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Helmut Newton. Seeing as his influences shot until they were in their 80s and 90s, Carty does not plan to stop anytime soon for he says with every photo he takes, there is clear evidence of improvement.
CURRENT WORK
Although he began his career as an artist working primarily in the photography industry, he has also dabbled in film with works focusing on biking and fashion.
His interest in biking is evident in his photography work as well, most notably in his installation titled, “Life Cycles”, that was featured at NXNE festival in 2014. The installation included photos of various bicycles/bikers presented in the style of the Inside Out Project (enlarged photos placed in public spaces). He has also founded the company, AllFixedgear, that promotes bike culture and raises awareness for better biking infrastructure in urban environments through photography and social media.
PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
INFORMATION SOURCES
Carty, Steve. "Steve Carty Photographer | Contact." Carty. Steve Carty, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://www.stevecarty.com/contact/>.
Dandy. "Steve Carty Talks Bikes and Art for Upcoming NXNE." Dandyhorse. Dandyhorse Magazine, 13 June 2014. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://dandyhorsemagazine.com/blog/2014/06/13/steve-carty-talks-bikes-and-art-for-upcoming-nxne-festival/>.
Formatmag. "Steve Carty." Formatmag.com. Format Mag Urban Art Fashion, 19 Apr. 2009. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://formatmag.com/art/steve-carty/>.
Grant, Dan. "Through The Lens." Through the Lens. Modelresource, 24 Dec. 2011. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://www.modelresource.ca/Industry/Photographers/steve_carty.shtml>.
Sayej, Nadja. "Behind the Lens: Steve Carty and the Egoless Photograph." Noisey. Vice Media, 09 May 2014. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/blog/behind-the-lens-steve-carty-and-the-egoless-photograph>.
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST
The placement of an * beside the question/description indicates that it is one of priority.
1. Describe the process of setting up a shoot. *
2. Why do you create art (money, fame, charity, etc.)/why do you not create art (fear, time, budget constraints, etc.)?
3. Do you believe you were born an artist or made into an artist? Why?
4. Describe an instance during your adolescence that has shaped you into the artist you are today. *
5. Describe distinguishing characteristics of your work that sets you apart from your contemporaries. *
6. How have you changed as an artist in the past decade?
7. What matters are most engaging you right now? *
8. Should art be used to influence political, religious, social, or environmental views? Why or why not?
9. What does Toronto mean to you?
10. In what ways do you think the world would be different if your work did not exist? *
11. Describe how you feel at the end of a typical work day.
BIOS
Britney Ngaw is a grade 10 film arts student in the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School. Given her affinity for the role of editor in the majority of productions she takes on, Britney has attempted to venture out of her comfort zone during the production of Carty: A Lifecycle and serve not only as an editor, but also as cinematographer. In the past however, she has served as the editor of works such as The Cereal Killer (2015), The Komich (2015), and Elevate (2016).
Lawson Woodley is a grade 10 film arts major in the Claude Watson Arts Program. He enjoys directing films, with his most recent films being Solus (2016) and Carty: A Lifecycle (2016). In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey and bonding with his sister.
