We recently connected with Carly Starnes and have shared our conversation below.

Carly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Being an artist, I always look at the world in an illustrious way. When I was first handed a camera at age 8 from my dad, it was all over from there. I knew that my passion was putting a light on other people, whether that be in the name of beauty or to share a story. Photography has so many different purposes, and it is up to the viewer and the artist to determine what path to take.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am Carly Starnes, a Lifestyle Portrait Photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. I have a knack for colorful, unique images and the boundless beauty photography holds.

Pursuing my lifelong passion, I attended Savannah College of Art and Design for my BFA in Photography, and my career as a photographer fully kicked off when I moved to New York shortly after graduation. To make it in a creative industry, it is helpful to be in a media hub, and NY was always the end game for me. I photograph a range of topics, from Fashion & Beauty Portraiture to Latex models. Specializing in high-shine latex has been the latest addition to my repertoire this year, and a topic I am exhilarated about. The challenges that a 360° reflective, shiny model poses are endless, and refining light & imagery to create a beautiful, successful image thrills me.

My clients vary from individuals to companies, but my MO is the same – I focus on a connection with the model, the brand, and the mission at hand, and make sure everyone walks away pleased with results. My images are meticulously edited & given 110% of my efforts to maintain the integrity of an image even with the cosmetic sheen.

I think there is beauty and strength in every single subject, and bringing forward the subject’s best qualities into the lens is where I shine.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I graduated college and entered the world of media and industry, I had not truly grasped that so many “resources” are networking, and ironically, yourself.

If you get on a set, that is a resource. Nail your role and make it a part of your job to make new work friends in a kind and genuine way. Ask for as many people’s contact information as possible. Building your own personal library of connections is the key to this industry. Stand out, be helpful, be amiable. Shine in your own way, because people will remember you and want to keep you around if you have a positive presence. Next thing you know, you are friends with other photographers, grips, stylists, and so forth.

Take that freelance job, send that cold email or call, the worst that can is they say no.

Another aspect I wish I knew about earlier in my journey, is you need to be well versed in business tactics even if you are an artist. Working at The Garage in Brooklyn as the Operations Supervisor has greatly refined my photo/video/production business skills through experiences I do not believe would have learned anywhere else.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When a photograph is completed and shared out in the world, that is when I feel the gratifying feeling. Shooting in the moment puts me on cloud nine, and post production/editing has the same sensation. Every image is a piece of art to me, and I love to illuminate the models in their best light, and I want everyone to feel the same way I do about photographing them.

After the thrill of shooting, I sit down and write to myself lessons or notes of what I have learned from the shoot. I’ve found this method the most effective for refining my actions on my sets. Because of that, I remember more presently what I wanted to learn from last time, which is pretty great.

Contact Info:

• Website: carlystarnesphotography.com
• Instagram: @carlystarphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-starnes

Image Credits
All photographs photographed by me, Carly Starnes. Talent from portfolio names and instagrams for credit, in uploaded order: Griffin Maxwell Brooks @griffinmaxwellbrooks wearing Abigail Olive jewelry @olive.des.ign  2. Brayden @brayyyyyden 3. Lady Harper Chase @ladyharpernyc 4. Lady Harper Chase @ladyharpernyc 5. Miss Willow @willownoir.nyc 6. Miss Willow @willownoir.nyc 7. Tessa Itura @tess.itura.nyc 8. Anonymous & Miss Willow @willownoir.nyc