Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Carter.
Hi Paul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
How did I get here? It’s not exactly a straight line—but the scenic route tends to make for better stories.
My first career was on stage. I spent more than 20 years performing, including a stint as a singer at Opryland USA in Nashville. During that time, I landed a developmental record deal, which meant a few whirlwind years of bus tours, radio stops, and promoting an album I poured everything into. It was moving in the right direction—until it wasn’t. Like many developmental deals, mine came to an abrupt halt when management shifted, and just like that, I was shelved. Career over. Cue the dramatic exit… and maybe a laugh or two looking back.
That moment is what brought me to San Antonio. I joined Six Flags Fiesta Texas as a performer and spent years singing across multiple stages. At the same time, I traveled as a featured vocalist with Royal Caribbean. If you’re thinking, “Wait—aren’t you a photographer?”—hang with me. This is where it starts to come together.
I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. Part of that came from necessity—I didn’t always have the money to hire a photographer, especially early on when I needed headshots for auditions. So I figured it out myself. Were they great? Not even close. But they worked, and more importantly, they sparked something.
Photography—and eventually video—became a constant companion, a way to document the journey and hold onto moments that might otherwise blur together. Then came another turning point: I was offered the chance to work as a lighting designer for live shows. That’s when everything clicked. Understanding light on stage translated in a whole new way through the lens. I wasn’t just taking pictures anymore—I was shaping them.
Before long, the worlds started to merge. Companies like Fiesta Texas and Royal Caribbean began asking me to create photo and video content, and without realizing it at the time, that’s when my photography career truly began.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Not a chance. I don’t think anyone who’s built something for themselves would describe it that way. There are always hurdles, always challenges—but that’s not just business, that’s life.
And the photography world? It’s changed—fast. With the rise of smartphones and more accessible gear, photography has opened up to just about everyone. Honestly, I love that. More creatives, more perspectives, more people telling stories their way—that’s a win. I’ve always believed in supporting the art community. For me, it’s always been art and people first. The business side? That comes after… even if it sometimes feels like it’s trying to take over.
Because the truth is, the business of photography has evolved just as quickly. Social media alone can feel like a full-time job. Do you post? How often? Where? What’s worth putting money behind? Blink, and the rules change. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the goalposts move again.
When you’re paying your bills with a camera, you don’t really get to ignore that side of things. You have to keep up—even when it feels like you’re spending more time learning algorithms than actually creating images. That’s just part of the deal now… whether we like it or not. And yeah, sometimes you just have to laugh about it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a published, award-winning portrait photographer with a genuine love for working with people. My background as a performer still shapes how I see the world—I’ve always been drawn to drama, storytelling, and emotion. That naturally carries into my work, where I lean into a more cinematic, commercial feel with every image I create.
When you work with me, it’s never just about the final photo—it’s about the experience. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and actually enjoy the process. No stiff poses, no forced moments. Every person is different, and that’s exactly the point. I believe everyone has an inner rockstar in them—and I take a lot of pride in bringing that out in a way that feels real, not rehearsed.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe passion and drive aren’t optional in this work—they’re everything. I genuinely love what I do, and I don’t see a finish line. There’s always more to learn, more to refine, more to chase. Settling has never been part of the plan.
Every time I create an image, I’m thinking beyond the moment. Long after I’m gone, that photograph will still exist. It will be held onto, looked back on, and used to tell stories—about a person, a family, a career, a life. That matters to me. And I take a lot of pride in being a small part of something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paulncarterphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulncarterphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulncarterphotography
