We’re looking forward to introducing you to Larry Carey. Check out our conversation below.
Larry, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire me. I bring a rare mix of professional expertise, creativity, and heart to everything I do. In education, I’ve proven I can design and lead professional development that not only checks the boxes but truly transforms schools and classrooms. As a speaker, I know how to connect with diverse audiences; whether it’s educators, parents, or community members and leave them inspired to act. And with photography, I’ve shown that I can pivot, learn new skills, and create work that both excites audiences and gives back to the community, like providing free senior portraits to students in need. I don’t just do the work; I build relationships, create solutions, and leave things better than I found them.
At the same time, I would hire me because I see challenges as opportunities. When I was thrown into photography with no experience, instead of folding, I leaned in, studied, and turned it into one of the most impactful parts of my business. That resilience, paired with my commitment to giving back and creating impact beyond myself, makes me someone worth investing in. When you hire me, you’re not just hiring an individual; you’re gaining a partner who will use every tool, talent, and connection available to help people grow, communities thrive, and stories shine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Larry Carey, the founder of Larry Carey LTD—a brand that blends education, professional development, speaking, and now, photography. What makes my journey unique is how each piece of my work connects back to people and purpose. On the education side, I’ve spoken nationally with groups like the National Alliance of Black School Educators, consulted with the NAACP on education, and partnered with organizations like the National Education Association and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to deliver professional development that empowers schools and communities.
But the twist in my story is photography. What started as me scrambling to cover for my cousin at the Cincinnati Music Festival—with the help of Cincinnati educator Emanuel Floyd, who literally showed me how to get the perfect shot—has grown into one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of Larry Carey LTD. Today, I’ve captured artists such as Toni Braxton, Lucky Daye, Neyo, 112, Anthony Hamilton, Coco Jones, Raheem Devaughn, Karyn White, Maxwell, Eric Benet, LL COOL J, and Detroit Diamond, even documenting a premiere and panel with LL COOL J himself. Photography has now expanded into giving back, with me offering free senior portraits to students who can’t afford them and creating opportunities for artists to connect with young people through virtual talks. For me, photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about storytelling, healing, and building connections that last. And now, as I expand my brand and even run for the Groveport Madison School Board (shameless plug: Go VOTE!), I’m continuing to find new ways to spark minds, inspire communities, and make an impact.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world wasn’t just a single event; it was realizing how much my different career paths had in common. When I worked at FedEx, I thought I was just moving packages, but what really kept me going was the relationships I built with coworkers, customers, and the people I interacted with every day. That lesson followed me into education, where I saw firsthand that students and families don’t remember every lesson plan, but they always remember how you made them feel and whether you showed up for them.
Now, as the owner of Larry Carey LTD, I carry that same truth into both consulting and photography. The industries may have shifted; from logistics, to classrooms, to conferences and concert stages—but the constant is people. Building authentic connections, being genuine, and treating people with care has always been the foundation. It’s shaped how I lead, how I capture moments through a camera lens, and how I serve communities through speaking and professional development. The world changes, industries evolve, but authentic relationships are timeless—that’s the lens I see everything through.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of missing out; not in the trendy sense, but in the sense of missing opportunities that could change lives, including my own. I’ve always carried the weight of knowing people depend on me, especially my mother and father, and I never want to let them down. That pressure has pushed me to take on more than I probably should at times, but it also drives me. What I fear most is ever having to say, “I wish I would have” when I had the chance to say, “I did.” That mindset keeps me moving forward, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that every child deserves to learn in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. My years in education have shown me that when you invest in students—not just academically, but socially and emotionally; you spark something in them that can change the trajectory of their lives. That’s why I’ve poured myself into professional development, restorative practices, and community partnerships: because creating those kinds of environments takes time, consistency, and heart.
That same belief also shows up in my photography. For me, a photo isn’t just a picture; it’s a captured moment in time that can make someone feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. Whether it’s students getting free senior portraits or artists on stage, I use my lens to reflect back the best of people. It all comes down to my motto: to spark the minds that will one day change the world. That’s what I stand on, and that’s what keeps me committed, no matter how long the journey takes.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived with purpose and left a legacy of respect, work ethic, and love for people. I want my kids to be able to say that their father not only taught them about hard work and treating others right, but that I modeled it every single day. Through my journey in education, I worked to create safe and supportive spaces where students could thrive, and as a business owner, I showed that passion and perseverance can open doors you never imagined.
I hope people tell the story of someone who sparked minds and lifted others; whether through a professional development session that shifted a teacher’s approach, a speaking engagement that inspired a parent, or a photograph that captured a moment and made someone feel proud of who they are. At the end of the day, I want the story of my life to be that I used my gifts to serve others and that I built something lasting, not just for myself, but for the generations coming after me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https;://www.larrycareyltd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antwan_carey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-carey-58372478/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Larry_Carey85
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.carey.96
Image Credits
Emanuel Floyd
