Carter McKinneyFounder of McKinney Media
I make people, ideas, and communities more visible.
Photography · Brand Strategy · Events
Carter McKinney is a creative entrepreneur, visual storyteller, educator, and community builder based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
4.9 (258 Google reviews)
One Practice, Many Disciplines
Carter is building a creative powerhouse.
Carter McKinney is a Bethlehem-based creative entrepreneur and founder of McKinney Media. What started behind a camera grew into marketing, weddings, events, education, and podcasting — one practice, not separate side projects. The goal isn't a bigger portfolio; it's infrastructure other people and organizations can build on.
Carter McKinney is the founder and creative lead. McKinney Media is the company and team that delivers the work — pick the path that fits what you need.
Areas of Work
Where the work shows up.
Featured Work
This is what visibility looks like.
Visual Content
Da Vinci Science Center
Event photography and video for the Da Vinci Science Center.
900+ photos delivered across 4 named events, plus 2 marketing videos.
Marketing
ZEST bar+grille
Full-service marketing management for ZEST bar+grille.
$100K marketing budget guided across 6 channels over a 2-year engagement.
Education
Speaking & Community Engagement
Keynotes, panels, and workshops on creative entrepreneurship and personal brand.
5 confirmed keynote topics, hosted by organizations including Bethlehem Rotary and PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley.
Recognized by
A few key clients
People photographed
Annual impressions on social media platforms
Combined podcast & newsletter audience
Speaking & Education
Carter lives and teaches creative entrepreneurship.
Available for keynotes, panels, workshops, and educational programs — topics can be tailored to the audience.
From Creative to CEO: Entrepreneurship Beyond Hustle Culture
Talent and hustle can get a business started, but they aren't enough to sustain one. This session explores the transition from entrepreneur or creative to CEO—building systems, developing discipline, strengthening client experience, creating relationships, delegating effectively, and making decisions that build a business beyond the founder.
Your Personal Brand Is Your First Impression
Your reputation exists whether you intentionally manage it or not. Before people hire, refer, invite, interview, or buy from you, they often search for you first. This session shows how to define what you want to be known for and align your image, expertise, website, social media, photography, video, reviews, content, and digital footprint to build credibility.
Networking & Building Community With Intention
Networking isn't about collecting contacts, and community isn't about collecting attention. This session explores how to build genuine professional relationships, create mutual value, follow up effectively, stay visible, and turn individual connections into a trusted community that creates long-term opportunities.
Media Production That Tells a Story
Great media is more than technically good photography or video. This session explores the strategy behind effective visual storytelling—from planning and production to capturing authentic moments and creating photography and video that serve a larger communication goal.
Reviews
What clients say.
Speaking & Education
“Carter McKinney came in as a guest speaker for my Media Literacy through Popular Culture class at Freedom High School. He gave a presentation on what media literacy is as well as what he does professionally and how he can connect students with post-secondary opportunities in the media profession. Carter was engaging, informative, interactive, and funny. He is clearly very knowledgeable of his craft and I very much appreciated him coming in to speak to the students.”
Alexa Kutch
Event Photography
“We loved working with Carter! He provided photos and videography for a huge local conference, the PA Menopause Conference. Carter was personable and professional throughout the day. He took our requests and ran with them. He is a pleasure to work with!”
Katie Friel