Carter McKinney
My Story
Founder of McKinney Media.
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Carter McKinney is a creative entrepreneur, photographer, filmmaker, marketer, educator, and event producer. He is the founder of McKinney Media, a creative powerhouse spanning visual content, marketing, weddings, events, and education that he's built since 2021, serving businesses, organizations, couples, and communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic. His work connects visual storytelling, strategic marketing, education, and live experiences to help people and ideas become more visible.
Download full résumé (PDF)More Than a Creative Service
A media company, a school, an events platform, and a podcast — built as one powerhouse.
Carter began as a photographer and expanded his work into a broader creative powerhouse. What started with visual storytelling grew into marketing, weddings, events, education, podcasting, and community programming. His work now includes corporate assignments, civic initiatives, live experiences, educational programming, and platforms designed to connect entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
That combination — media production, business strategy, education, and community-building infrastructure — is deliberate.
Founder Story
From photographer to creative powerhouse.
- 01
Photography
Carter's work began as a photographer at Christmas City Studio, documenting people and moments with an editorial, documentary approach.
- 02
Visual Content
Photography grew into video, drone, and full visual content production for organizations and events.
- 03
Marketing
Visual production expanded into brand strategy and marketing — helping organizations build lasting visibility, not just individual assets.
- 04
Weddings
McKinney Weddings launched as its own line of work, applying the same documentary standard to wedding storytelling.
- 05
Events
The work extended into producing events — networking, professional development, and community programming.
- 06
Education
The McKinney School of Media & Marketing formalized Carter's teaching into courses, workshops, and corporate training.
- 07
Media Platform
The Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast became a platform for interviewing founders, creatives, and community leaders.
- 08
Creative Powerhouse
Today, McKinney Media operates as one powerhouse — visual content, marketing, weddings, events, and education, working together.
Community & Leadership
Work rooted in the Lehigh Valley.
- Fiancé, mentor to emerging creatives and entrepreneurs, son, brother, and community volunteer, and sponsor of local community and creative initiatives
- Founder & CEO of McKinney Media, 2021–present
- Host and Executive Producer of The Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast
- Speaker and educator through the McKinney School of Media & Marketing
- Founder of the McKinney Media Fund, supporting community investment, educational access, and creative workforce development across the Lehigh Valley
- Board member, African American Business Leaders Council, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Marketing Director, Lovelyyfaces Spa Lounge
Recognition
Noticed beyond the client list.
United States Congress
Certificate from Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, presented for McKinney Media's 4-year anniversary.
United States House of Representatives
Certificate of achievement, presented for McKinney Media's 4-year anniversary.
Pennsylvania State Senate
Certificate of Recognition, presented for Black History Month Centennial.
City of Bethlehem
Official citation presented to Carter McKinney by the City of Bethlehem.
As Seen On 69 News WFMZ
McKinney School's launch, live on the news.
Featured By The Bethlehem Chamber
Shared by the community he serves.
A few key clients
Listen