Looking Back On How One Photographer Curates Stories

Steve Carter tells stories for a living, but not how you’d think.

After finding a new love for photography, Steve paired his social media skills to create his perfect career that keeps him in his beloved city of Rochester, New York, telling brands’ stories and building communities.

Missed Steve’s takeover of our Instagram? Check out all of his awesome shots below and don’t forget to check out his interview here.

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Meet @stevecarter, a guy who just has a knack for telling stories. Steve loves photography, travel, and cultivating communities. Enjoy his photos as our #GuestInstagrammer of the week! 📷📷📷 bt.me/stevecarterig

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 4, 2015 at 10:24am PDT

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I just recently returned from a trip to #SanFrancisco, and before getting into photos from around Rochester, figured I should share something from my trip. 👍🏼 I love #traveling. In the last year I’ve made trips to #California (twice), Seattle, Alberta, The Bahamas, Florida, Chicago and Virginia. It may be cliché, but traveling makes me feel alive and inspired. When I get back home, I always feel more motivated. This was my first time exploring San Francisco and it was amazing to be able to do it with good friends. Such a beautiful city. Can’t wait to return! – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 4, 2015 at 4:01pm PDT

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This is my city: Rochester, NY. Tried to find a photo that best captured the essence of the city and landed on this one. I love the juxtaposition of the #natural beauty alongside the #urban environment. Everything you need in #Rochester is within 20 minutes (that’s what we say at least). – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 5, 2015 at 2:09pm PDT

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Actually, this photo may be better at showing that juxtaposition. We have a 96 foot #waterfall in the middle of the city. No big. That tower in the background is Kodak’s World Headquarters. 📷 #Kodak was founded in Rochester by George Eastman in 1888. As Kodak has declined, Rochester has had to reinvent itself (which I’ll talk more about). I love history and have grown to love photography, so having a company like Kodak here, even in its current state, has played a role in why I’m so fascinated and excited about the future of this city. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 5, 2015 at 5:38pm PDT

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History lesson: #Rochester was the smallest city in the US to have a subway system and then eventually abandon it 30 years later. Thankfully for us, it wasn’t completely destroyed. There’s still a large section of the tunnel running through downtown and it makes a great spot to #explore. There are a few proposals in place to re-purpose the tunnels into a sort of cultural hub, whether it be in the form of shops, restaurants or even a park along the lines of what the High Line is in NYC. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 6, 2015 at 2:01pm PDT

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On the topic of reinventing: there’s been an influx of small businesses in the wake of the city’s large scale manufacturing demise. Many of which include talented former #Kodak employees. Although not necessarily related to Kodak, @staach_inc is one of my favorite #local businesses that has an impact outside of just Rochester. They are a #furniture and #architecturaldesign company that relies on sustainable practices during the whole sourcing and manufacturing process. Also, their work can be seen in every Shake Shack restaurant around the globe. Here’s a peek inside their beautiful office space. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 6, 2015 at 6:56pm PDT

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In the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time at #coffee shops. I never really liked coffee, but getting to know the #baristas and owners and seeing how passionate they are about their craft and the process is contagious. Now I work with the awesome folks at @pourcoffeeparlor helping to grow and build their community online and off. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 7, 2015 at 7:02am PDT

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I spend a lot of time in #Rochester but sometimes it’s good to get away. However, that doesn’t mean I have to go that far. There’s so much to be visited and discovered in Western #NewYork and working with @slowroadtravel has helped show me that. Here’s a behind the scenes photo from when we shot Episode 2 of the documentary film series. Working on Episode 3 right now and we’re excited about it! – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 7, 2015 at 2:05pm PDT

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Speaking of getting away: just barely over an hour away from Rochester is #LetchworthStatePark. It’s known as the Grand Canyon of the East and was just voted #1 state #park in the US. Woke up before the sun to drive down and get this shot. It was worth it. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 8, 2015 at 11:47am PDT

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Another great natural beauty just about an hour outside of Rochester is Chimney Bluffs State Park. It has some impressive #cliffs and rock formations formed by erosion. Although not the safest place to hang out on, being up high on the cliffs sure does give a stunning perspective of #LakeOntario. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 8, 2015 at 5:01pm PDT

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One of my favorite things to do in my free time is #explore new places around the city. Sometimes that turns into #urban exploration, other times, a hike or just a walk down streets I’ve never been. This city is best explored with others. One way we’re trying to encourage this to happen more is through a project I started with a couple friends called @explorerochester. Every week, a different person shares their perspective of the city on our Instagram. It’s been really inspiring to see what people come up with. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 9, 2015 at 8:07am PDT

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When I first started exploring the city, one of the coolest things I came across with friends was the beautiful #streetart all over the city. I later found out that these were all a part of a project called @walltherapyny. Every summer they bring talented #artists, both local and from all over the world, together to create art on the blank/boring walls around the city. It’s become a part of our identity and in a way a symbol for the grassroots/small business movement in #Rochester. Again, reinventing ourselves. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 9, 2015 at 3:37pm PDT

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One of the most bizarre and coolest spots I’ve come across in the city has got to be the cave near Lower Falls along the #Genesee River. There’s a former #Kodak factory high on the cliffs above the river. Makes for a great backdrop for a #jump. At least Mike thinks so. (I’d agree) – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 10, 2015 at 8:30am PDT

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Well, I’m going to end with one of my favorite perspectives of #Rochester: 21 stories above Main Street during sunset. I’ve grown to love this city, even with it’s faults (aka long winters). It has a lot going for it though too, starting with its people. It has become a big part of who I am so thank you @aboutdotme for allowing me to share some of my favorite photos. – @stevecarter

A post shared by Explore More (@explore.more0310) on May 10, 2015 at 2:12pm PDT

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