My ios7 update on 4s failed, please help!

My ios7 update on 4s failed, and I hadn't recently backed up - iTunes only option is to restore factory settings which will delete all the photos on my phone - is there an alternative or a way to back up while the 'connect to iTunes' screen is showing so that I can save my photos before restoring?

I thought ipods and iphones could be used as hard drives, is this an option, or is there a way to get out of the update, go back to the revious operating system, back up and then try again?

Thanks!