We recently connected with Frederick Terry and have shared our conversation below.
Frederick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
As a recent graduate pursuing my master’s degree, I find myself reflecting on the immense impact my mother has had on my life. Raising seven children, including her own sisters at one point, my mother faced struggles and obstacles that would have broken many. After my father passed away in a tragic car accident when I was young, she became our rock—taking on the role of both mother and father. My stepdad came into our lives when I was still a boy, but even with his support, the weight of raising our family often rested squarely on her shoulders.
In today’s fast-paced world, where individualism and societal pressures challenge even the strongest among us, my mother’s resilience shines through. Despite not having much, she never let us feel like we were without. She made the best of everything, instilling in us the value of resourcefulness and gratitude. As brothers often do, we used to raid each other’s wardrobes to make new outfits out of what we had. She never focused on what we lacked, but instead encouraged us to appreciate what we had—each other.
Being the middle child, I sometimes felt the weight of that old saying—the one about middle children feeling overlooked. There were moments when I felt like it was me against the world, preferring solitude to the bustle of our crowded household. But in those quiet moments, I grew determined. I wanted to create a future for myself, to live a life different from the one I grew up with, and to show the world what I could achieve.
Photography became my way to capture the moments I wish I had experienced more of as a child—family gatherings, celebrations, and the world beyond the boundaries of our daily life. I’ve always dreamed of being a famous photographer, traveling to the places I once thought only existed in movies, and preserving the beauty of life through my lens.
I’m proud to say I’m the third child in my family to attend college, but the second to graduate. My older sister and my mother are my role models. My sister pursued her dreams and found her calling, just like my mother, who now runs her own home daycare, which she plans to expand into a full-time facility. Watching her build something out of nothing has always inspired me. She didn’t just raise us; she built dreams—both for herself and for us.
Growing up, she made sure we understood that faith was essential. Every Sunday, she took us to church, reminding us that God listens, as long as we let Him hear our prayers. That faith has carried me through the unknowns of life, and though I don’t always know what lies ahead, I trust that God has a plan for me. He’s been with me every step of the way, guiding me toward success.
My mom has been knocked down countless times, but she always found the strength to get back up. She’s been my biggest supporter, whether it’s helping me get to a photoshoot or just being there when I need her the most. When she’s too tired from a long day running the daycare, my stepdad steps in, but she’s never far away. Her dedication is something I will forever admire.
Academically, I’ve achieved more than I ever thought possible. I’ve made the Dean’s List several times, earned a full-ride scholarship to Lynn University, and finished my undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA. I’ve also had the honor of being recognized as one of the top photographers at various events. As I pursue my master’s degree, I’m determined to raise my GPA even higher and finish by summer.
What did my mother do right? She gave me the chance to prove myself, to grow, and to become someone I’m proud of. She cherished me, even when times were hard, and now I get to capture the moments that matter—whether it’s a family gathering or a child’s birthday. My superpower is resilience; I was born with it, nurtured by my mother’s example, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Society may have its norms, but I’m not changing who I am, and that’s all thanks to her.
I’m proud to be her son, and I’m proud of the life she’s built for us.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hey, I’m Frederick Terry, a passionate photographer with a journey deeply rooted in resilience and creativity. My interest in visual arts started at a young age, but it wasn’t until a mentor at church introduced me to photography that it truly became my calling. That initial exposure sparked something in me, and over time, photography transformed from a hobby into a way of communicating and expressing myself. I quickly realized how powerful images can be in telling stories and capturing emotions, and I knew I wanted to build a career around that.
Today, I specialize in portrait and fashion photography, as well as capturing special events like weddings and concerts. My goal is to create lasting memories by capturing those candid, in-between moments that often go unnoticed. What sets my work apart is the personal connection I strive to build with each client. For me, it’s about more than just taking photos; it’s about understanding my clients’ vision and delivering something that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
I’m most proud of my ability to help people see themselves in a new light and to turn their important moments into memories they’ll cherish forever. Each project I take on is unique, and I always aim to create an experience that is tailored to the client’s specific needs. My constant drive to improve my technical skills and creative approach helps me stay ahead of trends while staying true to my authentic style.
One of my biggest goals is to open a full-service photography studio where clients can come not just to get their photos taken but to fully immerse themselves in the creative process. Whether it’s a portrait session, a wedding, or a special event, I want my clients to feel valued and to walk away with images that resonate with them on a deeper level.
In the end, my photography is all about creating connections and delivering images that tell a story. I’m dedicated to giving my clients more than just a service—I want to give them an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. If you’re looking for someone who is committed to quality, creativity, and making every moment count, I’d love to work with you to capture the special moments that matter most. I know how it feels to barely have photos of your kids and family. I know how it feeling to feel like it’s something missing in your photo. Let me help you capture your memories and exchange you help me grow more a person and photographer.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having your working cherished and loved by others. I want some of my work to be considered art and I want it to be in a museum. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and photographer is the ability to capture moments that evoke deep emotions and create lasting memories for people. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a fleeting moment—whether it’s a smile, a candid glance, or a special event—and turning it into a piece of art that clients can hold onto forever. Photography allows me to connect with people on a personal level and see the world through their eyes, which gives me the opportunity to tell their unique stories in a meaningful way.
Knowing that my work can make someone feel seen, understood, or even inspire confidence in them is what drives me. It’s especially rewarding when a client looks at their photos and sees a side of themselves they’ve never noticed before, or when they realize how beautifully their story has been captured. Every time I hear a client say, “This is exactly what I wanted” or “I’ll treasure this forever,” I know I’ve done my job. That connection, and the impact my work can have on someone’s life, is what makes being an artist and photographer so fulfilling.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As a college student who got a couple
Piece of art in the Brick NFT museum in boca. My goal as a photographer is to create meaningful, lasting images that not only capture moments but also tell stories in a way that resonates with people. I strive to continually grow both artistically and professionally, pushing the boundaries of my creativity while delivering high-quality work that exceeds my clients’ expectations.
Ultimately, I want to establish a successful photography business that allows me to fund my passions, support my family, and open my own full-service photography studio. In that space, I hope to create an environment where clients can fully immerse themselves in the process, leaving with not just photos, but cherished memories and a truly personalized experience. Beyond business success, my goal is to inspire others through my work, helping people see the beauty in themselves and the world around them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tr.ee/4MAaHemDEn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greattimeportraits?igsh=MTN6Y2k4MGIwcnZueA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-terry-2134b226b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Red dress Model- Carly Lowery
Black shirt Model- Destiny Cree Lisbon