We recently connected with Frederick Terry and have shared our conversation below.
Frederick, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, it can be both challenging and empowering. My journey as an African American man on a full-ride scholarship for Photography at Lynn University has taught me to push beyond limits and embrace every opportunity. I’m aware that, for many of us, achieving a financially stable life without constant obstacles is not guaranteed. This fuels my drive to be successful, not just for myself, but as a beacon for others like me.
My ambition and commitment to perfecting my craft keep me focused. I want to be a world-renowned photographer, with my work showcased in famous magazines, on billboards, and across the globe. These dreams might seem lofty, but someone once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,” and that’s stayed with me. Fear, anxiety, and self-doubt have tried to slow me down, but I’ve learned that taking chances opens doors to possibilities I couldn’t have imagined.
As the second son in my family to attend college and the first to complete my degree, I carry both pride and responsibility. When I enter a room, I’m not comparing myself to anyone else. Everyone brings unique knowledge and experiences to the table, and there is always something to learn. Every encounter, every seat at the table, represents a growth opportunity. And when I take my seat, I’m determined to ensure my presence and contributions are felt—whether it’s through my knowledge, my passion, or the strength I’ve built from overcoming obstacles. This is how I make sure I’m not just seen, but truly recognized.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a college student studying visual arts and photography, my goal is to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of life, emotions, and the human experience. For me, photography goes beyond just creating visually stunning images—it’s about telling stories that resonate, empower, and make people feel seen. Through my lens, I strive to explore the complexities of culture, identity, and beauty, aiming to connect with others and inspire conversations that matter.
What excites me most about being a photographer is witnessing how a single image can spark powerful memories, change perspectives, or even bring people together. It’s a reminder that art has the ability to break down barriers and touch lives in ways words often can’t.
My creative approach is rooted in authenticity and bold expression. I’m not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, whether it’s experimenting with new styles, combining unexpected genres, or diving into challenging themes. Every shot I take is an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect on a deeper level with my audience.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my reach by taking on unique photography projects that align with my dream of becoming a globally recognized artist while looking for internships and jobs to better myself in the studio environment. I hope to see my work featured in major magazines, displayed on billboards, and exhibited around the world. One exciting project in the works is a dark, feminine femme fatale-themed photoshoot, blending elegance, power, and storytelling to challenge and captivate viewers.
I’m also involved in capturing moments from the amazing *Love & Heart*, a Home daycare that I’ve seen my mother dedicate herself to, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. This endeavor reflects my commitment to making a difference and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.
To anyone following my journey, I want you to know that every photo I take carries pieces of my story—my struggles, ambitions, and hopes. My art is personal, but my goal is for it to resonate widely and inspire others to see the beauty, strength, and potential in themselves and the world around them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey as a visual artist and photographer are resilience, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people.
**Resilience** has been crucial, especially in navigating setbacks, rejections, and self-doubt. In any creative field, there will be moments where it feels like your work isn’t being recognized or that you’re falling short of your expectations. I’ve learned to keep pushing forward, using each obstacle as an opportunity to grow and refine my craft. For anyone just starting out, I’d advise embracing challenges head-on and not being discouraged by failures—they’re part of the process. Resilience is built when you learn from every experience and keep moving forward with renewed determination.
**Curiosity** has driven me to keep learning, experimenting, and stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s exploring different photographic techniques, learning about new cultures, or understanding various aspects of visual storytelling, curiosity keeps creativity alive. For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to always be curious—never stop learning. Attend workshops, seek out mentors, read books, and immerse yourself in experiences that challenge you to think differently and expand your horizons.
**Connecting with people** is one of the most rewarding and impactful skills I’ve developed. Photography, after all, is about telling human stories and capturing authentic moments. Seeing others smile, feel empowered, and enjoy my work brings me immense satisfaction and reminds me why I do what I do. Building strong connections with clients, subjects, mentors, and peers has not only enriched my work but also opened doors to meaningful collaborations and opportunities. For newcomers, I’d emphasize the importance of networking and being genuinely interested in people’s stories. Listen, learn, and respect their perspectives. Building strong relationships will give your art depth and create lasting impact in ways you can’t always predict.
To anyone starting their journey, focus on building these qualities—resilience, curiosity, and connection. Each of them will shape you in unexpected ways and bring you closer to realizing your goals. Be open, be brave, and never stop reaching for growth—and when you see the joy and inspiration your work brings to others, you’ll know it’s all been worth it.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe in the power of balance. While going all-in on our strengths can make us excel in specific areas, I think there is immense value in being well-rounded and continuously working on areas where we’re not as strong. By diversifying our skills, we become more versatile, adaptable, and valuable—both personally and professionally. Developing a broad set of skills can open up new opportunities and allow us to approach challenges from multiple angles. To me, it’s about finding the equilibrium between mastering what we’re good at and making room to grow in areas that challenge us.
Take my experience as a photographer, for example. I’m naturally drawn to capturing still moments and telling stories through images, but videography has always felt outside of my comfort zone. The technical aspects of moving shots, scripting, and editing are different from what I’m used to. Despite that, I made the conscious decision to invest time in learning video production. Why? Because understanding the full scope of the camera industry—both stills and motion—will make me a stronger visual storyteller. When clients see my portfolio, they see a range of capabilities, not just a narrow specialization. That versatility adds value and opens doors for more diverse projects.
Balancing our skills helps us develop multitasking abilities, both physically and mentally. In photography and videography, for example, I’ve had to learn how to juggle camera settings, lighting adjustments, and directing subjects all at once. This balancing act pushes me to be present and sharp during shoots. It might feel overwhelming, but every effort spent mastering new skills builds confidence and flexibility.
If I had chosen to stick solely to what I already know well, I would have limited my potential. Instead, I’ve embraced learning as an ongoing journey. I encourage others to step into areas they’re unfamiliar with, even if it means facing setbacks or challenges along the way. It’s those moments of discomfort and learning that truly allow us to grow and become multi-talented individuals. We don’t need to be perfect at everything, but by broadening our skill sets, we open ourselves up to a greater range of possibilities—and that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greattimeportraits.godaddysites.com/
- 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
DESTINY CREE LISBON
CARLY LOWERY
LOVE & HEART DAYCARE
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
