Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Frazier.
Hi Derrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“So… where do I start? Honestly, that’s always the hardest part.”
I guess I’ll take it all the way back to when I was a kid. I’ve always been a creative person. Drawing was my first love—it was how I expressed myself. That creative spark evolved over time, and it really laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now.
When I was younger, I used to carry a Polaroid camera around at family functions. I loved capturing moments, whether it was people just being themselves or animals during zoo trips. I didn’t realize it then, but I was training my eye without even knowing it.
Fast forward to high school—I took photography more seriously. I enrolled in a class where I learned the fundamentals: how to shoot on film, develop prints in a red room, and the basics of composition. Shout out to Mr. Carrington at Jack Yates High School—he taught a lot of us the real foundations of photography.
Then life moved on. I didn’t pick up a camera again until 2018. At first, it was just for fun—just a hobby. I never expected it to become a business, but here we are. What started as Mr. Frazier Photography eventually evolved into MrFrazier Media. I realized I wanted to do more than just photography—I wanted to tell stories, create visuals, and build something with depth.
At the very beginning, I didn’t even own a camera. I borrowed one from my little brother Jeremiah, who used to shoot for fun himself. I didn’t want to invest in gear until I knew I really wanted to do this long-term. I started collaborating with friends who modeled, doing TFP (Time for Prints) shoots with people I connected with through Instagram. The results blew me away—especially considering I was just relying on what I remembered from high school.
From there, I went all in on learning—self-taught through YouTube, online communities, and a few key mentors. Around that time, everyone was switching over to mirrorless, especially the Nikon Z series. I stuck with what I had—my trusty DSLR—until I finally made the leap and got the Nikon Z6II in early 2021. I had done tons of research, watched reviews, and knew that was the right move for me. People always ask, “Why not switch to Sony or Canon?” And honestly—I have nothing against them. I just love Nikon. It works for me, and that’s what matters.
But once I had the new camera, a new challenge began: editing. Man, that part hit hard. Learning Photoshop, Lightroom, color grading, dodge and burn—it was a lot. Then throw in promoting yourself on social media, posting content, networking—it’s a full-time job on top of my actual full-time job. I work 8 to 5 in IT, so my weekends are where the magic happens—shooting, editing, planning, all of it.
One of the biggest turning points was linking up with my guy, TRJ Photography. Watching him go from working a day job to becoming a full-time creative really inspired me. It reminded me that this dream is possible.
Lighting has been one of my biggest technical hurdles. Getting comfortable with OCF (Off-Camera Flash), understanding how to light different environments—golden hour, harsh sun, nighttime shoots—it’s a science. I still study lighting constantly to be prepared for every possible scenario.
Over the years, I slowly found my niche. While photography will always be a passion, video has truly opened up a whole new world for me. The creative freedom in videography is unmatched—storytelling, vertical content for socials, short films for YouTube—it’s endless.
My video journey actually started at cosplay events. Yeah, I’m a big con nerd at heart! That eventually led me to weddings, events, and much more. I’ve been doing a lot more video gigs lately, and I’m still learning, still growing. But I can see video becoming the main focus for MrFrazier Media moving forward.
At the end of the day, this is just a snippet of how I became the media guy I am today. I’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to learn. The world of media is constantly evolving, and I’m doing my best to grow with it.
Thank you for tapping in and learning a little more about me and MrFrazier Media. The journey continues!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all—but that’s part of what makes the journey worth it.
When I first got back into photography in 2018, it was just a fun hobby. I was borrowing my little brother’s camera, testing the waters, and relearning what I had picked up back in high school. I had no idea it would eventually grow into what’s now MrFrazier Media. But with that growth came a lot of challenges.
One of the biggest struggles was simply balancing it all. I work a full-time 8 to 5 job in IT, so I really only have weekends to shoot, edit, post, and manage everything that comes with running a creative business. That limited time meant I had to be intentional with every move I made.
Another huge challenge was the learning curve—especially with editing. Photoshop, Lightroom, color grading, dodge and burn—it was a lot to figure out on my own. And then add the pressure of staying active on social media, keeping up with trends, marketing my work, and trying to grow a brand… it was overwhelming at times.
Switching from DSLR to mirrorless was also a big leap. Everyone was making the move, and I wasn’t even sure what the difference really was. But I trusted my gut and stuck with Nikon—something I’m still proud of to this day. I didn’t follow the crowd, I followed what worked for me.
Then there was lighting—don’t even get me started. Learning how to use off-camera flash, how to shoot in different lighting conditions—from golden hour to pitch-black rooms—that part really tested my patience. I still study lighting all the time just to stay sharp.
Even with all that, I think the real challenge has been staying consistent and believing in the vision, especially when things get slow or when doubt creeps in. I’ve had moments where I questioned if I could really turn this into something sustainable, especially watching others go full-time while I was still clocking in every day. But I’ve stayed in it. I’ve kept creating, kept learning, and stayed true to my lane.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But every obstacle helped me grow—not just as a creative, but as a person. And I’m proud of that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“So, what do I do? Honestly, I like to say I specialize in media—that means photography, videography, and even some content creation.”
My main focus these days is photography and video production. I shoot everything from weddings and portraits to creative cosplay content and events. I’ve always had a deep love for storytelling through visuals, whether it’s capturing a couple’s big day, the energy at a con, or just creating something fresh and artistic with friends.
Outside of that, I also dipped into Twitch streaming for a bit. I’ve been a gamer my whole life, so streaming was something I had to try. It was another creative outlet that let me connect with people and share that side of who I am. I used to travel to gaming tournaments, playing Madden back in the day. I still dibble and dabble in the Madden tournaments each year since everything is online now.
When it comes to what I’m most proud of—it’s honestly the person I’ve become in this media journey. I’ve stayed true to myself and my creative interests. I didn’t follow trends just because they were popular; I leaned into what I actually love to do, and I think that’s reflected in the work I put out.
What really sets me apart is my drive. I’m a workhorse—I’m always building, creating, experimenting. I don’t mind trying something new just to see if it’ll spark something. I bring creativity to every shoot, even if it’s just one small element that makes it stand out. I want each project to feel like me.
Also, even though I’m naturally a big introvert, I can flip that switch when I need to. I get along with just about anyone, and I genuinely care about making people feel comfortable and seen. I understand that life happens, and I approach every job and collaboration with that mindset—professional, but human. It’s kind of the best of both worlds: I can vibe with you quietly behind the scenes or bring the energy when it’s needed.
At the end of the day, whether it’s a wedding, a creative shoot, or a hype video for social media—my goal is always the same: tell a story, make it memorable, and stay true to my creative voice.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises a lot of people about me? Honestly, it’s how introverted I really am.
Most people who meet me at shoots or events assume I’m super outgoing—and I can be! But at my core, I’m actually a big introvert. I’ve just learned how to flip that switch when it’s time to work, network, or connect with clients. It’s kind of the best of both worlds—I know when to bring the energy, but I also really value quiet time to reset.
Another thing that catches people off guard is how much I love binge-watching shows. Like, seriously—I’ll get locked into a series and just zone out for hours. That’s actually part of my creative fuel. Watching good storytelling, cinematography, and character development inspires a lot of the visual work I do.
And believe it or not, being in the anime and cosplay scene surprises a lot of folks too. I travel to comic-cons, I shoot cosplay content, and I’m a huge fan of that whole world. It’s a big part of what sparked my interest in video and creative storytelling in the first place. I’m a con nerd at heart, and I love merging that passion with my media work.
On top of all that, I think people are surprised that I’m able to juggle so much—working full-time in IT, running MrFrazier Media on the weekends, shooting, editing, learning, streaming (at times) networking, even dating and gaming… it’s a lot. But I’ve found my rhythm, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come while still managing all the different parts of my life.
At the end of the day, there’s more to me than just the camera—I’m a fan, a learner, a creator, and someone who’s always evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mrfraziermedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrfraziermedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048405977559&sk=about
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mrfraziercosplay/
