Independence High School (IHS)  is a bustling environment with many students each involved in their own extracurriculars and activities. Many of these events go on simultaneously and it can be difficult to experience all of them. But one local photographer is making strides to grow his business by capturing IHS’s best moments.

Fred Mahusay is the Co-Founder of Fredshots Photography alongside his wife Elizabeth Mahusay. His company mainly focuses on family photography and photographing events like weddings and birthdays.

“I was first enamored with photography when my father got a Polaroid camera and he took a picture of me,” Fred said. “When I graduated in 1988 my dad gave me a new 35mm Minolta and I immediately signed up for the Photography class as one of my electives at the local community college.”

Fred does a wide variety of photography ranging from close-up headshots to high-action sports shots.

“I love shooting professional headshots because I get to meet new people, learn about their needs, and I get to be a part of their success story,” Fred said.  “I also love shooting events/sports because there is no script and no guarantee that anything will be in favor of great photography.”

Although Mahusay does a variety of photography for a spectrum of clientele, his work here at IHS has been seen by large audiences and has become greatly cherished.

“Our oldest son opened IHS as a freshman and as one of the band parents I started photographing IHS life,” Fred said. “When I realized that there really wasn’t anyone photographing school events beyond the school yearbook staff I knew that there was a real need for parents who wanted great photos of their students’ activities but didn’t have the inclination to take photos or the equipment to do so.”

Photography holds deep importance to Fred, but his passion for photography has spread to the rest of his family.

“My creative and technical strengths with the camera, lighting, and situations would not be sustainable without Elizabeth’s administrative strengths.  I rely on her to follow up with job inquiries and set appointments,” Fred said. “The freedom she gives me from not needing to focus on those tasks gives me great creative freedom.”

Fred has played a vital role at IHS by capturing and preserving all of IHS’s greatest experiences.

“I truly feel that photography is a gift from God and my goal is to make as positive an impact as possible through photography,” he said