Teri + Ray
“While it DOES take a village, it also takes the neighbors.”
Teri and Ray. Photograph by Hunter Freeman.
TERI
What are qualities that you believe make up a good neighbor?
For me, the qualities of a good neighbor are kindness, accessibility, and boundaries. I think we’ve all heard the saying that “Good fences make good neighbors.” Why is this true? I don’t want my dog to poop in your yard or yours in mine. I don’t want to see into your windows and I don’t want to hear your intimate conversations. Ray and I are 3 houses apart but we have good boundaries and yet, he’s there for me. A phone call or drop-by, if I need help, I know I can ask. So it’s that beautiful and respectful balance of accessibility and boundaries that make this work — this neighboring thing.
What is the one act of kindness that Ray did for you that you will never, ever forget?
Hard to name just one thing Ray has done, and there have been so many. Recently, the rescue at the car wash when the AAA phone system was down; Ray was pretty heroic. But the most meaningful action was long ago, back when my son, now a good and kind man, was just a young pup and testing his thugly-edges. Spray paint may have been involved. Thankfully, Ray never divulged the details, just that he had to school my young man about how to behave on the street. While it DOES take a village, it also takes the neighbors. Parenting is not a solo sport.
What is one word that sums up what it feels like to be a good neighbor?
Solid.
RAY
What are qualities that you believe make up a good neighbor?
Trust and friendship. And that they can always count on you to be there, if needed.
What is the one act of kindness that Teri did for you that you will never, ever forget?
She moved into our neighborhood and raised a great son. She is also a great cook and baker, yummy.
What is one word that sums up what it feels like to be a good neighbor?
Friendship.
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“Growing up, life was about chasing moments of lightness and laughter. I continue to find that same sense of joy and satisfaction by pushing myself to always see, do and learn more as a photographer. It’s what keeps me in the moment, ensuring that a childlike curiosity is reflected in everything I do and create.”
—HUNTER FREEMAN
MEET HUNTER
I seek to shoot subjects both simple and complex because we know that’s how life is. I love to surround myself with and collaborate with creative people and brands and search for the end goal. For me, what makes a good picture is really thinking about who the audience is and how the image should feel and where it’s going to live.