His series of Life-Sized Heads uses the mezzotint technique to create dramatic contrasts between light and shadow. Unlike many contemporary portraitists who focused on social status, Frye captured character through scale and expression. Works such as Young Man with a Turban and Girl Building a House of Cards appear almost photographic. He achieved these textures by scraping a copper plate to vary the ink density, a process that required him to labour over the metal surface to create soft transitions in skin and fabric.

These prints remain popular for their bold presence and psychological depth. The large format of the heads creates a sense of intimacy that is rare in eighteenth-century art. Collectors value the way these works bridge the gap between classical portraiture and modern character studies. The monochromatic palette of the mezzotint ensures they fit well in contemporary interiors, providing a sense of history without feeling dated.