DAVID HEDGES
Spring in Ellett Valley
Website: http://www.hedgesphotography.com/
On exhibit at the Holtzman Alumni Center beginning January 2008.
Dr. Hedges is best known as an ophthalmologist whose practice, Eye Surgery Associates of Southwest Virginia, in Blacksburg, has been serving the Roanoke and New River Valleys since 1983. An honors graduate of programs at Virginia Tech, The Medical College of Virginia, the University of Virginia, and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Dr. Hedges has achieved success with his unique photographic vision.
David developed a very early interest in photography, borrowing his dad's light meter at age 3 and keeping it! As a teenager (making $12/week delivering papers) he purchased his first professional quality camera and has been actively making images ever since. Self taught with encouragement from his dad, he has sharpened his own style without reliance on others. He has, however, taken inspiration from the works of photographers like W. Eugene Smith, Elliot Porter, and Ernst Haas (the last two were also physicians well known for their photography). He has also studied directly with well known photographers including Sam Abell, Arthur Meyerson, Bob Sasha, Debbie C. Fleming and Norman Mauskopf.
Working in formats from 35mm to 4x5, his work is recognized by its very graphic sense of composition, strong creative use of light, and its ability to capture the essential details of its subject.
Dr. Hedges' work has been selectively shown form Maine to California, including a 3-month show at The International Photography Hall of Fame. The Collegiate Times, The Roanoke Times, Virginia Wildlife, Quiet Landscape Productions Inc., and Sante Fe Workshops have all published his images. Although hundreds of his images have found their way into patrons' collections, Dr. Hedges takes the greatest satisfaction from simply enjoying the responses of those viewing his art.
Bio
- Education
1971 - 1975 Virginia Tech, B.S. Biology, with Distinction
1975 - 1979 Medical College of Virginia, Doctor of Medicine
1980 - 1983 University of Virginia, Ophthalmology Resident - Chronology
Borrowed Dad's light meter at an early age. Still have it.
1970 learned darkroom and editing skills on school photo and publication staffs
1995 Returned to active image making after years of inactivity. - Awards
1995 Virginia Wildlife, First Place, Richmond, Virginia
2005 International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA, 14 Honorable Mentions - Solo Exhibitions
2005 Mostly Local, Mish Mish, Blacksburg, VA
2002 Bondurant Center, Radford University, Radford, VA
2001 Shenandoah Club, Roanoke, Virginia
1996 Seeing, International Photography Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City - Juried Group Exhibitions
2002 2002/20 Year Retro, International Photography Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City
NRV Art 05, Juried Regional Exhibition, October, 2005, Jacksonville Center, Floyd, VA Award of Excellence, 2nd Place - Collections
International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, Oklahoma City - Gallery
The Wharf, Staunton, VA
Over the Moon Gallery, Floyd VA
The Gallery, Radford, VA
PhotoBistro, Sante Fe, NM