David Hungate: The Life of a Professional Photographer

Photographer David Hungate (left) works with Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.  Hungate was photographing Beamer for a magazine.
Photographer David Hungate (left) works with Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Hungate was photographing Beamer for a magazine.

Chances are you have a digital camera – almost all of us do. In fact, the proliferation of easy to use point-and-shoot digital cameras and free photo editing software might make some believe that professional photographers are a relic of the past.

However, according to David Hungate, a well-known Roanoke photographer, “it’s one thing to take a picture; it’s another to actually make a photograph.  A creative and quality image will always be in style.”

Hungate became interested in the avocation when he was a young boy. A neighbor who was a photographer would let him hang out at his house when he did his developing in a darkroom.

“It looked pretty cool,” said Hungate.  After studying photography at the University of Oklahoma, he turned a life passion into his trade.

Hungate, often seen taking pictures at ribbon cuttings and major social events, discovered there were also non-technical skills needed, not taught in college, that were just as important.

“You must have a person’s trust…even if it’s for just a moment, to capture something great,” notes Hungate.  “Keep in mind that while the photo shoot is going on, I am not important… they are.”

Hungate has recently moved from his Center in the Square location to a much larger space located in the old Cox Communications building on Shenandoah Avenue, where he now runs his Dominion Images studio.

While moving into his new space, Hungate paused to reflect on how far he has come as a photographer and how others have influenced his growth.

“There are so many talented and creative shooters out there.  Annie Leibovitz is hands down the Queen and her images are still cutting edge.  Joe McNally does so much with so little.  Locally, Sam Dean is great. I like Kevin Hurley, David Lee Michaels and Bruce Muncy.  Muncy is doing some wonderful things for parents with very sick children,” Hungate said.

Hungate’s day can begin early, especially if he is traveling out of state for a corporate shoot, and might also end very late at night. “[But] I love what I do and am grateful to God for the opportunity to do this for a living – it is work. Everyday there are obstacles to overcome.”

He often hears from subjects who decide they don’t want their picture taken.

“I understand that, because I am not as young or as thin as I once was,” said Hungate, “but the problem with that obstacle it that most people have never had a photographer craft a quality photo for them.”

Cover all your bases too, if you are typically behind the camera:  “I have only one photo with my father and me.  I regret that,” Hungate said, “Have a photographer take photos of you and those close to you.  You might not get a second chance to take a picture.”

Hungate has not regretted choosing photography as his career. Even when working hard he’s tried to maintains a sense of humor.  When asked if he takes pictures on vacations like everyone else, Hungate bristles.

“Why on earth would you want to drag all that gear with you?”

By Wade Thompson
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