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 film and digital and formats from 35 mm 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 from 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.
