Today we’d like to introduce you to Herman Prater Jr.
Hi Herman, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a photographer/videographer based out of Chattanooga, TN. My journey to create photos started back in July 2018. Initially, I didn’t want to be a photographer. Prior to, I was in the phase of life where I examined, “What is it that truly makes me happy?” Growing up, my father, who’s also a photographer, would always keep his camera with him. I always admired his printed images. Fast forward to adult life, my friends would tell me, “Yo, you need to get a camera. I don’t know why you are playing; you need to make it official like your dad because you have it.” Brushing it off, I would always laugh and say, “IDK, maybe one day” Well, that day finally came, and I haven’t put down my camera since. It was actually Father’s Day 2018 when I purchased my Canon. I would do shoots around my hometown of Chattanooga, TN, for people to get my feet wet in the field and learn as much as possible. I started investing in more equipment down the road, as well as studying and taking my passion of creating more seriously. The following year 2019, I began to build more trusted relationships among my peers and my work started to pick up. Within the same year I photographed two fashion shows, on top of which my cousin flew me out to Las Vegas to capture his wedding. That’s when I knew photography could be a reality for me. It allowed me an avenue to express my artistic side, as well as wow clients with stunning photographs of themselves.
I knew I was headed on the right path when I joined Shooters Camp Masterclass out of Atlanta, GA with Brandon ShotMe. But how I found out and got connected was through a promotional post on Facebook where I was tagged to look into by a few of my peers. I went on his website and read the testimonials from previous graduates on how the class expanded their photography business, and I was sold! I made the call that next day to sign up and in 2020, I became part of The Shooters Camp Family. The class was six weeks online and two days in-person. During the two day workshop, we all met up and put our knowledge of what we learned over the course of the previous weeks to use around the city of Atlanta. I can say, hands down, this was the greatest investment in myself, and my future. Not only did the course teach me how to be a better creator, it also showed me how to properly market my businesses successfully as an entrepreneur to gain more clientele and keep them.
Since then, I have given myself that extra boost of confidence to elevate my brand and continue to push the envelope authentically. I pride myself on delivering exceptional customer service to every client when they book my services. With this, many doors have opened and as of April 2021, I have become a Full Time Photographer working directly for myself. My dream is to one day travel the world, see my work in magazines, on billboards and showcase all that I have to offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t flex like everything’s been rainbows and unicorns because there’s definitely been times where things did get rough. The beginning of this year was probably one of the biggest challenges to date. The entire month of January, leading into the early month of February I went through a mental rough patch, and I didn’t create anything. I shut completely down, but I knew I couldn’t stay in that mind space. So, I slowly started picking my camera and myself back up, getting back to what I loved. Now, here it is May and I’ve bounced back probably even stronger, determined, and more focused than ever. My hunger to be the best version of myself has amplified x10. Learning to embrace my mental health not only took me having to sit with reality, but it also allowed me to learn myself all over again in a healthy and productive manner, which opened me up to find peace and wholeness again. I want people to be able to look at me, know my story and see that all things are possible with faith and belief. Believing in yourself 100% is the key to unlocking any door and overcoming any adversity that life throws your way. Your test becomes your testimonies when you fully engage and do the work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, recently I was in Miami, FL, and had the opportunity to photograph The Recession-Proof Conference with my Shooters Camp Family which was by far one of the biggest highlights of my photography career yet. Being able to share the room with other entrepreneurs, bosses, and moguls who look like me was an unmatched feeling. It was truly remarkable seeing people networking, speaking life and prosperity into one another. I’ll forever cherish those moments, conversations and remember how pivotal it was in stepping my game up as a business owner, and individual confidently.
As of now, I’m currently in the stages of continuing building my wedding portfolio. There’s something about capturing the love language between two individuals in a story book like setting through the lens of a camera and turning it into lifelong memories. I’m also big into portraits/branding photography as well. I believe that capturing the unique individuality one holds requires stepping outside the box in a way they may never knew, so that extra shine can come on through.
Overall, I am most proud of just being able to manifest my aspirations and see them fully come to fruition. Seeing all your hard work unfold, even when you don’t have all the answers is a beautiful feeling. I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to see something in a different way visually and make it into my own representation of art. Art has no limits, or boundaries. Constantly pushing the envelope not only rewards you with fresh ideas, but it also keeps you from being stagnant. You won’t get far being boxed in.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Appreciate every step that you take in the journey to becoming who you’re meant to be. It takes commitment, discipline, and hard work. Remember small strides lead to bigger strides as long as you keep pressing and moving forward. I’m from a small city and I have big goals. Nothing is off-limits with my ability to believe in myself. No matter what others may say or think, always pursue your dreams and passions. You are the deciding factor if it hit’s or not. The only thing worse than sitting on your untapped talent is looking back years from now, regretting you didn’t take the chance to attempt to make it happen. Shoot your shot until you make it! I’m a firm believer in creating your reality. If the door doesn’t open, don’t give up, because the very next door could be the one to put you in a place to win big!
Contact Info:
- Email: jr.hptater@gmail.com
- Website: http://hpraterjrphotos.onfabrik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.praterjr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herman.prater
Image Credits
Andre Robinson Photography
