Herman Prater, Sr.
Photographer
"Black Photography in Chattanooga"
Herman Prater, Sr. was born February 22, 1948, to the parents of Marion and Mildred Prater, Sr. in Chattanooga, TN. As a child, he attended Calvin Donald Elementary, Howard Jr. High and later attended the Newly built Alton Park Jr. High, graduating in the first class in 1963. One of Herman’s earliest childhood memories was having a camera around his neck. Herman played little league baseball with The Great Elite Giants youth league and won the Knothole Championship. They were one of the first Negro teams to play at Engle Stadium. Herman attended Howard High School for three years and graduated in the class of 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served four years as an aircraft mechanic specialist and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. When Herman returned back home, he enrolled in McKenzie Business College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business Science. Herman has always had a love for photography, his community and The Howard High School. He was inducted into Howard High School Hall of Fame in 2008, and was presented a plaque from Howard School honoring him for his 40 plus years of service in 2020. Herman’s photography skill has given him the opportunity to photograph most of the top athletes of his era, such as Michael Jordan, Dr. J, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Muhammad Ali, Emmitt Smith, Serena/Venus Williams, Deion Sanders, Peyton Manning and many more. His “prize” athlete is Reggie White, who he began photographing in the tenth grade at The Howard School and continued through college and the National Football League (NFL). Herman was on the sideline when Reggie won Super Bowl XXXI in 1996. Herman also attended and photographed Reggie's 2006 NFL Hall of Fame induction. Herman's photos have been displayed on pages of media programming such as ESPN Specials, and used for two of Reggie's autobiography books, as well as several other sports publications. Other celebrities Herman has had the opportunity to photograph include Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, The Impressions, and President Barack Obama in 2013 when he visited Chattanooga for the opening of Amazon. Herman was also recently honored at The Bethlehem Center in 2023, with a Living Legacy Champion Award. Further, he became a recipient of The Homage Award with BEC Chattanooga in 2024. Herman began working with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1984 and retired after 20 years. He is married to Lawanda Prater of 43 years and has two kids, Danielle (Eric) Madding, Herman Prater Jr., and his grandson, Jalen Moore.
Discover additional information about this remarkable individual. Explore the responses to inquiries from our exclusive interview as we honor African Americans in Chattanooga.
1. How did you learn about photography?
I got interested in photography as a kid, I had a photo of me with a camera around my neck when I was about 10 years old, maybe it was gift from God.
2. Were you self-taught? '
Yes.
3. Did you have a mentor and/or someone you looked up to in the profession?
Yes, I was at a fashion show taking photos of friends and a gentleman by the name of Isreal Snyder, was set up taking photos for the event, and he asked me was interested in photography, I said yes. He said to come by his studio and he told me what type of camera and accessories I needed. I didn’t know this gentleman and he was from out of town, he said someone taught him about photography, and he would help me get started in the late 1970’s. I give Mr. Snyder, my start for my journey to begin, later Mr. Obie Dial, Photographer gave some pointers in the early 2020’s.
4. What was your first camera?
A Brownee
5. What was your first photoshoot?
Can’t remember, but I took photos of friends and other events when I was in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1971.
6. Did you have a dark room?
(Sort of) my older brother mother in law worked at a camera shop, downtown in Chattanooga. And she would give us 3 steps chemicals and etc. to develop and print black/white photos in the bathroom.
7. How did you overcome obstacles if any in your career?
There was a Photographer I looked up to, but wouldn’t give me any advice, but a year later at a Big event in Chattanooga, he saw me taking photos, he said I see you got a Professional camera, I just Smiled.
8. What is your most meaningful project? Why?
I, have several, but one stands out. I have photographed a lot of kids from different high schools, but I met one young man at Howard High School when he was in the 10th grade and photographed him from high school, college, USFL, and during his NFL career. He was 1997 Super Bowl Champion, where I had the opportunity to be on the sideline to photograph him. Also was invited to attend his Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction in 2006. He was my friend, Reggie White.
9. What would you tell your younger self?
Have a Vision/Dream and stay focused.
10. What would you tell a student in the world today?
Don’t’ let anyone tell you what you can’t do. You must have a dream or a vision and stay focused on it. God gives all of us talent/gifts, and we must use them. Using the camera was mine. A camera can take you to many places, and you can meet many people that you never thought of.
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