George Hudnall
George Hudnall
George Hudnall is an acclaimed photographer whose work has had a lasting effect on how African American culture and daily life are depicted. James Laxton, cinematographer for Oscar-winning movie Moonlight, cited Hudnall’s work as an influence.
Following the murder of his wife Martha Ann Hudnall in 1968, plaintiff George Hudnall became a target for defamation and malicious prosecution. As a result, his relationships with family members and personal happiness suffered as a result of this vicious attack against his character.
Early Life and Education
In the first eight years of a child’s life, their brain undergoes an incredible transformation. This period is critical in shaping both their character and potential future success.
Children learn to speak, walk and feed themselves during this critical stage in their development. Furthermore, they have their first interactions with people outside the family unit as they develop social skills.
According to UNESCO, investing in early childhood care and education is one of the best investments a country can make. It encourages holistic development, gender equality and social cohesion – all goals recognized as sustainable by UNESCO under their 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Hudnall’s formative years and education have shaped his work as a photographer, producing timeless images that capture Houstonians and their culture. His works have been collected by numerous institutions such as the National Museum of American Art in Washington D.C., Smithsonian Institution, and Harry Ransom Center for Documentary Photography.
Professional Career
George Hudnall had a secure job with the state highway department, providing him with good employment prospects. He and his wife Carol were living a comfortable life in Monroe, West Virginia when Sellner’s campaign began.
As George’s name appeared on “wanted posters,” his relationships with friends, family and co-workers began to deteriorate. He began to neglect his duties at work.
He also began drinking, which made him unpopular both in his community and with his wife. Ultimately, he moved out of her house into his own apartment to keep her from discovering how distressed he was. This event, as he later described it, forever altered the course of his life; from humiliation to change.
Achievements and Honors
George Hudnall has earned numerous accolades for his photography. In 2022, the Art League Houston named him Texas Photographer of the Year and he has served on the Executive Board of the Texas Photographic Society for over three decades.
His captivating photographs of communities, families and daily life have been featured in a number of renowned exhibitions and books. He continues to inspire artists and photographers around the world with his compelling documentation.
James Laxton, the cinematographer for Oscar-winning film Moonlight, credited him as a visual inspiration in how they should depict African American culture. His work can be found in public and private collections throughout America and beyond; currently serving as University Photographer at Texas Southern University.
Personal Life
Hudnall is an American photographer renowned for his captivating images that showcase the overlooked beauty of everyday life in Black communities. His images can be found in numerous public and private collections throughout America.
Hudnall’s works depict a diverse world in Houston, Texas. For instance, Jelly and Friends (1983) is an image that recalls Third Ward yard environment filled with abandoned appliances and fans; Rascals (1991) features boys on New Year’s Day who call out to Hudnall to “take our picture”.
In the mid-1970s, John Sellner published a series of incendiary postcards and “wanted posters” accusing George Hudnall of murder. This relentless barrage of accusations caused Hudnall much distress and embarrassment; eventually leading him to seek reassignment to a more secure workplace setting.
Net Worth
George Hudnall has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He is best known for his mixtapes Committed To The Streets and Stack Da Fool, released on Roc Nation in 1997. Additionally, he’s collaborated with Big Flock and Stack Gotti as part of Pakk Boy Gang (PGBG AKA Pakk Boy Gang), with Rich Shootah, available free on Spotify.
Prior to his murder trial, Hudnall enjoyed high regard and admiration from family, friends, and colleagues at the state highway department. But he experienced feelings of embarrassment and humiliation which eventually resulted in a decline in family life.