David Valdez: From White House Photographer to Texas Photography Festival Founder

David Valdez, the fifth official White House photographer in U.S. history, joins host Bryan Eisenberg on Episode 90 of Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast to discuss his extraordinary career and community impact. The episode, published September 8, 2026, traces Valdez's path from military-trained photographer to chief photographer for President George H.W. Bush, and now founder of the Texas Photography Festival in Georgetown, Texas. Valdez captured 65,000 rolls of film during the Bush presidency, now archived at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University. His journey began with photographing urban rebuilding for Housing and Urban Development after the 1960s race riots, followed by a tenure as chief photographer at the United States Chamber of Commerce. He later led photography for the Walt Disney Company, navigating the controversial transition from film to digital. Traveling to 75 countries and all 50 states with Vice President and then President George H.W. Bush, Valdez witnessed history firsthand. One of the most striking moments of his post-White House life came when he sat in a Georgetown church listening to a Ukrainian missionary describe the fall of the Berlin Wall. President Bush had refused political advice to travel to Berlin and claim Cold War victory, warning that a rogue Russian general might launch missiles. Decades later, the missionary confirmed exactly that fear. Valdez shared a poignant memory with Eisenberg: "I was so proud of President Bush that I've carried this photo of him in my wallet all of these years. He pulls out the photo, and it was my photograph. Of course." The episode also explores leadership insights from the Oval Office, highlighting Bush's tradition of starting cabinet meetings with prayer and his humble approach during pivotal global events. Valdez recalls signing a nuclear arms agreement inside the Kremlin with President Gorbachev, who unexpectedly guided Bush to the pristine Tsar's Chapel preserved through seven decades of Soviet atheism. Beyond his White House years, Valdez is dedicated to mentoring the next generation, from Susan Biddle, Carol Powers and Joyce Naltchayan to interns who now shoot for Mercedes-Benz and have won World Press Photo honors. The Briscoe Center for American History in Austin has named him among its Icons of American Photography. He also founded the Texas Photography Festival with CEO Julie Copenhaver, which welcomed 1,400 photographers this past year. Key sponsors include Precision Camera, Westcott, Nikon, and Cedar Park gallery Art Direct. Valdez's volunteer work includes Habitat for Humanity, the USO, ROCK Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Crestview Baptist Church. The episode offers a wide-ranging conversation on a remarkable career arc and community mission, capturing the passion and lessons of a true American icon. Listen to this Episode