David Valdez, the fifth official White House photographer in United States history, sat down with host Bryan Eisenberg for Episode 90 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled David Valdez | Former White House Photographer. Published September 8, 2026, the episode traces Valdez’s path from a military-trained photographer to chief photographer for President George H.W. Bush, and now founder of the Texas Photography Festival based 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 career began in the aftermath of the 1960s race riots, photographing urban rebuilding for Housing and Urban Development. He later served as chief photographer at the United States Chamber of Commerce and led photography for the Walt Disney Company, where he navigated 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. “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,” Valdez told Eisenberg.
The episode 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.
Valdez also reflects on 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.
Beyond his photographic achievements, Valdez founded the Texas Photography Festival with CEO Julie Copenhaver, which welcomed 1,400 photographers this past year. Key sponsors include Precision Camera, providing cutting-edge photography equipment; Westcott, known for their innovative lighting solutions; Nikon, offering top-tier cameras and lenses; and Cedar Park gallery Art Direct, showcasing local artistry. Valdez also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, the USO, ROCK Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Crestview Baptist Church.
Valdez’s story matters because it offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at presidential history and demonstrates how a life behind the lens can translate into community leadership. His journey from documenting urban renewal to mentoring award-winning photographers underscores the power of visual storytelling and the importance of preserving historical moments. The Texas Photography Festival, now a major regional event, reflects his commitment to fostering the next generation of image-makers and enriching the cultural landscape of Central Texas.
