David Valdez, the fifth official White House photographer in U.S. history, is the featured guest on episode 90 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg. The episode, published on September 8, 2026, traces Valdez's journey from a military-trained photographer to chief photographer for President George H.W. Bush, and now founder of the Texas Photography Festival in Georgetown, Texas.
During his tenure with President Bush, Valdez captured 65,000 rolls of film, now archived at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University. His career also includes photographing urban rebuilding for Housing and Urban Development after the 1960s race riots, serving as chief photographer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and leading photography for the Walt Disney Company during its controversial transition from film to digital.
Valdez traveled to 75 countries and all 50 states with Vice President and then President Bush. He recounts a pivotal moment when Bush refused political advice to travel to Berlin and claim Cold War victory, warning that a rogue Russian general might launch missiles. Decades later, a Ukrainian missionary confirmed that fear. "I was so proud of President Bush that I've carried this photo of him in my wallet all of these years," Valdez told Eisenberg, revealing the photo was his own.
The conversation also explores leadership insights from the Oval Office, including Bush's tradition of starting cabinet meetings with prayer. Valdez recalls signing a nuclear arms agreement inside the Kremlin with President Gorbachev, who unexpectedly guided Bush to the Tsar's Chapel. He 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.
Valdez's community mission is equally notable. He founded the Texas Photography Festival with CEO Julie Copenhaver, which welcomed 1,400 photographers this past year. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, the USO, ROCK Therapeutic Horseback Riding, and Crestview Baptist Church. Key sponsors of the festival include Precision Camera, Westcott, Nikon, and Cedar Park gallery Art Direct.
For those interested in Valdez's full story, the episode is available on the David Valdez | Former White House Photographer podcast page. This story matters because it highlights how leadership, humility, and a commitment to community can shape a remarkable career and inspire others.
