Behind the Lens: David Valdez's Stories from the Berlin Wall to Texas Photography

Episode 90 of Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled David Valdez | Former White House Photographer, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, brings listeners an intimate conversation with the fifth official White House photographer in United States history. 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.

The wide-ranging conversation covers a remarkable career arc and community mission. Highlights include:

• Valdez's early years photographing urban rebuilding for Housing and Urban Development after the 1960s race riots, and his tenure as chief photographer at the United States Chamber of Commerce
• Leading photography for the Walt Disney Company, including 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
• Founding the Texas Photography Festival with CEO Julie Copenhaver, which welcomed 1,400 photographers this past year
• Volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, the USO, ROCK Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Crestview Baptist Church

Valdez recounts one of the most striking moments of his post-White House life, sitting 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.

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. He 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. Key sponsors of the festival 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.

Produced by Round Rock Studio and hosted by bestselling author and international keynote speaker Bryan Eisenberg, Rock Solid explores the journeys of entrepreneurs, nonprofits and companies shaping Round Rock, Texas. Each episode surfaces the passion, lessons and community spirit driving business in Central Texas. Episode 90 is available now wherever podcasts are heard.

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