How We Got Started
The birth of the Texas Photography Festival started as a creative concept from former White House photographer, David Valdez. David, a native Texan, moved back to Texas after a long and lucrative career in Washington D.C. and was interested in creating a way for photographers and photo enthusiasts to unite. In 2019, David pitched his festival idea to the Williamson Museum in Georgetown, Texas, and thus a partnership was formed and the festival was born!
Originally called the Georgetown Texas Photography Festival, the event started out showcasing the work of local photographers and providing an opportunity for photo enthusiasts to document the historic town square in Georgetown, Texas. In 2023, the event name was changed to The Texas Photography Festival to represent the rapidly growing annual event, and highlight photographers from across the State of Texas, while offering professional learning opportunities with hands-on classes, photowalks, guest lectures, and in-person networking opportunities.
Originally called the Georgetown Texas Photography Festival, the event started out showcasing the work of local photographers and providing an opportunity for photo enthusiasts to document the historic town square in Georgetown, Texas. In 2023, the event name was changed to The Texas Photography Festival to represent the rapidly growing annual event, and highlight photographers from across the State of Texas, while offering professional learning opportunities with hands-on classes, photowalks, guest lectures, and in-person networking opportunities.
Our Founder
David Valdez - Founder
Founder of the Georgetown Texas Photography Festival
with special thanks to the Williamson Museum for co-hosting
David Valdez has been called an "Icon of American Photography." He learned the craft of photography as a Sargent in the Air Force. A photographer for various federal government agencies, David became the Chief Photographer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before becoming Vice President George H. W. Bush's photographer. After Bush became President, David became the Director of the White House Photo Office and personal photographer to the President of the United States. In 1993, he became General Manager of Photography for the Walt Disney Company, and later returned to D.C. as an Assistant to the Secretary at Housing and Urban Development. Currently living in Georgetown, Texas, David is active on the Williamson Museum Board of Directors, serves as Board Chairman for the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board, hosts The Texas Photography Festival, tours the country as a professional speaker, and continues to capture incredible images wherever he goes.
Founder of the Georgetown Texas Photography Festival
with special thanks to the Williamson Museum for co-hosting
David Valdez has been called an "Icon of American Photography." He learned the craft of photography as a Sargent in the Air Force. A photographer for various federal government agencies, David became the Chief Photographer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before becoming Vice President George H. W. Bush's photographer. After Bush became President, David became the Director of the White House Photo Office and personal photographer to the President of the United States. In 1993, he became General Manager of Photography for the Walt Disney Company, and later returned to D.C. as an Assistant to the Secretary at Housing and Urban Development. Currently living in Georgetown, Texas, David is active on the Williamson Museum Board of Directors, serves as Board Chairman for the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board, hosts The Texas Photography Festival, tours the country as a professional speaker, and continues to capture incredible images wherever he goes.
The Texas Photography Festival committee members
Julie Copenhaver
Chief Executive Officer Texas Photography Festival |
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Charlie Favret
Committee Member Texas Photography Festival |
Linda Nickell
Host and Founder
"Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour"
Host and Founder
"Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour"
Notable Mentions
Randy Kerr
Co-Instructor Texas Photo Fest |
Dog Box
Kodak Mentor & Co-Instructor Texas Photo Fest |
A special mention to Randy Kerr and Kodak Mentor Doug Box, who started the very first "Texas Photo Fest" in Smithville, Texas, in 2001. Kerr and Box created the first conceptual idea of a Texas Photo Fest and partnered with Smithville’s Film Commission who orchestrated a main street social gathering event for both professional education and photo enthusiasts.
From each who nurtured the concept, we grateful Texans have a place to connect and share our love for photography and storytelling. David Valdez and The Williamson Museum carry the torch today to maintain, develop and produce the Texas Photography Festival in Georgetown, Texas for years to come.
From each who nurtured the concept, we grateful Texans have a place to connect and share our love for photography and storytelling. David Valdez and The Williamson Museum carry the torch today to maintain, develop and produce the Texas Photography Festival in Georgetown, Texas for years to come.