Bush Library Pop-Up with David Valdez & Chris Allen

Join The Texas Photography Festival for a unique pop-up event on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum in College Station! Hear behind-the-scenes stories from two photographers during Bush's time in office — our founder and Bush's presidential photographer, David Valdez, and U.S. Air Force and "Thunderbirds" photographer, Chris Allen. Both speakers will recount stories and share photos of their extraordinary time of service in the White House during Bush's administration. Also, be sure to bring your camera, as attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Photo Walk led by David Valdez in and around the Bush Library grounds starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the entire Library at a discounted rate after the Pop-Up event.

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David Valdez and President George H.W. Bush exchange laughs after returning from a fishing trip.

David Valdez 
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, and tours the country as a professional speaker.

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Chris Allen holds an official White House photo taken by David Valdez in the Oval Office, capturing an interaction between then-Sergeant Chris Allen and President Bush. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Foundation.

Chris Allen
While serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a military photographer, Chris Allen was selected for presidential service at The White House as a member of the White House Communications Agency photo lab during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. The assignment culminated a military photo career that included high profile assignments in the U.S. and Europe, including as the aerial photographer with the U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" jet demonstration team. Chris is currently retired in College Station, Texas, where he serves as a docent at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and volunteers digitizing the library's photographic collection from the Bush administration.

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