TYLER (KYTX) - From the Oval Office to overseas to a ranch in Crawford, Texas, one man was there to capture every moment of President George W. Bush's time as Chief Executive. Former Chief White House Photographer Eric Draper was there for it all and he's here in East Texas this weekend. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson explains why Mr. Draper is in town.
Mr. Draper is stopping in both Tyler and Longview this weekend to share his "Front Row Seat to History" presentation. Draper is showcasing a unique photo documentary with some never before seen pictures of the Bush presidency.
From inauguration to the final flight home to Texas, Mr. Draper captured more than a million images of President Bush during his entire eight years in office. He's the only Chief White House Photographer to hold the title for a president's entire eight years.
The former chief photographer shared his stories and pictures with a group at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler Friday afternoon.
"I have photographs that rise and fall as my favorite," Draper told the Hollytree crowd. "A lot of it falls back to Texas actually because whenever I would follow the president and Mrs. Bush back to the ranch and the personal moments, I think those were the most enjoyable and the most story telling."
He's been behind the scenes for the most historic moments of the Bush White House, including September 11, the War in Iraq, and world politics - but said he doesn't have a favorite shoot. "That was my job, to document the president not only as Commander in Chief but as a father, a husband, a dog owner and that someone like George W. Bush was more than just a president, and I miss him!"
Draper started as a newspaper and Associated Press photographer and was selected to be the Chief White House Photographer after covering the 2000 campaign. His entire collection of pictures will be stored in the President George W. Bush Library at SMU next April.
After working eight years as a presidential photographer Draper is still a political photographer living in New Mexico.
Mr. Draper is heading to Longview to present his "Front Row Seat to History" show Saturday night. Sunday, he'll stay in Longview and be the top juror of the Texas Bank and Trust 30th Annual Photography Contest and Exhibition.
For more information on times, locations, and tickets to see Mr. Draper this weekend, contact the TB&T Public Relations Department at (903) 237-5676.
