DAVID WOO IS A 33- YEAR VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER WITH THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS. HE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS IN AUSTIN IN 1976 WITH A BJ DEGREE IN PHOTO-JOURNALISM AND WAS HIRED AT THE AGE OF 21. DAVID WAS PART OF THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS STAFF THAT WON THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY IN 2005 FOR THEIR COVERAGE OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND RITA. IN 1984, DAVID WAS A RUNNER UP FOR THE PULITZER IN FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR HIS COVERAGE OF THE CIVIL WARS IN EL SALVADOR AND NICARAGUA. IN 1986, DAVID WAS ALSO A RUNNER-UP FOR THE PULITZER FOR NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE COVERAGE OF THE MEXICO CITY EARTHQUAKE WITH RICHARD PRUITT AND JUAN GARCIA. DAVID’S CAREER HAS TAKEN HIM TO OVER 20 COUNTRIES AND LAST YEAR HE WAS IN IRAQ, DOING A STORY ON HIS SON JAKE, WHO IS IN THE ARMY AND SERVING OUR COUNTRY. DAVID’S FIRST BOOK, “ TEXAS WOMEN”, WAS PUBLISHED IN 1984 WITH FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHER, RICHARD PRUITT.

DAVID SAID THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE HE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR HIS NEW BOOK, “TOP DOGS AND THEIR PETS” WERE PEOPLE HE MET WHILE ON ASSIGNMENT FOR THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS.

DAVID IS MARRIED TO SUZI WOO, AND THEY HAVE FIVE CHILDREN AND TWO GRANDCHILDREN.

When and how did you become interested in photography?

I was interested in photography at the very early age of 10. My father had a 35mm Leica, and he would let me use it on family vacations. I really got the bug in the 11th grade in high school. My first job was with world-renowned commercial portrait photographer, Frank Cricchio. I grew up in Port Arthur, Texas and Frank had a studio in Port Arthur.

What gear do you mainly use?

I use all Canon gear. Right now I own two Canon EOS 5 Mark ll cameras and assortment of lenses.

Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?

My personal work is always second. My new book became a personal project and then it became almost like a full-time job. My book can be found here www.topdogspets.com

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me. I have a passion for photography in general. In my day job, I enjoy shooting news and I really like showing our readers a look behind the scenes of the lives of famous and powerful people like politicians, ceo’s, recording artists, and any many more.

What is your favorite genre?

I enjoy documentary work the most. I enjoyed doing a story on my son, Jake, who is serving our country in the Army. I was able to go to Iraq last year and spend almost a month close to Baghdad. It was the best assignment I ever had.

What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?

I like to think of my work as being unique in the way of timing, composition, and really that it shows emotion. I do such a wide range of photography that a style is hard to describe. Being a photojournalist for over 33 years at a major newspaper, you have to know how to cover everything from a simple portrait to a war in a foreign country to a simple restaurant review.

If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I have been inspired by Richard Avedon for most of my career, I did meet him and I did photograph him a long time ago. I wish I could shoot him again. I love his work and he inspired me to shoot all of my portraits on a white background for my book. His work is so simple and clean.

What’s your dream photo field trip?

My dream photo field trip would be me hanging with President Bush on his ranch for a weekend.

If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?

I would buy another Canon EOS5 Mark II and the new digital M-8 Leica.

Who are your favorite shooters and why?

Like I said I really learned a lot from Frank Cricchio and I really like Richard Avalon. Frank taught me so much about lighting and composition.

what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?

I like to think the images, videos, and the stories I did in Iraq with my son were the shining moment in my career so far.

which shooter would you like to see interviewed by photopol.us next?

You should google Frank Cricchio and ask him. You will be very impressed.

Samples of David Woo’s Work