If you’ve read The Dallas Morning News over the past four decades, chances are you’ve encountered David Woo’s byline, or more likely, paused to admire one of the striking images that accompanied it.
Before retiring in 2018, the decorated photojournalist spent 42 years documenting the complexities of the world around him: the good, the bad, and the unforgettable.
Through his lens, readers witnessed history in the making, from major news events and political milestones to intimate human-interest stories that revealed the resilience, joy, and determination of everyday people.
His photographs not only informed but also connected audiences to moments that might otherwise have gone unseen.
Known for a keen eye, impeccable timing, and the ability to find humanity in every assignment, Woo built a reputation as one of the country’s most respected visual storytellers.
Whether covering events close to home or traveling thousands of miles from Dallas, Woo consistently captured images that transcended the moment, preserving stories that continue to resonate long after the headlines have faded.
His impressive body of work reflects a distinguished career in journalism, much of it spent behind the camera documenting history as it unfolded.
Woo’s assignments have carried him across 38 states and to destinations on four continents, where he has covered some of the world’s most significant events. Along the way, he built a reputation for capturing the compelling, often iconic images that defined his work.
“Being in the right place at the right time is always helpful; however, working for a distinguished publication, such as The Dallas Morning News, and having the tremendous amount of support from writers, editors, and visionary management, made it all possible,” says Woo, characteristically handing generous credit to his press colleagues.
Over the years, Woo has written a series of fascinating books. His latest is a spectacular compendium of his years as a globetrotting photojournalist called “WOO! The Decisive Moment.”
Many of Woo’s most significant moments are featured in the book and came while covering major news events around the globe.
His assignments included documenting the mass exodus of thousands of Cubans during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, investigating the mysterious deaths of priests in Central America between 1982 and 1984, and covering the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
He also produced powerful images of children affected by war in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras in 1984, and reported from the aftermath of the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
Woo’s assignments further took him to the State of Palestine during the 1988 conflict, to Mexico in 1979 and San Antonio in 1987 for visits by Pope John Paul II, and to Israel in 2007 for the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War.
Among his most personal assignments was a 2008 deployment to Iraq, where he spent several weeks embedded with his son’s unit, U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Woo. At the time, they were believed to be the only father-and-son journalist-soldier team granted permission to work together inside the war zone.
Over the years, Woo often developed relationships with his subjects, many of whom endure to this day.
“Taking a photo of someone can be a very personal experience,” he says. “There is a vulnerability that exists in many of these situations, as people let you into their lives and people trust that I will respect that about them, which I always tried to do.”
When Park Cities Lifestyle shared the theme of this issue, celebrating the special bond between kids and pets, Woo immediately embraced the idea and generously offered a collection of portraits that felt tailor-made for the occasion.
“Several years ago, with my friend and Dallas Morning News colleague, Richard Pruitt, I photographed people and their beloved pets,” said Woo, who is pictured above with his beloved late Basset Hound, Chester.
His images capture the genuine affection, playfulness, and quiet moments of companionship that make these relationships so meaningful.
Drawn from his remarkable archive and keen photographic eye, the portraits reflect the same storytelling instincts that have defined his career, revealing the warmth, personality, and authenticity found in everyday connections between children and their beloved animals.
“We travelled all over the country for photo shoots,” said Woo. “Many of the people we photographed were quite famous, but all of them became putty in the paws of their cherished pets. It was an extraordinary experience. And the vulnerability and love were unmistakable.”
The photos include former Texas State Musician, Sara Hickman, with her cat, Mimi; Texas country performer Pat Green, with Moose; first lady Laura Bush, holding Barney (left) and Miss Beasley; late golf legend Byron Nelson and Peppy Lee Bueno; NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach and Ryan; and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb and Chinchy Morty.
From his book “Top Dogs and Their Pets,” Woo’s jubilant photos of famous Texans and their best friends speak volumes about the importance of animals of all shapes and sizes, and the dramatic influence on our lives.
“Many of the people we photographed were quite famous, but all of them became putty in the paws of their cherished pets. It was an extraordinary experience.” – David Woo
“There is a vulnerability that exists in (taking people’s pictures), as (they) let you into their lives, and trust that I will respect that about them …” – David Woo
David Woo may have retired in 2018, but he’s still making an impact. Nowadays, he speaks to storytelling and communications students at Dallas Baptist University every semester, sharing stories from his professional experiences while offering photographic tips, critiques, and advice.