DARRAGH DOIRON
By Darragh Doiron
The News staff writer
From his Port Arthur beginnings to a photography career at Dallas Morning News, David Woo has traveled to more than 20 countries to capture images of war, an earthquake and celebrities.
“I’m being able to witness history and be a part of it,” Woo said.
If someone offered him “a pot load of money” for any assignment he could create, he has a plan of action.
“I actually wouldn’t mind going back to Iraq. My son is serving in the army. I’d like going back there to be with him,” Woo said.
Woo and his brother, Rodney, each have books out. Both will autograph their books from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Barnes & Noble, 4155 Dowlen Road in Beaumont.
David Woo appeared on “Dr. Phil” Friday regarding the new book, “Top Dogs and Their Pets,” which features Dr. Phil and other celebs with their furry friends. He lives in Arlington.
Rodney Woo, will sign his own book, “The Color of Church,” where he says he establishes a biblical foundation for multiracial ministry. He lives in the Houston area.
David Woo said he found it both scary and fascinating to photograph Iraq through the military perspective of his son’s mission.
“There’s so many emotions that go in when you’re in that situation,” he said.
Woo is the son of Anne Woo and the late Thomas Woo, who was pastor of The Mission Center on Gulfway Drive.
“I’ve just always had a passion for photography,” Woo said.
“I was a senior at Thomas Jefferson and needed a part-time job. I talked to Frank Cricchio. The very first picture I took was published in the Port Arthur News.
This was the early 70s. He said Cricchio made him wear a white jumpsuit with advertising on the back, and he got some teasing from his buddies.
He was part of a team of photographers nominated for Pulitzer Prizes in 1984 and 1987. The first series was of war in El Salvador and the second for a Mexico City earthquake.
“Doing the book was a change for me because of getting all those people to pose. Ninety percent of them I had worked with before,” Woo said.
Celebrities get lots of invitations for collaborations, but Woo said he found a hook when he switched the focus to beloved dogs and cats. “I wanted to make it all about the pets. People agreed to it. It’s amazing,” Woo said.
The coffee table book, made with Richard Michael Pruitt, features athlete Roger Staubach hunkered up to Ryan; Actor Owen Wilson getting a big jump up from Garcia; and musician Steve Miller with Lady, Daisy and Maisey.
It was Miller who snapped Woo with his own basset hound, Chester.
Portions of the proceeds go to the Cesar & Ilusion Millan Foundation for pet shelters. Woo reports there was not a one dog bite out of the 107 canines involved, but the cats had a mind of their own.
ddoiron@panews.com
