[1] Born and raised in Los Angeles,[2] Draper worked for the Associated Press as a news photographer prior to joining the White House.

His assignments included the 1996 and 2000 presidential campaigns, the 2000 Summer Olympics[3] in Sydney, Australia, the Kosovo conflict[4] in 1999 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup[5] in France.

Over the years, Draper has also worked as a staff photographer for The Seattle Times, the Pasadena Star-News and the Albuquerque Tribune.

[9] In April 2013, Draper released his collection of White House photos in Front Row Seat: A Photographic Portrait of the Presidency of George W. Bush.

"[10] The Washington Post noted, "Draper's book provides a unique and intimate look into his relationship with former President George W. Bush over eight dramatic years that changed America.