David and David

Posted by: Hello Kammok

Photos and interviews by D&D Media Collective

Good things come in pairs... like two Austin creatives David Heisler and David Wells. These friends, who we affectionately call D&D, recently snagged some Kammok gear for their adventures in the Wild West. Inspired by their craft and teamwork at DD Media Collective, we asked them to come hang with us. 

 

 

David Heisler

 

What’s your first memory of the outdoors?
My very first memory of the outdoors was when I was very little. My family took me on a simple camping trip to a place called Chain o Lakes. It rained, it poured, it damn near flooded. But I remember my dad in his desire to make us happy, cooked the hell out of some mac and cheese on that Coleman stove soaking wet and unafraid of the elements. To this day I ALWAYS carry a small pack of mac and cheese with me on my adventures to remind me that no matter how tough things get...I’m always capable of weathering the storm.


Who has inspired you the most to live a life of adventure?
My parents. Since I was young, they have always pushed me to travel and to see the world. Its because of their desire for adventure that I find myself always ready to hit the next trail, crush the next peak or paddle the unpredictable river. Adventure has always been in my blood.­ I will do my best to pass that inspiration on to my children.


What is it about adventure that opens up possibility for real connections with others?
I feel the when people adventure they really get the chance to decompress and reconnect with nature ­ to get away from the “ normal” everyday world as they live it. I truly believe that somewhere in that process people open their minds and the souls to the new surroundings in that moment allowing for personal growth and bonding between good friends and new relationships alike.


What’s one word you’d use to describe yourself? Why?
PASSION. I've always been the kind of guy that goes ALL IN on everything that I do or set my mind to. For me, ALL things are worth doing completely and in full or not worth doing at all. Passion drives my life and fuels my adventures!

What’s your idea of the perfect day in the outdoors?
I’m not to sure that there is a “Perfect Day” but if I had to script it out it would look like this. The vivid sunrise appears on the horizon as my coffee steams in hand ­nature offering a gentle breeze as it caresses the canyon walls. The sound of hawks above and rattles below in the brush...fades now in the cascading sounds of water falling in the tranquil sunset...the stars now Illuminated and the calm of night sets in as the day passes and gently begins anew.


How does adventure play into your job?
As a photographer, I am constantly tossed into crazy situations. It is a constant adventure for me to deal with the changing landscapes and locations etc...I have to always be ready to adapt and reinvent myself on a constant basis to make my images work and be successful for the given campaign, editorial or project.


What’s one easy way that you spend time outside during the week?
Two trees + my Roo = A FEW ZZZs, QUIET and CELL phone on AIRPLANE MODE.


Can you describe a specific way that living a life of adventure has changed you?
I have always tried to lived “outside the box”. I have always felt that there is something always truthful in following your dreams and chasing things outside your reach. Adventure is a constant reminder to me that life doesn’t have to be static and that there is some much in the world that we as humans need to explore. Adventure itself has changed and shaped my life in every way. It has opened my eyes to the world in front of me and the potential and opportunity that lies ahead everyday.


What’s the best lesson that you’ve learned through the outdoors?
The best lesson that I have learned in the outdoors is to trust your instincts! I have to admit I've been in some pretty crazy situations in the nature regarding animals, weather etc. Staying true to who I am and being confident in my abilities outdoors has always seemed to get me through the tough and unpredictable moments nature has had to deliver me thus far.


If you could go anywhere, with anyone, where would it be and who would you want to go with?
It would be my dream to travel with my wife to Lhasa, Tibet and hike Mount Kailash. I would love some day to REALLY get away, not for a week or 10 days ­ but for like a year ­to rediscover myself in greater depth and come back with new ideas and way to contribute to our amazing world.

 

David Wells

 

What’s your first memory of the outdoors?
My first memory of the outdoors is a family trip to Beaver’s Bend when I was a little kid. I remember how amazing is was to run through the woods and lay in the waterfalls.

 

Who has inspired you the most to live a life of adventure?
The person who has inspired me the most to live a life of adventure is my grandfather. He was the one person that taught me that being outdoors and experiencing the world around us is the best way to truly explore ourselves.

 

What is it about adventure that opens up possibility for real connections with others?
For me, sharing moments of adventure with someone is the best way to connect. When you share a view of something amazing out in our world, you instantly connect with that person because they were a part of that adventure with you. They will always be in the memory of that moment in your mind.

 

What’s one word you’d use to describe yourself? Why?
Explorer. I am restless sitting around. I am always thinking of the next adventure and how to get there.

 

What’s your idea of the perfect day in the outdoors?
My idea of the perfect day in the outdoors would be waking up to catch a sunrise while capturing some images. Then a hike to a somewhere you haven’t been before…preferably a waterfall that you can cliff jump off of.  Lunch at that spot with friends and a sunset adventure with friends to share that moment. Then camp coffee, smores, and late night talks around the fire. That would be the perfect day.

 

How does adventure play into your job?
Adventure plays a big part in my job. I get to adventure to amazing places to take photos…and then share those photos to hopefully inspire someone. I can’t think of anything better in life than that.

 

What’s one easy way that you spend time outside during the week?
A hammock sesh in my Kammok of course. No…but really, hanging in my kammok during the week is a must. It is a time that I just get to lay there staring up at the sky and just be there…nothing else going on.

 

Can you describe a specific way that living a life of adventure has changed you?
One specific way is that I think it has made me respect the planet we live on. There are so many natural wonders in the world and experiencing them first hand is quite humbling.

 

What’s the best lesson that you’ve learned through the outdoors?
Since I am an eagle scout I am going to go with…be prepared…haha.

 

If you could go anywhere, with anyone, where would it be and who would you want to go with?
If I could go anywhere with anyone..I would want to go on a photography expedition to Iceland with Chris Burkard…I'm just kidding, I would take my Fiance.

 

About D&D

David Heisler is a unique combination of exceptional artistic talent and an esoteric understanding of light. Upon graduation, David accepted a position working as the digital assistant to renowned celebrity photographer, Greg Gorman. In 2007, he branched out on his own to create David Heisler Photography, LLC. David Heisler continues to expand his ever growing and extensive range of clientele from Fashion Designers and Advertising Agencies to Hollywood's hottest Celebrities. His work has been featured in many publications and TV Networks worldwide. As a fun, energetic and outgoing guy, David Heisler has built his career around the idea that "WORK should be FUN". He recently has partnered with fellow photographer and friend David Wells, together they create D&D Media Collective.

David Wells is a professional outdoor photographer/videographer who has made his passion his life. For the last three years, he has told people's stories through photography and film. From outdoor adventures, to lifestyle imagery, he has captured the full spectrum of people living their unique lifestyles. This road is what led him to partner with longtime friend, and professional photographer David Heisler, together they create D&D Media Collective.