Hiser, David, 1937-

In 1972 David Hiser was one of several photographers chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to document locations in the United States as part of the DOCUMERICA Project. Over 460 of Hiser’s photos can now be found in the National Archives Catalog.

When I contacted Hiser to see what he is doing now, he agreed to an interview but told me that his preferred way of responding to my questions was to record his answers into his iPhone and then email me the file. This unorthodox approach allowed me to obtain both a treasure trove of information and a valuable oral history. It is pleasing to note that he is just as passionate about photography today as he was in 1972.

Today Hiser spends his time as a photojournalist and digital photo instructor working from his home studio in Aspen, Colorado.

Hiser’s journey as a photographer began when he moved to Aspen at age 25. After his photographs of skiers got him some local attention, he was hired first by local newspapers and then, after about three years, by National Geographic ...; post written by NARA staffer Larry Shockley.

David Hiser is an editorial photographer and photography educator whose work has been published in over 100 National Geographic books and magazines, as well as many other international publications. He has photographed stories of the Aztec, Mayan and Tarahumara cultures in Mexico, the island peoples of Micronesia and the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. Hiser’s work is outdoor-oriented, involving mountain climbing, desert travel and diving. He has lived in Aspen since the 1970’s, having documented much of Aspen’s colorful history!

David Hiser is an editorial photographer and photography educator whose work has been published in over 100 National Geographic books and magazines, as well as many other international publications. He has photographed stories of the Aztec, Mayan and Tarahumara cultures in Mexico, the island peoples of Micronesia and the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. Hiser’s work is outdoor-oriented, involving mountain climbing, desert travel and diving.