PECOS Pro

AJ van de Water

AJ Van De Water is a Southern California based photographer whose work is rooted in wild places and the stories they hold. What began as simple camping trips evolved into overlanding deeper into remote terrain, allowing him to slow down, explore further, and create meaningful work while raising his boys with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Whether along the coast, in the desert, or high in the mountains, AJ builds a life where creativity, family, and exploration all move in the same direction.

Q + A

What is it about California that makes it such a good place to live for what you do?

California is hard to beat if you love variety. Within a day I can be shooting along the coast, driving desert trails, or climbing into the mountains. That access keeps both my work and my creativity moving. I never feel stuck repeating the same environments, and that translates directly into the content I create. It also makes adventure more of a lifestyle than a special occasion. We don’t have to wait for big trips, we can load up and be somewhere wild in a few hours, or minutes.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the outdoors, and why is it essential to who you are?

I didn’t set out chasing an “outdoor career.” I followed the environments that made me feel the most alive, and over time my work naturally grew around them. Believe it or not, I started my main photo career as a wedding photographer. The outdoors strips life down to what matters. Weather changes, plans shift, gear breaks and you learn to adapt. That mindset has shaped not just how I work, but how I move through life. Now it’s essential to who I am because it keeps me present. It pushes me to stay curious, and I've realized some of my best experiences came from stepping off the paved road.

What is it about Pecos that makes you excited to work with our product?

I’m drawn to brands that clearly build gear for people who actually spend time outside. Pecos feels rooted in function over hype, thoughtful design, durable construction, and products meant to be used hard. When you rely on your equipment in remote places, you learn quickly what’s worth bringing and what isn’t. That kind of intention is something I respect, and it aligns with how I approach both my work and the gear I trust.

Which product do you like the most and how does it help you with your job?

The Pecos Table is one of those pieces of gear you don’t realize you depend on until you’ve spent enough time without it. When I’m on the road, organization matters. Cameras, lenses, drones, batteries; it all needs a clean, stable place to land, especially in rough terrain or changing weather. I’ve used plenty of camp tables that wobble, flex, or feel like they won’t last a full season. This isn’t one of them. It’s become the center of our camp. Sometimes it’s holding expensive camera gear before first light. Other times it’s where my family is cooking dinner after a long day. That kind of reliability is what I look for, gear that works hard and just does its job every time. When something earns a permanent spot in my setup, it says a lot.