Today we’d like to introduce you to David Enloe

Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I was a high school kid who loved skipping class to go surfing and spent all of my spare time in the darkroom developing photos. But did I follow that passion straight away? Nope! I took the scenic route instead.

I dabbled in engineering, had a real close call with medical school, and spent eight years flying airplanes and helicopters. There were even stints as a whitewater guide and an EMT. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.

It wasn’t until 2020 that I had my “aha” moment and returned to photography with a vengeance. I founded The Enloe Creative, focused on families in the Bay Area. My mission? To capture honest photographs that are more about the feeling than the moment. And to do this while making the process easy for busy Bay Area parents.

I also craft custom picture frames from locally upcycled wood. Yep, I turn fallen Marin and San Francisco trees into art. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey was more like a roller coaster than a road. Leaving a stable aviation career for the unpredictable world of creative entrepreneurship was nerve-wracking, to say the least.

One of my biggest hurdles was getting my name out there in a market that’s more crowded than rush hour on the Golden Gate Bridge. To tackle this, I launched the Popup Photo Studio at local farmer’s markets, offering free photos to anyone and everyone. It was a great way to meet families, showcase my work, and build an email list without breaking the bank.

Balancing the demands of running a business while keeping my sanity intact has also been a juggling act. That was challenging enough before becoming a parent. And now, with a one-year-old at home, scheduling and prioritizing are skills I’m working on every day!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I specialize in capturing those real, heartfelt moments that make family life in the Bay Area so unique. My clients are busy parents who juggle high-stress jobs and hectic schedules, so I make sure my sessions are as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

I also offer handcrafted picture frames made from locally sourced upcycled wood. These frames bring the whole experience full circle, giving my clients a tangible piece of Marin or San Francisco to hang on their walls.

What sets me apart? It’s the holistic experience I provide and the artistic approach to family photos. From the first email to the final framed photograph, every step is designed to be seamless and collaborative. I’m proud of creating not just beautiful images but also lasting memories and a process that’s as enjoyable as the photos themselves.

And if I had to pick one thing I’m most proud of? Probably how dedicated I am to finding a balance between my work and personal life. This is a new challenge every day, but I’m here for it and proud of it.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I love talking about risks and how to manage or them in our lives. It is a topic I continue to grapple with in my work and personal life almost daily.

Leaving a cushy aviation career to dive into the uncertain world of photography was a big one. It was like trading a first-class ticket for a mystery ride. It turned out to be a great decision.

I am also an avid surfer and, I certainly take some risks seeking out pretty big, raw Pacific Ocean surf near my home in Marin. But the pursuit isn’t reckless – the risks are calculated.

On the other hand, I also chose to leave my career in aviation partly because I was tired of the risk. I lost a few close friends in airplane and helicopter accidents. I think people often talk about risk in a theoretical sense but the consequences are real and they can hit very close to home.

So how do I choose which risks to take? Passion. I am willing to risk more for things I love – my family comes to mind first, but surfing also brings me immense joy, and having creativity as part of my life is extremely important to me. On the flip side, while flying airplanes and helicopters was fun, I wasn’t passionate about it. Certainly not enough to justify the risk.

For me, taking risks is about being honest with yourself. How passionate are you? What are the consequences of failing? Be honest with yourself and the right path becomes clear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theenloecreative.com/