When Rivers Meet Roads

How Devan Ence Masters Both Fly Fishing and Ford Photography

Podcast: Download (Duration: 33:31 — 15.3MB)

We photographers often talk about finding our niche, but what happens when your creative passion refuses to stay in one lane? In this week's episode, I sat down with Devan Ence, and I've got to tell you – this conversation challenged some common assumptions about specialization in photography.

The Journey from Water to Wheels

What struck me most about Devan's story was how organically his journey evolved from casual point-and-shoot fishing photos to professional documentary work. During our chat, he shared how watching serious photographers with their DSLRs on the river sparked something deeper. Instead of just capturing the catch, he developed an eye for the complete story – from dawn coffee with friends to the final release of a fish back into the river.

Embracing Risk for the Shot

Here's what I love about Devan's approach to gear: he's refreshingly real about it. While many of us (myself included) get precious about our equipment, his philosophy is beautifully simple: “If I'm not willing to risk it, then why even have it out there?” Sure, he's lost a few camera bodies to the water, but the shots he gets – often with his camera hovering just an inch above the surface – are worth every heart-stopping moment.

Two Worlds, One Vision

What fascinates me is how Devan seamlessly bridges two seemingly opposite worlds. When he's not documenting river conservation with Idaho's Henrys Fork Foundation, he's deep in the automotive world as editor for both F-Series Builders Guide and Tread Magazine. His current project, a “slam Bronco” (a 1978 Ford Bronco modified to lay frame on the ground), shows just how far creative vision can stretch across different passions.

The Technical Dance

During our conversation, Devan broke down how he adapts his technique between environments. While his fishing work often calls for shallow depth of field and intimate close-ups, his automotive photography requires a different approach. He's mastered the art of creating similar aesthetic effects with vehicles by manipulating distance rather than just aperture – a clever workaround that proves technical skills can translate across genres.

Breaking Free from Labels

If there's one thing I took away from this conversation, it's that we need to stop putting photographers in boxes. Devan's work proves that you don't have to choose between being a nature photographer or an automotive photographer. With upcoming projects spanning from the SEMA show to steelhead fishing in Oregon, he's a living example of how diverse photographic pursuits can feed into each other, creating richer, more nuanced work.

About Devan

Based in Idaho Falls, Devan Ence specializes in outdoor and product photography, with a particular talent for documenting everyday adventures through his lens. His work stands out for its seamless integration of products – from boots to fly rods – into authentic outdoor narratives, helping brands tell their stories through compelling visual content.

When he's not behind the camera, you'll find him knee-deep in a river with a fly rod, tinkering with classic American steel (particularly 73-79 Ford trucks), or crafting the perfect cup of coffee. A dedicated family man, he balances his professional pursuits with raising his 7-year-old son alongside his wife in Idaho's adventure-rich landscape.

Connect with Devan:

Instagram (Outdoor/Fishing): @ENCEMEDIA
Instagram (Automotive): @DEVANENCE
Website: encemedia.com

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction to Devan's unique background
02:00 – Transitioning from fishing to photography
05:00 – Documentary style approach to fishing photography
09:00 – Risk and reward with gear near water
14:00 – Conservation photography projects
19:00 – Automotive photography passion
22:00 – The Ford Bronco project
26:00 – Environmental vs mechanical interests
29:00 – Upcoming projects and magazine work