Kites on Bolinas Ridge

Inspiration Series • Open Hills • Marin

This is a “beta” session

A new experience I’m excited about, but have yet to photograph. The mood board below may include images of my family, past work, and a few references that show the space or capture the vibe we’re going for.

I’ve done the homework, but we’ll need to stay flexible and embrace some surprises. It’s discounted accordingly.

Open sky and a salty smell on the breeze — that’s the first thing you’ll notice.

The hills roll out in every direction, green turning to gold depending on the season, with Tomales Bay coming into view as we climb the ridgeline.

Steady winds come in off the Pacific most Spring evenings. Wildflowers while they last. Scattered oaks. Not many people. Just about the best place in the world to fly a kite.

The Basics

  • Location: Bolinas Ridge Trailhead, Marin
  • Duration: 120 min
  • Effort: 4 – Low to Moderate
  • Suggested Medium: Film
  • Best For: Family, Adventurers
  • Logistics: Unique Gear Requirements, Seasonal
  • Cost: $1,475 $995 (beta)
Check Availability

The Session

Start with a few portraits (optional) in a small oak grove near the car. Then the kites go up.

From there, it’s a ramble along Bolinas Ridge road — on the trails, off into the grass to find wildflowers, or up to the rock outcroppings of the ridgeline for a cool silhouette against open sky.

Kids run. Kites flutter. Adults might even get to stand still for a minute and watch.

Photographer

DAVID ENLOE
(HE, HIM)

Easygoing, grounded.

David crafts experiences rooted in presence and quality time with your people.

More about David

Field Notes

✎ Ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok

✎ The Bolinas Ridge Trail runs roughly eleven miles south from here all the way to Mt. Tamalpais

✎ Tomales Bay, just to the north, sits directly on the San Andreas Fault — the long narrow shape of it is the fault line itself, slowly pulling Point Reyes north against the rest of California

+Video

Some sessions lend themselves to a short film, and this is one of them. Motion and sound, paired with your photos. I make it easy to add it when you book.

Play video sound on
Close-up of folded knitted sweaters on rustic wood, showcasing texture and warmth.

Come Prepared

Think of this like heading out for a long walk with good company before a casual dinner. Comfortable enough to move in, but something you feel good in. Open landscapes mean people notice what you’re wearing, so a little intention goes a long way.

Texture and layering do a lot of work as the light changes. Scarves and shawls add movement in the wind. Guys tend to look great in jeans or chinos, sturdy boots, and a neutral shirt. For everyone else, a flowing dress or chunky knit works well. Avoid anything too precious since you’re still hiking.

Colors that echo open landscapes tend to work well. Cream, ochre, dusty olive, and warm rust are natural fits. Strong blues and teals offer contrast against sky. I love using kids as a place for contrast, a lighter top or subtle pop of color draws the eye in a wide open setting. Secure anything loose. Wind has opinions on headlands.

Don’t forget your kids, your partner, or your dog. Beyond the obvious, here’s what’s worth throwing in the car for this one.

Kites
Windbreaker or puffy
Snacks
Water
Comfort item for little ones

A straw bag and towel on white sand beach, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Location Specifics

Shade

No shade — sunscreen and sunglasses suggested.

Orange sun watercolor art background
Seasonal notes

Spring and early summer — best when wildflowers are up and winds are steady.

Check Availability

Questions. Answered

These experiences are built around real conditions — tides, light, flower blooms, coastal weather. A little fog or wind is often part of what makes them feel alive. Unless your experience includes Sunshine Insurance, we’re going to lean into what Mother Earth sends our way.

If conditions look truly unworkable or unsafe — typically a rain forecast of 30% or greater, or any weather warning — I’ll cancel and issue a full refund so you can book another date.

Depending on my availability and the realities of that particular experience, a reschedule may be offered.

If you need to move your session to a new date, a rebooking fee of 20% of the total session fee applies. Any payments already made can be credited toward an available session within six months of the original date.

If you cancel without rescheduling, payments already made are non-refundable.

If illness or something unexpected comes up, get in touch. I’ll always aim to handle things fairly and thoughtfully.

Each experience is thoughtfully paired with the medium, so check the top of the page to find out which one applies here.

Film is slower and more intentional. I take fewer frames and commit to the moment. The results tend to have a softer, more timeless look, with natural grain and texture. You may see a frame that’s slightly soft or imperfect in a way that feels human. That character is part of what people love about film.

Digital gives me the freedom to shoot a lot. That means I can work quickly with moving kids, handle low light, and deliver sharp photos in a wide range of conditions. It also gives me the luxury of finding the best split-second moment during editing.

If you want clean, sharp, and technically consistent, digital is the better fit. If you want something tactile, nostalgic, and emotionally textured, film is the one.

Photos for digital sessions are delivered within 4 weeks. If you purchase Rush Delivery, they are delivered within 7 days (sometimes less, ask for current availability).

Please allow up to 8 weeks for the delivery of videos and analog film photos.

Not every experience includes Sunshine Insurance — check The Basics section at the top of the page to see if it’s part of yours.

Typically, I don’t reschedule for fog or overcast — coastal weather is part of the experience. Sunshine Insurance changes that. If your session includes it, you can reschedule up to twice at no additional cost if conditions aren’t cooperating.

Let’s pick a date

Kites on Bolinas Ridge sessions are offered on select spring and summer evenings, timed around sunset.

Ready? Choose a date below and you’ll receive a booking file by email — agreement and invoice together. Your spot is confirmed once the retainer is paid.

***Selected dates are held for 24 hours pending completion of the booking file.

Deliverables

  • Session Length: 120 min
  • 75+ digital images
  • (or) 40+ film scans
  • Immediate family + 2 extended members included
  • Print release
  • Shareable online gallery available for 30 days
  • Cost: $1,475 $995 (beta)
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