We had the good fortune of connecting with David Gum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, I had never even considered starting a business until necessity and some friends and mentors encouraged me to. I started my first business out of necessity in 2020 with a good friend of mine. That business ended up failing, but after that experience I realized I could handle a lot more than I thought I could. I had always loved taking random photos with my phone, so I figured, “Why not try photography/videography?” The way I was raised, the arts were never on the table as a career option. I’m now a full-time video editor and working my own business on the side. It’s amazing what you’re able to accomplish with the right community around you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I love about the creative process is how it forces me to face my insecurities, and the resultant growth I’ve experienced from that. I think all creatives are their own worst critics, and there have been long stints of time where I didn’t pick up my camera because I didn’t feel like I had anything to contribute to the world. What’s the point of trying if I can’t be one of the greats, you know? I don’t want to produce mediocre art. That internal struggle (and the helpful voices of my friends) have helped me to start creating art for my own sake, not for the approval of others. And I think that mental shift has had rippling effects throughout other areas of my life as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Colorado Springs, so some of my favorite spots for visitors have to be the Penny Arcade, the local zoo, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and Cheyenne Canyon for some easy entertainment. Food-wise, I have to take them to Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub for some Shepherd’s Pie, Chiba Bar for some Yuzu Sake, and Josh and John’s for a touch of ice cream.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for a non-profit organization called Training Ground, in Colorado Springs. Its program and the staff there changed my whole paradigm on life. If it weren’t for them, I’d be stuck behind a desk hating everything I do for work. Now, I’m able to make my own empowered decisions.

Other: For any photography/videography needs, please email at david@enhancedperceptionstudios.com. If you just want to make art together… also send me an email! I would love to connect.

Image Credits
Photo of me – Justin Viens

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.