Bob McClenahan captures Napa Valley’s story, one frame at a time
Bob McClenahan captures Napa Valley’s story, one frame at a time
By Tim Carl
Bob McClenahan’s story is one of survival. It is also about how a purpose-driven life, a passion for photography, and the power of family — wife Julie and their two boys, Jake and Tyler — and community have helped him navigate everything from economic hardship to the harrowing ordeal of stage IV cancer.
McClenahan was born and raised in Merced and Sacramento, where he inherited his interest in photography from his father, Jim. As a child, he would travel with his dad, capturing images of trains and railway equipment. The pair of them were inseparable, and Jim's passion for photography quickly rubbed off on his son. Bob graduated from high school with an uncanny talent for capturing life through a lens.
Life took him down a different route, however, and for many years photography took a backseat. McClenahan studied business and later communications at California State University, Sacramento, where he also served as the morning DJ at the university's radio station, KSSU. His love for photography resurfaced when he started taking photos to supplement the music reviews he wrote for MTV, where he interned while he was in college.
His work was so compelling that MTV offered him a paid position, but just when it seemed like his life was about to take a promising turn, the lure of the internet and potential prosperity as a stockbroker pulled him in a different direction. The dot-com bubble burst on the day he started his new career, and he was left searching for stability.
Throughout these tumultuous times, the lens of his camera served as solace for McClenahan, offering an escape from his chaotic professional life. His love for photography never wavered and in fact became a light in the dark during his toughest periods. In 2013, after losing yet another job, he made the bold decision to embrace his love for photography full time, a decision that would finally offer him the stability and fulfillment for which he had been longing.
His journey took another dramatic turn in 2021, when he was diagnosed with stage IV diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Despite the initial shock and fear, McClenahan decided he wasn't ready to give up. The struggle was immense, both physically and emotionally. He lost 50 pounds and all his hair, was fed through a tube and constantly battled pain.
It was during this fight against cancer that the admiration and respect for McClenahan in the Napa Valley community became evident. Many locals rallied around him, offering support in various forms. Some assisted with medical expenses, while others offered emotional support, letting him know he wasn't alone in his battle.
“I didn't realize it until I was out from dealing with my cancer, but this community was just so incredibly supportive,” McClenahan said. “Once word got out, we were inundated with meals, kind words and even donations. The Napa community really helped when my family needed it most.”
In January 2023 his oncologist reported that the cancer had retreated below threshold levels, marking a significant victory in McClenahan’s battle against the disease. In a surprising and touching gesture, the V Foundation announced a grant in his name, acknowledging his courageous battle.
The grant named in McClenahan’s honor is another significant recognition of his contribution to the Napa Valley and beyond. The first recipient of the grant, Dr. Grant Rowe at Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, will use the funding to investigate the retention of stem cell programs during leukemogenesis — research that could potentially save many lives.
“I'm obviously just so humbled and honored,” he said. “The V Foundation is a fantastic and genuine charity really committed to ending cancer.”
Today McClenahan is back doing what he loves best — capturing the breathtaking beauty of Napa Valley through his lens. His story is one of resilience, demonstrating the profound strength of the human spirit. Going forward, he says he is eager to continue contributing to the Napa Valley community through his photography, fully aware of the power of images to inspire, to console, to provoke and, most importantly, to tell a story. And what a story he has to tell.
“I so missed getting out and just making photos when I was in the hospital,” he said. “I love my job, and not being physically able to do it made those long hospital stays even worse.”
As a part of Napa Valley Features’ local artists series, please find a selection of Bob McClenahan’s photos in the below gallery, or explore his extensive Napa-Valley rich portfolio.
What an inspiring story of strength amidst struggle. For those dealing with Chronic Illnesses, reading stories like this brings hope and a moment of positivity. And looking through the beautiful photographs adds a different sensual pleasure. I’m so grateful to be subscribed to this sub stack. Thank you for posting wonderful pieces like this. Here’s to many years of good health and fulfilling photography for Mr. McClenahan.