Meet Richard Knapp | Photographer

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

Hi Richard, what principle do you value most?
Authenticity— Without it, you’re just another face in the crowd.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Mostly, I take pictures… pictures of life or life imagined, but more often than not, just plain old everyday life. The camera was originally my badge of courage. It has opened more doors in this life than I could have ever imagined. I am where I am today because I never gave up and every once in a while someone appreciated what I do. The camera has somehow transformed from being my badge of courage and key to many of life’s experiences to my teller of truth and the device allows for my life. That said, portraits are really my thing, the human connection, sharing a moment in time and holding on to what that moment has taught us.

The most important thing that I have learned along the way is to take pictures that make me happy. What seems to make me most happy is learning from and meeting people, the camera is a great excuse to introduce yourself. The work that I am most proud of over the years seems to be the work where my fingerprint is hard to find… when my technique or skill goes almost unnoticed, when the moment and the shared connection between myself and my subject is captured.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one is tough, there’s so much I love about this city, most of which goes under the radar. For me I guess… it would be some old bars and restaurants in in the valley like Cowboy Palace or The Hideaway. Aimlessly wander the streets of downtown at night, probably ride the elevators at The Bonaventure, The Farmer’s Market, hiking in either Elysian, Griffith or Topanga state park, Chavez ravine, Sunset Blvd from start to finish, maybe lunch at the Bel Air hotel or drinks at the Chateau, the Malibu beach parking lot sure.

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?
Janet Sprock, Catherine Sprock, Mike Sprock, Richard F. Knapp Jr. and Scarlet Mann have all helped to shape the human I am today. Professionally: Kevin Lynch was always there to hold me accountable and push me out of my comfort zones, Michael Faye made me unafraid to share what I find beautiful and Ian Luce was an early and often supporter.

Website: https://www.richardknapp.com

Image Credits
Personal photo by Jake Hawkes

Additional Images by Richard Knapp