Through the Lens: Canada — Photographer Andrew Knapp (@andrewknapp)

Where’s Momo?

For the answer, we look to Andrew Knapp, who has successfully turned that simple question into a career that spans photography, books, and a collection of inspirational true stories.

The 35-year-old, Vancouver-based photographer studied graphic design at Cambrian College, but today lives off of his images as he travels around the world with his Border Collie, Momo. Frequently the star of Knapp’s Instagram (@andrewknapp), and with a devoted fan base among the account’s 623,000 followers, Momo displays extraordinary training and trust for Knapp’s images. The pair travel in a bright yellow VW van, and it’s become a kind of background character to their adventures.

Adorama spoke with Knapp, catching him while en route to Croatia with Momo, to divine how he’s making his way in the world with pet photography. 

Adorama: First things first. What is your gear setup and your usual editing workflow?

Knapp: I just got the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, upgrading from five years on the 6D. I religiously use the 24mm prime lens, but I’m feeling it’s time to go to something a little more versatile. As for editing, I almost only ever use Adobe Lightroom. I brighten, as I like to shoot a little darker and brighten it almost enough to lose the highlights. I also adjust tone curves, dropping the highlights and increasing the shadows.

Adorama: Was there a moment you remember first falling in love with photography?

Knapp: It was probably when my dad brought home an Apple QuickTake II. It was one of the first digital cameras and it was made by Apple in the pre-post-Steve Jobs era. When Jobs came back, he nixed it immediately. It was just fun to take photos digitally, regardless of the incredibly low resolution, and not cost any money to produce and edit images. 

Adorama: How much preparation do you put into an image?

Knapp: Typically I don’t prepare an image too much. I like to capture moments as they come. That’s a nice way of saying “I don’t really know what I’m doing,” and sometimes I accidentally find something beautiful and make it look like I meant to find it.

Adorama: On your Instagram, just about every other photo features a dog, and frequently your own, Momo. Do you consider yourself a pet photographer?

Knapp: By trade I’m a graphic designer, now posing as a photographer. So I could just be a photographer posing as a pet photographer, with my muse as Momo. 

Adorama: How do you make a living right now, and how big a role does your photography play?

Knapp: Often I go out on the faith that everything will work out. I’ll leave for a trip knowing that I’ll run out of money but will find work because I’m traveling. My work is either the books, which don’t actually pay too well, sponsored social media posts, or I sell prints. Another project I have is Catalyst Dogs, and I think a lot of my work is projecting things that I personally want to remind myself of or just something I’d like to think about more. I feel it is important to remind myself how valuable Momo is to me, and just reflect on the value of our relationship and to try to be more present with it. 

Adorama: With your other account, @momosface, what tools or prep goes into making sure that each photo fits the uniform style of the account?

Knapp: Mostly, Momo needs to be excited. Usually a ball will do the trick, but I’ll also need the light to be nice (usually early or later in the day with a diffused sunlight).

Adorama: Where in the world has been friendliest for pet travel thus far, and in what ways?

Knapp: Italy! There are dogs in restaurants, grocery stores, and shops, and no one really thinks twice about it. 

Adorama: What are some quick tips you can share for pet handling in order to get the shots you want? In other words, how do you get Momo to pose in line with your vision for a particular photograph?

Knapp: I think the trick is to work with the dog, rather than trying to have the dog work for you. Your dog always wants something, whether it’s a treat, a toy, or a nap. Use that to motivate them, but don’t expect them to do something that’s undogly.

Check out Andrew Knapp’s full Through the Lens: Canada episode below: