About David

Richard Avedon once said, “I believe in maniacs. I believe in Type As. I believe that

you’ve got to love your work so much that it is all you want to do…I believe that

work is the one thing in the world that never betrays you, that lasts. If I were going

to be a politician, if I were going to be a scientist, I would do it every day. I wouldn’t

wait for Monday. I don’t believe in weekends. If you are headed for a life that’s only

involved with making money and that your hope for satisfaction is somewhere

else, you’re headed for a lot of trouble.”

When I read that quote, I knew that was he was talking about me. I love the work I

do and I have a blast doing my job. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I don’t

know if it comes from my upbringing or if it comes from the fear of someday

having nothing to do. Maybe it is a little of both.

I was born on May 30, 1967 in the small Wisconsin town of Manitowoc. I am the

second child of Andrew and Sheron Knipp. My father was a machinist his whole

working life and he taught me all about responsibility and discipline while my

mother taught me respect and trust.

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1990. It was in college where I

discovered photography. I picked up the camera because I realized early on that as

a traditional artist, I wasn’t good enough to be considered “good”.

1990 was also the year that I married my wife. What can I say, she is a special

woman that I respect and adore not only for putting up with my flights of fancy,

but for realizing how difficult it is for an analytical person like herself to be patient

and accepting of my creative personality and the difficulties that go with it.

After college I worked with a local portrait photographer who introduced me to

the business of photography. After about a year, I moved to a commercial studio

where I continued to learn from a man I will always admire and respect. His

generosity and knowledge helped to mold my personality and talents. After 2

more years I found what has proven to be my “career”. I started working in the

Fashion Photography field for a midwestern department store chain helping it

become one of the fastest growing nation-wide retailers. I have traveled all over

the United States getting the opportunity to work with some of the best

Photographers, Art Directors, Assistants, Hair and Makeup Artists, Stylists and

Modeling talent from around the world. I couldn’t be more fortunate to work at

something that I don’t have to call a “job”.

Creating a photograph is a very exciting journey. I want my photographs to tell

stories. I want those stories to come from moments of life. Inspiration is all

around us and there is no one right way to approach the creative process. I love

traveling for work. I cannot think of anything more exciting and challenging than

planning, packing and climbing into the car to drive across the country to the next

photographic adventure. There is always plenty of time during the trip to relax

with friends and co-workers while working on the next inspiration.