MAY 12, 2006
By Danny Brault
Photos by Virgil Knapp
MX/FMX photographer, Virgil Knapp.
Standing nearly seven-feet tall, it’s hard to miss MX photographer Virgil Knapp at the track or a FMX event. Knapp isn’t only known for his above average height, he’s also one of Canada’s rising MX/FMX photographers. Not long ago, Knapp was like pretty much every racer, dreaming of turning pro and chasing the national series. Unfortunately, his dream was cut short in 2000 after seriously injuring his leg while practicing. Unable to ride, Knapp needed a new way to keep him surrounded by the sport he loved, so he picked up a camera and began shooting. Since then, Knapp has had work published in several nationally distributed magazines and just recently signed on as the official team photographer for the Suzuki/Coors Light FMX team. We caught up with the Markham, Ontario native to find out his plans for the summer.
RXC: Hey, Virgil, what have you been up to?
Virgil Knapp: Quite a bit, actually. I’ve got all kinds of stuff going on. I’ve got the contract to shoot all of the Suzuki/Coors Light freestyle events, so that will keep me pretty busy this summer.
How did the opportunity with the Suzuki/Coors Light team come about?
I kind of knew those guys just from the last couple of years, going to different events; I know all the riders on the team. Then I just talked to the guy who runs the whole show, and he proposed the idea of having an official team photographer. Actually, one of the shows is at a Maxim golf tournament, there will be like a hundred or something Maxim models.
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Where is that?
In Markham. At a golf course in Markham in June or July. They will have a freestyle demo, so that will be amazing. I’m hoping to be able to shoot for the team, but then have the outlet to supply stories to the magazines.
Yeah, he pretty much said I’m like another member of the team. So that will be kind of cool.
For sure, that sounds awesome. I’ve seen lots of your work and you’re a great photographer, so it’s nice to see you’re getting these great opportunities.
Yeah, thanks. It’s been getting better. I’m finally feeling like I’m getting what I’ve been waiting for.
I also hear that you’re auditioning for a TV show.
Yeah, I have an audition for a reality show next week. It’s about photographers, that’s what it is focusing on—photographers. That’s all the production company told me about it now, but I’m pumped for it.
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So that’s all they told you, that it’s about photographers?
Yeah, they wouldn’t tell me anything; they only told me to go into the audition dressing like a character, because they don’t want a business suit-type person. Then I’m to bring in a portfolio and pick one photo I like the best and talk about it. It would be huge. I could promote my name, supercross and motocross. It would be really good.
Well, I’m sure you would stand out there. [Laughs]
Yeah [laughs] I’ve never seen a photographer that is as tall as I am. So, it’s got to be some sort of edge.
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Are you working right now?
Just here and there. I’m basically freelancing, like I’m trying to do a lot more studio and commercial shooting as well. The motocross thing is cool to do, but it doesn’t pay enough. It’s different kind of photography, so it keeps you sharp all around and if you can do everything, it makes you more attractive to companies and clients.
So will you be at any of the Canadian nationals this year?
I’ll definitely do the close ones, but I would like to go east or to a western round. I would go to every race if someone was to pay my way, but I can’t do that on my own.
Cool. Thanks for chatting, Virgil.
No problem, thanks for calling.
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Visit Virgil Knapp's website at corefoto.com to view more of his work.
