Location : Hana, Hawaii 
Date: June 10, 2011 
Camera : Canon EOS 5D Mark II 
Lens : 16-35mm 
Aperture : f/4 
Exposure : 1/30 sec. 
ISO : 100  
In 2011 I visited Maui to capture a portfolio of the island. What was supposed to be a one week trip (all I could afford at the time) turned into six months. I spent weeks in Maui and would go back home for a short period of time to get different equipment and plan for new shoots. My intention was to learn the island, speak to locals, and find the most beautiful locations.

The trees in this image are only grown in a few places around the world and they look like they've been painted, it's incredible. After finding this small forest in Hana I decided to wait a few days until a good rain came down; I wanted to capture the best image possible. The water had saturated the trees and brought out the vibrant colors from the bark. As the clouds in the sky began to dissipate the sun light spotted through the trees and really made the image come to life and I snapped my moment.

Eleven years later I went back to the island and these trees have been destroyed by time, nature and people carving into the colorful bark. I never realized the impact social platforms would have on the environment. The Rainbow Eucalyptus grove in Maui will never be the same.

After 72 hours, my newest work "Equinox" an image from Maui from 2023 will be airdropped to the collectors. In the next few months all collectors who hold both images will have the opportunity to burn both to redeem an image I will be creating in April from an undisclosed island off the coast of Portugal. This burn of the "past" and "present" is symbolic for what we as humans have done to the planet and this location.  


Bubblegum Alley

Perched high up on the terrace of a towering skyscraper, my eyes survey the vista sprawled out beneath me. Dubai, a photographers playground, displays a dizzying array of glimmering lights and super-structures, each trying to scratch the sky a little higher than the last. An ocean of concrete and glass, the city looks like a tapestry of dreams woven into reality.

Coming to the Middle East, to Dubai, was a journey that filled me with a sense of awe and an uncanny imposter syndrome. Stepping out of my comfort zone, into a new country this far from home, felt like stepping into an alternate reality. But what grounded me were the people - the vibrant pulse of humanity that thrives amidst the sprawling cityscape. The connections I made felt comforting and real, a human oasis amidst the glittering mirage of Dubai. The thrill that surged through me as I composed the shot, capturing the city in this beautiful setting, was nothing short of exhilarating. The silence at this height was in stark contrast to the bustling life beneath. It felt as if I was part of a silent symphony, observing yet detached, from the world that hummed below.

Looking down at the city, I felt an insidious fear grip me. I was overwhelmed by the city's scale, its unending pursuit of growth and expansion. But beneath that fear was also a sense of excitement, a cautious optimism about what the future held for humanity. The experience of shooting this image was a journey that mirrored my personal growth as a photographer. Growing up in a small town with limited opportunity, standing on the precipice of this glittering Middle Eastern city, was a poignant reminder of how far I'd come. The realization was as humbling as it was gratifying, it was a moment steeped in emotions that can only be described as surreal. My camera, once a pipe dream, became my vessel to explore and express. And it wasn't just about capturing the perfect shot. It was about capturing a feeling, a thought, a moment in time that would resonate with the viewer, long after they've looked away from the image.

As I stood there, high above the vibrant city, I realized how fortunate I was to chase my dreams, to live my passion. It wasn't just about capturing cityscapes or the grandeur of nature; it was about capturing a piece of my soul, about sharing my journey through the language of photography. I am just a dreamer, the artist wielding the camera like a brush, the world around me tells the story, I’m merely here to capture it.

Symphony of Lights

There are so many controversial subjects we face as humans. Future generations depend on us to lay out the guidelines. There is no question in most of our minds that the freedom to choose what you can or can’t do with your body is a given human right. When I took this image I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with it, only what it meant to me as a father, brother, and son. “We stand together” isn’t just a statement of unity it’s a message of perseverance. That we will not go quietly into the night, we will not be silenced, and we will defend the right and liberty of choice. This is why I reached out to one of my favorite artists Anna McNaught to add her artistic vision into the photo. I think what we created together should be recognized for the collaboration that it is. Two artists with the belief that they have the power to help change the world. 100% of the primary and secondary sales will be donated to Unicorndao/legalabortion.eth to protect women’s reproductive rights. This is not an investment. This is art. There will never be any added utility to this art so please act accordingly and enjoy. 🫶

We Stand Together #5

When I started photography, I just wanted to hang some landscape photos on my wall. I was living in California at the time and was taking photos of cars at a car lot for their website. It wasn't until I was 25 that I realized normal jobs just don't work for me; I didn't fit in to a scheduled lifestyle. So I quit my job and was going to use my savings to create my own portfolio. I actually used a Best Buy credit card to purchase a decent camera. I had seen other photographers work and figured it would be easy. I sucked at first. In fact I was awful. But it made me fall in love with the process and develop a truly unbalanced passion for photography. I was obsessed. Five years later I posted a photo on Facebook and someone wanted to buy it. I didn't think my art was good enough for anyone else to own, I just knew I loved it. After selling my first piece for $250 that was all the fuel I needed to dream bigger. Against my friends and family’s advice, I decided to use the very little money I had left and move to Las Vegas. I packed up my dog and everything I owned inside a Nissan Altima and set out with the dream of opening my own gallery on the strip. I wanted to see my name in big bright lights. I wanted to know what it felt like to have my art seen by everyone. And I'm not going to deny, I enjoyed it. I moved around a lot as a kid but spent most of my time growing up in Tucson, AZ. Vegas was a completely different world. Over time, my lifestyle spun out of control and I became very lost. Everything I wanted and dreamed of turned out to be someone else's dream. It wasn't mine. "Lost Vegas" is the image I took when I had this moment; I was in the biggest city I had ever lived in and I felt more alone and lost than ever. It's sometimes when we're at our highest points that we discover our lowest lows. They say never forget where you came from and even though I feel I am from so many different places this photo always reminds me that it doesn't matter where you came from but what you do with it when you get to where you are going. “Lost Vegas” will always be a piece in my portfolio that not only changed my mindset, but the trajectory of my entire life.

Lost Vegas

It has taken the earth thousands of years of flash floods and rains to carve through these canyons. Located in the Arizona desert, this location create a spiritual environment unlike any other. Only during a certain season and time of day can one see light beams illuminate the canyon walls. This is a true example of how destruction creates beauty.

(3744 × 5114 high resolution image will be sent to collector after purchase)


The Spirit

Location | Minnetonka, Minnesota              
Date | August  20,  2017  
Camera | Phase One IQ3 100 MP             
Shutter | 25 sec.    
Aperture | f/32            
ISO | 50              

In the vibrant heart of a Minnesota summer, a white boat dock stretches across the placid lake, reaching towards a stunning purple sunset. It's a scene I would drive by daily on my way to my gallery, and from the first moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it was more than just a scenic view; it was a photograph waiting to happen.

At that time, however, life had handed me a paradox. I had sold my camera equipment to finance my move to Minnesota and open a second gallery, investing in my art, only to find myself tethered to my desk, unable to capture the world around me. The irony wasn't lost on me; in my pursuit to sell my art, I had inadvertently built my own prison, cutting myself off from the freedom that photography had always provided me.

Amid this personal turmoil, a company sent me a camera to try out for a week, presenting a golden opportunity to shoot, yet I found myself still chained to the commitments of the gallery. This image of the dock against the purple sunset sky is tinged with the bitter sweetness of that time, a period when my soul ached for the endless expanse of the sky and the quiet lull of the lake.

For me, the dock holds a special significance; it's not merely a wooden structure extending into the water, but a pathway, a gateway into the past, back to those 'Endless Summers' of our youth. It's a symbol of the tranquility I yearned for, a beacon leading out of the confinement of my circumstances and into the boundless realm of creativity and freedom.

Creating this photograph was an exercise in resilience. I envisioned the dock leading endlessly into the enchanting hues of the sunset, hoping that this image would serve as a portal for viewers, transporting them back to the carefree days of their past.

Now, when I look at this image, I feel a sense of calm washing over me. It's a testament to the journey I've undertaken, a silent reminder of the battles I've fought, and more importantly, won. It's a representation of the serenity that comes from understanding that no amount of money is worth sacrificing happiness.

I hope that this image, 'Endless Summer', resonates with you in a way that it takes you back to those golden days of youth - the innocent first kiss, the bicycle rides with no destination in mind, the magic of fireworks, the oldies playing on the radio, the smell of summer barbecues. Back to a time when we believed we were infinite and anything was possible.

With this photograph, I've tried to encapsulate the hum of the summer insects filling the warm night air, and more so, the bittersweet realization of the price I paid for this piece - a piece of my soul. 'Endless Summer' is more than just a photograph; it's a gateway to past, a connection to our youth, a tribute to resilience, and most importantly, a symbol of the undying hope for infinite possibilities.

Endless Summer

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John Knopf Open Editions

Location : Hana, Hawaii 
Date: January 16, 2023 
Camera : DJ Mavic 3 Hasselblad L2D-20c  
Aperture : f/11 
Exposure : 1/4 sec. 
ISO : 100

Equinox

John Knopf Editions

We Stand Together #67

An open edition created by John Knopf and Anna McNaught. All proceeds are donated to legalabortion.eth.

We Stand Together Open Edition by John Knopf & Anna McNaught

Location | La Jolla, California
Camera | Canon 5D Mark II
Lens | 16-35mm 
Shutter | 25 sec.
Aperture | f/22
ISO | 100

I spent a lot of years shooting images of this pier, but I've only come home with one shot I loved and released. To avoid the crowds I typically shoot during colder seasons. This doesn't always provide the best photo conditions, so sometimes as an artist you have to get creative. It was an overcast day unlike the many other sunsets I had seen here and I was confident there wouldn't be a shot. However, photography is the art of capturing light and creating a moment frozen in time. I stepped into the cold ocean and setup my tripod. Using a big stopper filter to allow a 25 second shot, the water turned to ice and the sky became a soft white haze. As the surfers faded into the mist of the long exposure my image came to life.

Timeless

SuperRare

This day began with hiking into a forest. I was searching for an elusive waterfall that locals told me existed. It began to rain, but I decided to pursue the sound of the falls further. When I arrived, it was breathtaking. I spent years shooting this location, but nothing compared to my first shots. Many may wonder “Why spend so much time searching for a waterfall, only to snap a photo?”. I’m not entirely sure myself at times, but the best explanation I can offer is: this is what I love to do.

Earth's Vortex

Foundation

Location  |  Dubai  
Camera  |  Phase  One  IQ4  150MP  
Lens  |  Schneider  Kreuznach  35mm  
Shutter  |  5 sec.
Aperture  |  f/11  
ISO  |  100  

The Dubai sky burns into my soul
as the sun begins to rise above the ocean.

Lost in the confusion
the clarity seeps into my mind
like a cascading waterfall of colors.

I feel my thoughts bending and contorting
into shapes I don’t fully comprehend.

My hands fill with burning fiery
and flames shoot from fingers
as I try to find the words.

The world melts around me
as my body fills with the melancholy
for the lost days.

I float through the water
like a weightless purple cloud
filled with darkness and sadness.

The kaleidoscopic canopy of my worries, pain, anxieties,
floods my thoughts like a tidal wave.

My body is broken, seeking refugee within
a lost presence that can’t be found.

Lonely in the middle of an ocean of listlessness
with a broken paddle
and the sinking feeling that there is no end.

I embrace the eternal battle
as the red sun begins to fade
bringing with it the beacon of light
that illuminates the dark night sky.

I look up to the stars for answers
but they don’t speak.

The thoughts run marathons through my mind.

I muster up the last bit of strength
and use my hands to paddle through the waves of disparity.

They have no hope for me
as they dance across the surface
ridiculing my grasp for sanity.

The everlasting inclination to give up
sweeps away the last remaining hope I have left.

Like a tennis ball being thrown against the wall,
lost in a repetitive cycle of rage,
I know it just may never end.

Lost In Translation

John Knopf Master Editions

There is something uniquely calming about the ocean. Growing up by the beach this type of photography has always resonated with me. This was taken near Santa Cruz, CA and brings me back home every time I see it. I've spent a few years visiting this location waiting for my perfect sunset. When it happened I knew my camera had captured something special. 

Portals

This is my Genesis Rarible piece. I've made many attempts at this pier but never seemed to have the right weather. With the clear skies and the sun setting to the corner, this gave me all the elements I had been looking for. After driving all day I raced to the beach. With tripod setup, I snapped a series of long exposures. With a neutral density filter and a quick exposure, my patience had paid off and I finally got the shot I had been waiting for.

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