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Vincent Knakal September 30, 1968 - March 13, 2025 It is with broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of Vincent Knakal, Ranch & Coast's director of photography for nearly 30 years and a very dear friend we considered family. Born and raised in Southern California, Vincent's roots ran deep in the arts. Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from Otis/Parsons Art Institute in Los Angeles in the 1990s, he set off for a year-long self-funded photography project in Southeast Asia. When he returned, he exhibited his work in galleries throughout the West Coast. He later embarked on another project across the Southwestern U.S., the Northwest, and Alaska. Eventually, Vincent settled down in North County San Diego and shifted his focus to commercial and editorial photography. It was about this time that he began working with the Ranch & Coast team. Over the past 27 years, Vincent shot hundreds of covers and countless features, ranging from food to fashion and everything in between. He shared that Ranch & Coast allowed him to explore and visually document the most amazing and often iconic parts of our county and meet some of San Diego's greatest personalities. ose who were fortunate to have been captured through his lens have said that his work produced the best photos ever taken of them. Simultaneously, Vincent also shined bright in the world of off- road motorsports. As the lead photographer for Mad Media, the producer of e Mint 400 and other races, he captured the sport's most talented athletes and their vehicles, oftentimes in extreme terrain and weather conditions. With his immense talent, Vincent inspired and mentored many, and his iconic images will live on as part of his lasting legacy. He will continue to inspire us as we find a way to move forward. But it is his friendship that we will cherish the most. Vincent was kind, caring, and empathetic, and he gave his full dedication to the people and projects he cared about. We continue to keep his wife, Jessie, his family, and his many friends in our hearts. If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety or depression, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. I N M E M O R I A M ranchandcoast.com 52 MAY 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE