How @HeyKeegs Found Success on TikTok

The Montrealer, who is a freelance photographer and videographer by day, says he found overnight success on social media a little over a year ago when he strapped a Go-Pro to his chest, hopped on his skateboard, and began capturing images of canines on the Lachine Canal.

@HeyKeeg on Instagram and TikTok, also known as Keegan Robin, is an influencer and content creator who has gained a large following by sharing his love for dogs and photography. He has become well-known for his series of taking professional photographs of stranger’s dogs around the world.

“I challenged myself last summer to take one photo per day for 30 days,” Robin explains. “I was filming it for a YouTube video. And so, on the 11th day of the challenge, I saw this baby golden retriever. And I thought this picture is like the cutest thing I’ve ever done. So I’m gonna like cut together a little video and why not just like put it on TikTok right now?”

Within a day that video got over four million views. Robin, thinking the virality of his first video may have been a one-off, decided to try again… and again, and again. Each time his videos’ views and like counts skyrocketed. And with that, Robin had accidentally discovered an unlikely niche.

Since that first video, he now has almost 2 million followers. His photos are not only visually stunning, but they also capture the unique personalities of each dog, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

He credits the friendliness of local and international dog owners for much of his success. “Dog owners, I find them to be super cool people,” the content creator says.

“Sometimes it takes them a little second or two to warm up to a stranger. Not everyone expects a photographer to come up to them on their regular walk.”

And lucky for them, they receive an incredible portrait of their furry friend — free of charge.

Robin’s approach to dog photography is unique because he doesn't just focus on a particular breed or type of dog. Instead, he seeks out all kinds of dogs from all over the world, which makes his account a great place to see a diverse range of dog breeds and personalities. His photographs are often accompanied by humorous or heartwarming captions, which adds to the overall charm of his content.

One of his recent collaborations has been with @theunstoppabledogs, which focuses on sharing the stories of disabled dogs who are thriving despite their challenges.

The videos feature dogs who use wheelchairs or prosthetics to help them get around. They showcase the dogs playing, running, and living their best lives, despite their disabilities. The videos are heartwarming and inspiring, and they highlight the resilience of these amazing animals.

Videos like this challenge stereotypes about disabled dogs. Many people assume that dogs who use wheelchairs or prosthetics are not able to live full, active lives. But the videos show that these dogs are just as happy and capable as any other dog, and that they are loved and valued members of their families.

The collaboration between Robin and @theunstoppabledogs is a great example of the power of social media to bring people together and raise awareness about important issues. By showcasing these incredible dogs, the videos are helping to change perceptions about disability and inspire others to see the value and potential of all animals, regardless of their physical abilities.

Through the power of social media, Robin has been able to successfully build a community of dog lovers and is a heartwarming example of the unique and unexpected ways in which animals can enrich our lives and inspire us creatively.

In addition to his dog photography, Goon also shares advice and tips on photography and gear. He often posts behind-the-scenes photos and videos of his shoots, along with details about the camera and lenses he uses. He also shares tips on lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques. His advice is especially helpful for aspiring photographers who are looking to improve their skills and take better photos.

Goons's account has become a go-to destination for dog lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. His stunning photographs of dogs from around the world, coupled with his helpful tips and advice on photography, make his account a valuable resource for anyone interested in these subjects.

While Keegan says he’s very happy with his current gig, he hopes to one day expand into teaching a beginner’s photography course of his own.