This Summmer I've been engaging in a personal project that I dreamt up sometime shortly after purchasing my business vehicle - a 2016 Dodge ProMaster Van. I realized that one of my favorite portrait lighting set-ups would actually fit inside my van and that I could feasibly make portraits anywhere I could drive my van. I got pretty excited about that!
A young boy exhibits the pride and resolve of his Native people at the Standing Rock Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
People have really responded well to the images and many have tried to hire the #PortraitVan, as I began calling it. But, I didn't want it to be like a food truck for photography, I wanted it to be something more special and personal for me. If it became a job or work, I would not be as likely to want to do it. This idea and thus project really needed to stay about passion and excitement for making beautiful imagery. At this time, the project is at invite-only status.
Heart Attack survivor and pace-maker recipient, Bob Quick is pedaling across the US on a bike to prove a point.
The #PortraitVan at work outside TwinSix HQ in Minneapolis, MN.
The idea has evolved somewhat, and I have even had an opportunity to use the project as a vehicle (pun totally intended) for social change - or at least awareness. I visited the Standing Rock Reservation a few weeks ago to have a feet-on-the-ground look at what is happening out there. I was honored to be able to photograph a handful of American Native's while I was there and use the images to help spread the word about the injustices happening in North Dakota.
I don't know where the #PortraitVan will take myself or my work in the future, but I'm excited for new ideas and opportunities to pop up. To see all published #PortraitVan images, visit my stills portfolio page or search #PortraitVan on your social media outlets.
Author and Still Kickin' Founder Nora and son #RalphieGrams climbed out of bed (literally) to sit for me one morning.