Photographer Adrian Vila has turned a unique lifestyle choice into an opportunity for stunning landscape photography. By living out of his car, Vila captures breathtaking images while navigating the challenges of remote locations. His recent journey to Devils Tower and other scenic destinations highlights the advantages and realities of this nomadic approach.
Flexible Photography on the Road
Living in a vehicle allows Vila the flexibility to pursue the perfect light and weather conditions. Throughout his travels, he sets up his car as a mobile base camp, demonstrating how efficient gear and thoughtful planning enable sustainable long-distance photography. A portable battery pack becomes essential, ensuring his cameras remain powered during cold nights, even as he takes hundreds of long exposures of the moon.
Technical difficulties arise, such as his camera unexpectedly stopping during the night, which results in gaps in star trails. Yet, Vila embraces these imperfections, showcasing the importance of adaptability when faced with unpredictable circumstances. His experiences remind viewers that nature does not always conform to expectations.
Embracing the Journey
The video documentation of Vila’s trip offers an honest portrayal of life on the road. His car doubles as a bedroom, kitchen, and office, aided by a new roof box that provides ample storage for a months-long journey. Meals often consist of simple options like oatmeal and coffee, reinforcing the focus on being prepared to capture the changing landscape.
At Devils Tower, despite less-than-ideal weather, Vila creatively utilizes black and white photography to evoke a specific mood under flat light conditions. Unexpected encounters, such as photographing prairie dogs, underscore the significance of remaining open to the opportunities that nature presents rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined plan.
Vila’s travels extend from Lake Michigan through the Badlands, across Wyoming, Utah, and into Nevada. The route is determined by shifting weather, available light, and spontaneous moments. Throughout the journey, storms, highway delays, and stretches of isolation contribute to the unique rhythm of travel.
Living in the car enables Vila to swiftly adapt his plans, whether chasing a sunrise at the Salt Flats or heading to the California coast in search of fog instead of the inland heat. The practicality of resting at rest areas, the tranquility of empty highways, and the convenience of sleeping near ideal shooting locations emerge as significant benefits of this lifestyle.
For those interested in the intersection of photography and adventure, Vila’s journey serves as an inspiring example. The video provides a comprehensive look at his experiences, emphasizing both the joys and challenges of living on the road. To view the full account of Vila’s travels, watch the video linked above.
Additionally, the insights shared by Vila are complemented by the expertise of Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist who also teaches music and enjoys spending time with horses and rescue dogs. Together, they highlight the art of landscape photography in unconventional settings.
