Photographer Adrian Vila has transformed his approach to capturing stunning landscapes by living out of his car while exploring various remote locations. This unique lifestyle allows him to seize photographic opportunities dictated by changing light and weather conditions, as demonstrated in his recent video documenting a journey to Devils Tower and beyond.
Vila sets up his car as a mobile base camp, showcasing how minimal gear and thoughtful planning can sustain long periods on the road. With a portable battery pack keeping his cameras powered through cold nights, he captures hundreds of long exposures, even in challenging conditions. Despite facing technical setbacks, such as his camera unexpectedly shutting down during the night, Vila embraces these imperfections, highlighting the need for adaptability in landscape photography.
Embracing the Journey and Its Challenges
The video provides an authentic perspective on the realities of extended road travel. Vila’s vehicle serves as his bedroom, kitchen, and office, with a new roof box accommodating the essentials for months on the road. Meals are basic, often consisting of oatmeal and coffee, but the focus remains on being ready to shoot whenever conditions shift. At Devils Tower, for instance, he faced less-than-ideal weather but creatively utilized black and white photography to evoke mood in the flat light.
The trip spans from Lake Michigan through the Badlands, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada, with Vila’s itinerary shaped by weather, light, and chance encounters. Unexpected subjects, such as prairie dogs, add a delightful element to his work, reinforcing the importance of openness to what the landscape offers rather than rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan.
Flexibility and the Rhythm of Travel
Vila’s ability to remain flexible during his travels allows him to pivot quickly. He shifts from chasing a sunrise at the Salt Flats to seeking foggy conditions along the California coast, abandoning inland heat. The practical advantages of living in his car become evident: the convenience of resting at highway rest areas, the serenity of empty roads, and the ability to sleep right where he needs to capture the perfect shot.
The journey is punctuated by storms, highway delays, and the solitude of long stretches between stops. Vila’s experience illustrates how living in a car can enhance a photographer’s ability to adapt and respond to the ever-changing environment.
For a deeper understanding of Vila’s methods and insights, viewers can watch the full video. Alongside him in the photography community is Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist who shares his passion for capturing the world through a lens.