So the solution to my problem came in the form of a massive old ex Glasgow City Council works van. I got rid of my car and bought it with a completely empty back area which I’ve fitted out to give me darkroom space and a bunk bed. It’s soooo cool! I took my sons on a road trip earlier in the year up to the Isle of Harris with them top and tailing it in the bunk bed and me in a hammock. The first of many boys only road trips – sorry Kirsty!

Paramount to the fit out was the ability to get my old Triumph Bonneville on-board. As a result the bed’s a bit high but it all works!! 🙂

I’ve had a few e-mails from people wanting to see the van and how it’s fitted out so the best way for me to do this is to try and upload a short video :-

I insulated the van before fitting it out and then carpeted the ceiling to stop condensation. There’s also a good ventilation outlet in the ceiling and for all non light sensitive work I tend to have the back doors propped open. The final stage for the plate is to heat it over an alcohol lamp before applying a beautiful lavender oil varnish to protect the emulsion. The smells at this stage are amazing, and I’ve decided if photography doesn’t work out I’m just going to travel around in the van offering aromatherapy sessions : – )

The van’s been amazing and my next victim for a portrait was a good friend Davey Savage Junior who has recently won not only a British Masters title at Featherweight but the Scottish Super Bantamweight title. His professional record stands at 10 wins (2KO’s) and no losses.

Davey Savage Jnr: –

I also wanted to be able to make panoramic landscapes so I needed to find another lens and make a plate holder, so I’ll get some photos of these sorted out and posted next time,

Cheers

David