DIY Photography VAN Build: I’m Super Proud of This!!

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In this week’s episode, we take a tour of my DIY photography van build, which I'm super proud of! This is part two of a four part series where I'm documenting the process of the build out of my van in an effort to turn it into a camper / landscape photography studio. I started this van conversion about 6 months ago which puts me at exactly half way through my 12 month timeline to have the van completed by the fall of 2021. I'm not the most handy guy in the world so it's taking me a bit longer than most to convert the van, but it's something I've really enjoyed doing while taking my time to figure everything out.
In this video, I'll walk you through the progress that's been made since the first van build episode - which is quite a bit. Plus I can't wait for you to see the completion of one of the most difficult tasks of any van build - this was super intimidating for me, but I couldn't be more happy with the results. Not only has this process taught me a great deal about things I originally had no idea about, but it also got me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to work towards something I would have never even dreamed of nor attempted to do. I really hope you enjoy this weeks episode and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Any and all ideas & suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[@thatdamnmackem]

Hi Mark, I'm in the process of converting a VW Crafter xlwb which is the long version of yours ( Sprinter and Crafter are basically the same van) take a look at my build here if you want to see what I've done so far, this is my latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5S0pZeHjraNnJY it may give you a few ideas, good luck with your build and have fun, great channel mate 👍 Brian

[@mordechaidaniel7455]

You should have a sink and burner together and a bigger table in the middle for eating and working with a bench

[@ACSanchez26]

For safety reasons, you might want to consider putting a ventilated panel to cover the battery compartment. And recovery tool(s) in case you get stuck, etc.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@thatdamnmackem Thanks so much Brian - I'll be sure to check it out!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@mordechaidaniel7455 Yep I agree - that's the direction I think I'm leaning towards

[@robertjones8293]

Make sure the gas bottle is a compartment which vents to the outside and not into the van. You don’t want to be overcome by a leak while you sleep.

[@kawiemer]

Two ideas. 1. Put desk on wall next to the bed. Then put cook top next to that to allow a cover that allows additional work space when needed. And small wall separating cook top area from drivers seat. 2. Install at least two goose neck LEDs over work area to allow ample light to work on equipment and/or photo edits. Best of luck.

[@andgiio6544]

I haven't built a van interior, but I know "when" I do it, it will be in extruded aluminum profiles , as thin as possible to maximize the useable volume, and as Danny mention, its lego. So I can adjust the interior as experience, and personal demands are more clear. Lesson is you have One demand when building, "3" months later you have new experiences and want to update/adjust something. Easy with adult lego/extruded aluminum build. Keep the good work up!

[@GertjanVanderKelen]

Great build mark! Looking forward to see what you'll do next!

[@rogerdunn5988]

Great project. Impressed with your ingenuity and follow through. Can’t wait to see the final finish.

[@rickbrowne519]

I was wondering how things were going with the van conversion, so I'm really glad you did this update!

[@michealpociecha8351]

Nice job. It’s really coming along well. Can’t wait to see the next video.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

Portable cooktop is best for your van. Use the counter space to put your cooktop, more counter space that could be used for multiple item. Could be induction, canister etc, also might want to consider a sink that you could cover for more additional counter space. Another item you might want to consider, lights that have magnetic back. Place it anywhere where you need lights, battery ones, don't drain your power solution, and could light up outside your car and inside considering those are exposed metal. Probably a bar and wrench in the front considering you are always going into landscape zones, place to mount additional front lights and more protection against wild life. Keep weight lower in the van, with the raised height and large side surface area, you want to make sure the weight distribution is lower or else could be problematic in high wind situation and tight turns.

[@michelekutner4229]

Mark this is an awesome van! Wow you did such a great job!!

[@digitaliphotography]

Great to see the progress on the van, Mark. Looking forward to seeing you use it in action!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Alan! It's great to see it all coming together!

[@pnwbjj]

More van build please! Love seeing how you start from scratch and are making something of your own out of it. Totally want to do this now :) Great job and keep up the good work.

[@piteshmistry9957]

Great video Mark!! Looking forward to the finished product 😎👍

[@merlebecker8417]

Cool Mark - 3 cheers for you. Always a dream for me but now at my age, need to just focus on the photography. But man this is going to be great.

[@pauloricardoferreira2841]

Congrats for the excellent job!!! 👏👏👏

[@prasadkadam7738]

It's amazing to see the photographer you follow grow even further 🤩

[@lisarobertson8200]

Congrats Mark - this looks super cool!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you Lisa - it's cool seeing it all come together!

[@yaronamaral]

amazing content, for me it's a inspiration. I'm already anxious for the next episodes. I'm from Brazil🇧🇷

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much friend!

[@jwleemedia]

Great stuff as always, mark!

[@2mcarp]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@RobZ1967]

Great progress and it looks amazing! Can't wait until the grand reveal of the finished project!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Rob!

[@WayneAGlass]

Amazing job Mark!

[@AlKulla]

Coming out great!

[@roberthennessey128]

Good job Mark, it’s looking amazing. The power station is neat. Good for you in taking your time, researching in getting things right. It’s a super looking van...good job thanks for sharing.

[@camhitchcock8659]

Hello Mark, You are doing an inspirational job on your van. Ansel would be proud!!

[@aricaiwdjts]

Your Channel is such a Delight ....so inspirational...your Authenticity and Honesty about your Journey is so great.

[@pradippatel9345]

Great progress. Thanks for sharing

[@grat2010]

Impressive job 👍! Thanks for the tour.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@chrisross3631]

As an engineer, this stuff is so cool to see, and you did a great job! I can only imagine how much fun you had designing all this out! Need more videos like this!

[@marcsawian]

Can't wait to see the finished product... Great going Sir.. Keep at it 👌👌👍👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Marc!

[@RorMac_Photography]

Great work Mark, your van is really coming together now. Looking forward to seeing further progress.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I appreciate that Glenn!

[@NOCKSCITNEY]

Seeing this build is not only really cool, but also inspirational. Much like yourself, I've never done things like this before and am often nervous to take on projects, but as you've show Mark, if you're determined and committed, you really can do it. Can't wait to see more progress soon :)

[@RobJorg]

Good job Mark

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Rob!

[@ronanderson9960]

Awesome job with the van build Mark!

[@andrewadams8164]

This is amazing! I would put a desk that is on hinges against the wall so you can fold it up when not in use

[@bogerro]

Great job Mark! It's looking awesome!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Sergio - glad you think so!

[@willardkennedy6021]

Love the van--I'm jealous!

[@metalmick99]

Really enjoyed this. Partly because my father (a blacksmith) did several of these conversions, albeit on smaller vehicles - generally in Oz our cars are a size or two smaller than in the US. It's looking very impressive so far and you have a right to be proud of what you've achieved. A couple of things I noticed: I believe the wood you used for the ceiling is designed for "secret" or concealed nails, and you'd use what we call "brads" and liquid nails to keep them in place, driving the nails in at an angle on the tongue, so the groove conceals the mail holes; also the lighting inside might well be more than enough for your needs, if you line your van with something that you can paint in light color - black absorbs a fair bit of light. Re the sink and cooktop, I'd be inclined to keep them near each other and not on opposite sides of the van. I've seen a couple of conversions where the sink and cooking are in the rear and swing out so that you cook whilst standing on the ground. Not sure how the heights would work out for your vehicle though. Can you put the water tank under the vehicle and pump water up? I know that the sloshing if it was inside the van would annoy me a lot. Just my immediate thoughts. Oh, and *please*, keep these coming!

[@cdeforest1]

Thanks for the van update! looking forward to the complete build. Your layout and design on the "Power Plant" looks great!!! Better than a lot of professional work I have seen.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ahhhh thanks so much for that!

[@dannydanquah3681]

This is beautiful. Nice job sir.

[@Suhailkhan53]

Great work on the van. Happy for you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@tjmosher4565]

Van is looking good Mark. Cant wait for the next update.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks TJ!

[@fototripper]

Dude! I see a future 'Van Build' business on the cards for you. Can I put in my order now?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahah! I appreciate the confidence, but at the rate I’m going you’d be retired before I complete your order.

[@JohnScaneArt]

Does KZbin send out a "grocery list" of topics for it's successful creators or do you guys all have a special hotline for making the same videos? Seems to be a lot of Photo Van Builds as of late... When is yours coming Gavin? 😉 Either way, I'm a sucker for watching them and yours is one of my favorites Mark 👍

[@fototripper]

@@JohnScaneArt Did you miss my Van tour? You'll have to start binging the entire channel ;)

[@JohnScaneArt]

@@fototripper Haha that's not a van, that's a truck ;) and I already did binge watch your videos...you made it look so easy I started my own channel :)

[@JohnScaneArt]

@@fototripper - Come to find out it's NOT easy! You guys are pro's :)

[@jmemac]

I’m excited to see the final product. Great content. 👍🏼

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Vantastic work so far!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Tim!

[@galensinkey]

Gonna check out that PVC board. Looks like a great tip!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Mark! This looks fantastic! I'm watching this with great interest because Mike & I will be do a van build too soon. As always, thanks for sharing. 👏👏👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

That's fantastic Patricia! It's such a fun process to watch come together.

[@tommoors9165]

Nice work, I bet it is rewarding learning as you go!

[@michaeltrue]

Great job and great update Mark. I really like the secure minimalist bed frame idea instead of large wood frames or entire cabinets. Seems like you have created a lot of open, flexible storage under the bed as a result. Looking forward to the next update. Oh, thanks for pointing out your weekly Instagram story, I am checking it out next!

[@wimscheenen3535]

Congratulations on your progress 👏🏻

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya friend!

[@pauljakeman]

Love this bro, so inspiring

[@jamieward10000]

Great video mark! This is something i would love to do one day! Keep up the good work!

[@pawadventures5544]

Nice van, looks good so far. 👍🏻

[@CreationsbyEric]

Looking forward to seeing the van completed. My only suggestion (maybe to late) is to have the bed fold into a bench. A bed bench gives you extra seating and may more space for say a refrigerator.

[@markledbury3666]

Hi Mark, your van build project is looking great and coming along nicely. Keep up the great work! Kudos for taking on this project - it sounds like it’s way out of your comfort zone. Very inspiring!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Way Way out of my zone of comfort! Thanks for checking out the video Mark!

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Looking great! Well thought out solutions👌

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Patrick!

[@richardsmith5021]

When you enclose power cabinet, include some sort of ventilation. If nothing else a vent, to let any hot/warm air escape. Van is really looking great, nice work.

[@673Piper]

Photography and a van build. PERFECT. Great job so far.

[@QuigleyDownUnderFramingTheShot]

The Vaninator!!! Nice Mark! You've made a great mark on the Vaninator!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahha! Love that!

[@QuigleyDownUnderFramingTheShot]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto To be a terminator... of my joking session, thank you for all that you do! It is very much appreciated!!! You give great vantage points to us...

[@anamushabbir4086]

Wow!!! It’s a great built in progress.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!

[@steveokay1]

I built a ten foot cargo trailer the same way, with a full work station in the front, with a thirty two inch monitor . The bed flips up against the wall so I can still hall things, like a quad or whatever.... I love it!

[@steveokay1]

You can tow it with an SUV and drop it in a camp site and go!

[@davidmill7289]

Very impressive Mark! You could sure do a lot with all that space under the bed. Maybe some sort of bench on castors that concertinas down that you could pull out and up when needed.

[@ChristopherBalladarez]

Yo so stoked for you bro!! Can’t wait to get mine! Inspiration mark

[@bluesdude758]

The van looks great and will definitely make your road trips much nicer. My one suggestion is to add a chemical toilet behind the driver's seat as part of the bench you mentioned. When you're miles from civilization and it's raining heavily or freezing cold outside, an indoor toilet is most welcome.

[@Bill_pierre]

In another life some years ago, I used to build custom off-road fire apparatus (trucks), for primarily military and government entities. This is definitely a reminder to those old vibes lol.

[@danielschmaderer]

What a great build. When the wires are tucked away, it’ll look great. Perfect for a photography road trip.

[@danielschmaderer]

Also, as an electrician, I can say you did a great job for not having experience.

[@ian_worth]

Looks awesome Mark, great job on the wiring 👏

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Ian - really appreciate that man!

[@csc-photo]

Dream van! Congrats, fantastic job!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Craig!

[@gregsilver]

Great video and love to see how you're progressing on the van build. One suggestion, if possible, regarding the cabinetry to surround your power plant would be to design some sort of magnetic panels. That way you can completely cover it up but within seconds you would have full access to the entire area without having to worry about hinges and doors.

[@SheFlyz]

Everything becomes a projectile in the event of a crash, so you’ll want something sturdy to secure the cargo in your garage area and elsewhere. Check out L-track, allows for flexible, modular tie-downs. Good way to secure a fridge, storage bins, etc. Build's looking great so far!

[@mark12.31]

Looking great!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Mark!

[@BucNasty32]

Amazing work. Great work with the battery station and I’m like you that I don’t have a clue with electrical issues.

[@kraigt22]

The van is coming along very well and it’s looking great. Fantastic idea of using the PVC boards for the ceiling joists. My suggestion would be to use a sink/stove combo next to the bed and side door. That would allow for the greatest amount of room for your work station. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Lookin’ good!

[@Rich-zb7vc]

the shot of you on the top of the van shooting reminds me of the Ansell Adams image

[@c141charlie]

Congrats on the new ride!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Appreciate that!

[@ivanstevens]

Fantastic job so far. Like you I am scared of doing electrics so would find that pretty difficult, so kudos to you 👍🏻. Looking forward to seeing how you are doing in the next one, only wish I could do this too.

[@Snickers_GLNY]

I know nothing about vans or van builds... looks like you are doing a great job.

[@mariomifsud1302]

Keep up the good job my friend.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Mario!

[@heelfan78]

Great project, Mark. I am very impressed and awed! One suggestion for the cooking aspect. I recommend you look into a portable Blackstone griddle. They come in 17" and 22" (and larger) - think tail gating. They are propane gas powered and will save you from having to have fixed dedicated space in the van that you might ultimately need or want. You have limited real estate in the van, so wherever you can save space and have alternate uses is a plus.

[@raesalmon]

What a great facility coming on there Mark (very envious lol) and what a lot of thought and effort you have put into it. Enjoy.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Ray!

[@noelmallia]

Well done Mark great job

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Noel!

[@ikbenelmer]

Good to see the progress Mark. I am curious about the kitchen part, after seeing this.. awesome job for somebody with 2 left hands 😁🤪💪

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahah - thank you!

[@jamshid2010ch]

Great job! Keep going. My suggestion, put your workstation on left of the bed (long side across the van) so to worh when sitting on the bed, and all the kitchenwares opposite to the door. Cheers.

[@carlgough7839]

Was gonna say the same. think they are called rock n roller hinges. converts the bed into a sofa

[@davidlogsdon7767]

Fantastic build so far! I'm going to end up with one of these when it's all said and done, lol.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Really appreciate that David - thanks man!

[@ajrwyb1217]

This is really awesome!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Amy!

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

I would suggest making half of the bed folding up and therefore have a sitting seat facing outward and you will have more space for a small kitchenette.

[@talltom0690]

I'd put a propane stove by the door for ventilation, which you could move outside if you want to cook in the great outdoors. Maybe a frig and sink on the other wall with a pullout shelf for a desk.

[@dougheizenrader2280]

Just a thought, Mark... If you keep the sink on the same side as the door, and get a faucet with a pull out nozzle, it can double as an outside shower or shoe rinsing station. I saw this on another van build video, and it was pretty slick!

[@JonMurray]

Looking great so far buddy! 👍🏻

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Jon!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Van Build vlog, thanks for sharing

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Appreciate you checking it out Tony!

[@peternickols2687]

It’s great what you have done with your van so far. For your under bed storage have you thought about slider drawers, say one for clothing, one for camera gear and another for maybe a slide out fridge unit that pulls out to the front of your van(the seating area) as an option to clear up some space in that seating area. Also the cooking area near the door with a really good heat protection barrier between that and your bed to help not setting fire to your bed! With just the sink and seat on the other side. I hope this makes sense. It’s a great project to do and to be honest I am a little envious of you. Thanks for sharing it with us all. 👍

[@kappye7337]

Just a suggestion as I used to have a VW westfalia camper van. Cooking inside the van can get messy. Using a nice portable stove outside the van is easy and clean and you have more space for sink and fridge etc.

[@bryanspelts1396]

Looks awesome. Nice work with the solar and electrical! Look into ABS plastic as well. An amazing material that you can get in a variety of sizes and thickness. Great for support and beauty work.

[@cfwheezy]

I love the Sprinter vans but wish the U.S. had more 4x4 vans available like they have in the rest of the world. Cant wait to see this build all done. Fantastic.

[@kimw7433]

I would do a sink with counter space next to it and then just buy a portable cooktop. That way, you have a prep area and you can easily replace the cooktop if it stops working.

[@StephenZ827]

As to wiring, I'd suggest a tube ( plastic )for running the wires. You can find it Lowes in electrical section ( cheap ), It protects the wiring from rubbing the medal frame and perhaps shorting out. Under the bed, camera gear storage, install a drawer on slides and legs. Once you pull out the drawer ( say a four ft. deep box x 18" or so ) drop down legs to the ground ( use old tripod for adjustable lengths )....then have a top which provides another workspace. Think coffin ( lol )....pull the drawer out, drop the legs down into place, flip the top open , grab gear desired, close the lid back down, rest gear on top to adjust and make ready. In addition a wildlife blind, stow inside. I'd also look into a means of opening the side door...while raining ( lightly )...and be able to sit in a fold away chair under the tarp and still not have rain blowing into the van or dripping from the roof onto your back etc...think roof ( tarp ) that secures slightly inside but dumps any weather to outside yet designed to allow you to sit under.

[@watchdogu.s.a.8973]

FYI: That plastic tube > conduit. You're right, don't need the wires rubbing on the METAL frame. I like the pull-out coffin idea. I'm building a camping van and think I'll do that and maybe add it to my bedroom bed.

[@StephenZ827]

@@watchdogu.s.a.8973 Back in the day I had a Tradesman 300 Dodge. It was actually a old Navy paddy wagon, still had the lock down rings in the floor. Someone had convert to camper, so had the bed , sink and speakers of course. Had a blast in that thing till I locked up the engine. As to wiring, spent last 34 years building aircraft carriers and protecting wiring is a must on those. Good luck and have fun.

[@julianj7d374]

Mark I think you will need some ventilation vents in your awesome power box/cabinet to exhaust any heat not sure if you need a fan to pull it out and the vent to allow cooler air in. Nice job.

[@tonycolburn2358]

For the sink/stove, have you thought of putting them together on the side opposite of the sliding door? You could have them the same height and construct a flat top which would hinge up for use of the sink/stove and come down for a workspace you mentioned you wanted there.

[@kswas2784]

Great idea. I think if they were located on the door side the entry into the van would really feel tight; you could do it but after you bump into it 50 times you may regret it.

[@Gadrosful]

Nice VAN Build and please don't forget to put the studio lights just as it is in you home studio. The background is amazing I love it. Love from Nigeria. Peace