A few years ago, Travis Burke's grandmother bought a 1994 Dodge van. The van went unused for quite some time, so Burke decided that he'd put it to good use.
He spent five months and about $8,000 converting the vehicle into a livable, comfortable mobile home, and for the past 16 months, he's been traveling around North America on the most epic test drive of all time. Luckily for us, the aspiring photographer has documented the whole journey in an awesome photo series.
The vehicle was outfitted with solar panels, a refrigerator, a sink, and a fold-out bed.
Burke spends his days shooting photos on his own, but he's also working with sponsors to help establish himself as a professional photographer. This obviously comes with its own set of challenges. Burke must not only make ends meet financially, but he also has to deal with the realities of living out of a van and missing his friends and family back home.
On top of all that, Burke also partakes in outdoor sports like rock climbing, surfing, and skiing, as well as some activities that might make you nervous -- like tightrope walking across canyons, jumping off of cliffs, and flying planes. To him, taking photos is simply not enough.
"I am not just out to take pretty pictures," he says. "I actively participate and push myself in as many different activities as possible. And because capturing a moment is not the same as experiencing a moment, it's about finding a balance between the two."
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
"I really hope to inspire people to get out and explore their own backyards," Burke says. "You don't need to plan an elaborate vacation to wind up in a beautiful and unique landscape." That being said, he hopes to expand his journey outside of North America over the next year.
He spent five months and about $8,000 converting the vehicle into a livable, comfortable mobile home, and for the past 16 months, he's been traveling around North America on the most epic test drive of all time. Luckily for us, the aspiring photographer has documented the whole journey in an awesome photo series.
This is the van that started it all, seen here in Alberta, Canada.
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
To date, Burke has covered 60,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada.
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Burke spends his days shooting photos on his own, but he's also working with sponsors to help establish himself as a professional photographer. This obviously comes with its own set of challenges. Burke must not only make ends meet financially, but he also has to deal with the realities of living out of a van and missing his friends and family back home.
But Burke wouldn't give up what he calls "van life" for anything.
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
On top of all that, Burke also partakes in outdoor sports like rock climbing, surfing, and skiing, as well as some activities that might make you nervous -- like tightrope walking across canyons, jumping off of cliffs, and flying planes. To him, taking photos is simply not enough.
"I am not just out to take pretty pictures," he says. "I actively participate and push myself in as many different activities as possible. And because capturing a moment is not the same as experiencing a moment, it's about finding a balance between the two."
He typically does these activities with friends.
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
With his photos, Burke hopes to reveal North America's many natural wonders.
Facebook / Travis Burke Photography
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