The owner of Pooch Smooch Photography from Northampton, Pennsylvania, was at Mobile Edge in Lehighton to have the windows tinted. She asked us if we could build her a custom 2016 Sprinter Van interior. We had never undertaken a project like this, but we talked with the client about how she was using the van and how she wanted the finished product to look. After several conversations, we accepted the challenge and booked an appointment.
Mobile Photo Studio
Our client runs a photography company for pets. She has a studio that her customers can visit, or she will travel to her clients’ homes for photo sessions. To provide the best possible photographs, she decided that she wanted to add a mobile studio, and invested in the Sprinter. She chose this Sprinter because it was a 4×4 model and would be able to plow through the winter weather. With that said, the interior was bare. It had a little bit of insulation in it, but was finished in black paint and didn’t look professional or inviting. We worked on a color scheme that would complement her photos while adding a look of professionalism to the vehicle.
Sprinter Van Interior Panels
We agreed to a gray theme for the interior. Gray works well with her studio lighting and doesn’t cause a lot of reflections that can degrade her photos. We used a heavy duty Medium Opal vinyl on the lower panels to make them durable and easy to clean. The client provided us with a paw print pattern that we embossed into the panels to give them some added flair.
The upper panels and the ceiling are finished in a silver-gray carpet. We chose carpet for several reasons. First, it isn’t reflective, so she can aim the lighting accurately to achieve the photographic effect she wants. The carpet also helps to absorb sound and reduces road noise while driving. Once we had the panels in place, we built trim pieces to cover the mounting hardware.
Equipment Installation and Accessories
The client asked us to mount a pair of light brackets on the walls. When she has Rover in the van, she can attach the lighting without taking up any floor space. We also installed a Samsung monitor on the wall so that she can review the photos she has taken and show her clients. We created a “dome light” using white LED strips to make things easier to see.
We built a cabinet under the monitor to conceal an electrical panel. This also provides a work surface that she can keep her camera and laptop on. We designed a removable front panel to allow access to circuit breakers. Additionally, it has turned into a great storage locker. We have since added a hinge to make opening and closing the panel easier. The last step was to install mounts for a backdrop support at the rear of the van. The client can hang the material or printed pattern of her choice to enhance the photograph.
The client has a generator that she can use to power the lighting and air conditioning when she is on-site for a photo shoot.
3M Window Tint
The window tint helps protect the interior and regulate the temperature.
As mentioned, the client had initially come to us to have the front windows tinted. We used 3M Color Stable film in a 35% shade to provide protection from UV rays and to reduce glare in the vehicle. The window film also adds privacy and security to the vehicle.
Mobile Photo Studio
This Sprinter Van Interior project took about a week to finish. The client returned to pick up her van and was thrilled with the results. After driving it around for a few weeks, she called to ask us if we could install covers over the silver mounting hardware. We booked an appointment to swap those out.
We love the opportunity to create something a little different and help fellow business people flourish. If you need assistance with an automotive project, then drop by Mobile Edge and talk to our team. We just might be able to help. For more information about any of our products or services, click the contact button below.
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