Portrait Road follows Fuges, a Minneapolis-based photographer as he finds himself converting a cargo van into his house and portable photography studio. This channel is about more than just a van build or living out of a van. It's about heartbreak and hope, grace, addiction and recovery, ADHD, and a lot about photography. Follow Fuges as he attempts to earn his Peace, receive his Joy, and prove his Truth.
You look really good in this video, healthy, reasonably happy. Hopefully this is a testament to your nomadic life and maybe a sailing trip or two, helping you heal. I pray that you are doing well.
Just a heads up for if you use 3m high strength 90 in the future. You need to spay the items that you are bonding and then let them sit for 60-90 seconds to get tacky before you stick them together. The glue does basically nothing if you just spray it on and press two things together. I used a lot of HS90 in my build for applying fabric to walls and panels. Good luck with the build.
Hi……just sat down today and have been watching all of your videos. I’ve commented earlier that you and i seem to be much alike (to top it off, my main passion is photography, followed by woodworking……but, hey…can you tell me why (have I missed a video) you gave up on the rivnuts? At first i decided to use self tapping screws, but changed to rivnuts. I’ve watched folks have problems lining up the holes to bolt in their furring, but I have that solved - was that your issue? Or rivnuts coming loose? Thanks, man. Carry on with what you’re doing.
We are very much alike, but I’m retired. My van project - just beginning - shows me I have similar issues with planning planning planning changing changing changing…….just pick one small thing and get it done: that seems to work best….forget the big picture, that’s too overwhelming. Thanks - I enjoy your videos.
Hey Jim! I don't always have the time to watch your full length videos, but I'm absolutely diggin' the shorts! I think I've watched every one of them. You are so personable in your videos. Keep up the great work. I'm sure that I'm not the only one living my dreams vicariously through you. I was watching one of your shorts recently about the 5 portraits that you did in like 10 minutes. They were fantastic! As a photo hobbyist for the past 40 years, I really appreciate your work. It looks to me like your portraiture is all natural light. Are you using reflectors or any other kind of fill? Here's an idea for you to make some extra cash while you're out on the road. You could do some seminars in the bigger cities that you stop in. I'd certainly attend if you ever make it to Boise. I'd even take you out for an afternoon of sailing on our tiny local lake if you're interested.
Hey Chris! Thanks for the comment... I need to work on my long form videos to make them shorter and more engaging but I ramble so much. I'll re-use my FB stories as shorts on YT once they align with the videos... I'm so far behind. In my studio I use reflectors and such, but almost never with my natural light portraits. I just position the subject in the light and then work my magic in post. I shoot very simply and quickly - its part of the model I'm trying to validate. I've been asked to do workshops, but I don think I have interest. I would do one-on-ones, but my process is so unsophisticated there's really not much to share.
Thank you! Trying to get caught up with my videos! Now that I'm done traveling and living in the van in Minneapolis I should have more time... and Internet access.
Love seeing your move-in progress and all your travel-ready solutions for storage etc. Also your photography gear talk -- I'm saving for my 70-200 2.8 (soon!), so I really loved your perspective on longer lenses in street photography. ❤
@@PortraitRoad ay im in staten island!!!!! Brooklyn is nice cause there are places to go where you know others are boondocking but staten is quiter and would need to know the lay of the land to move around. Theres beautiful views of the city from here like if you do to clifton train station behind it is a road that cuts around bay street but theres a chunk on road where everyone parks and hangs out when its night the whole skyline is visible. Hope u enjoy the city!!
I understand not using your camara for a long time. I enjoy photography. Have not done it for over two years, right now Iam battling cancer. I too have a RV haven used it for a long time. Your new adventure is going to be a great one. Seeing you taking picture and RVING has inspired me now to get out my camera and get out there. Will love to shearer some of my photos with you. I talk with my wife, and we are planning a camping trip to the Smokey Mountain TN, around Mid-April. Ty for your videos will continue to follow you on the Rd. Fred
Hi Fred! Thank you for your comment and following my journey. So sorry you're battling cancer - my best to you. Yes - get out your camera, it can be very therapeutic. My best to you, Fuges
Thank you so much, Anette! I have always appreciated your support and interest. I feel like I kinda know you even though I haven't seen you in 37 years.
U can get steel angle 3x3”x10’ angle a few cuts will make a rail that’ll fit down the length of the van at the right height. Put the angle toward the wall u can mount your rail to the angle. You already have the grinder to cut it.
that's awesome man, i got a question for you though. I'm about to start living in my car it's pretty small but i need to get out of my parents house any way i can. I'm getting some memory foam for the bed, gotta cooler, big screen for windows. Is there anything i should get now instead of later? It's hard to leave because i feel like i'm always going to be missing something im kind of nervous
Hi Joey. Sorry you're having problems with your folks. I will trust you have been gentle and tried everything to be whole with your family. Regarding your question... it's best to acquire as you need - especially if living in a car. You will need to have a small stove of some kind and cooking utinsels. Other than that, be safe and be gentle out there.
@@PortraitRoad I appreciate it thank you, and yea it's nothing bad i'm just getting older and have a strong urge to leave the nest i do get along with my family otherwise. It's good to hear that from someone with experience i don't get to talk to people that actually have done it so you eased my mind. and yea i do agree no matter what i start with im likely to rearrange it and get different things so ill stick to what i have, thanks a lot man and i wish you the best on your travels
Thanks for your comment. It's not like that at all... the tragedy is that someone else tried to own us. And succeeded. It is not at all about owning each other. But I do always appreciate POV.
clearly the soul quality drew me here. your story is heart-felt, so it's genuine (that gives it quality, unsurpassed) + you have talent, and your search for the self is universal, so success is assured. just afford yourself the luxury of self-trust which is both the path and the destination, look forward to enjoying your journey vicariously...
I was dignosed in my late 40s, turned 50 last year. Im in the process of converting my ram Promaster. That analysis poralisis gets me everytime, ive been converting the van for over a year now and still not even close. lol. its nice to kow im not the only one. keep the vids coming.
Thank you for the comment. It's hard, Man. It's hard to reflect on how it has impacted our lives - but now knowing is so valuable in helping us move forward. I'll get through mine in just a couple months - and I can tell you - just do the next thing. Make yourself do one thing, and then it becomes two, then three... Do ANYTHING. I often still fall into debilitation, but I can snap out of it by just doing the next right thing. I needed to tell you this today, because I needed to tell myself today. Cheers!
Thank you, Oliver. Sometimes they're not just drops, they're tsunamis - and they destroy. But I'm trying and I'll get there and I'm ready to push back the waves.
Hi, Think I feel how much more there is behind the line, .”.diagnosed at 54 with ADHD…” I got exactly at that age diagnosed with Autism Spectrum. Know at 57 I am still replaying my life, things that I could do extremely well and things I just couldn’t like beginning a huge puzzle, putting everything where it belongs. As you I went through recovery and although I am abstinent quite some time I had my fallbacks and know I will have them the rest of my life. But the time between them grow longer and less severe. Anyway, wish I could give you a hand building your van but I live in Haarlem, the Netherlands. However if you want to email may you want to tackle parts where you think you could get some honest advice I’ll be happy to try and help you out that way. Best regards, Albert
Hey Albert - gosh, your comment meant a lot to me. If I could accomplish one thing with this channel is the recognition of late in life neurodivergence. What we so often hear about is jut the treatment of neurodivergence in kids, but then once their off to college after work there doesn't seem to be enough talk about how it continues to affect their lives. And then there's the late diagnosis... where the neurodivergence has affected your entire life but you don't know it. And then it's just considered a character flaw. Well, some people consider any divergence a character flaw whether they know it or not. Thank you for your comments and thoughts... and who knows... maybe someday I'll bring a van over. I have some friends that have just done that and it's intriguing. If I ever do, I'll buy you a coffee. Thank you for your sincere and heartfelt comment. Fuges
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow'" just going to leave that here for you. It's my fav and has gotten me through hard days in the past. Wishing you ongoing healing on your journey, Jim. This takes great courage.
Dang! I noticed it after I had just finished the video! I'm not sure how, but it still kinda aligned and worked so I didn't change it. My beard grows fast! Don't be so observant.
I have been getting steps in... but I do need to put on my running shoes. Problem is, I can't yet listen to music much, and I have to have music to run. I'm hoping you're right, Dave. I'm hoping you're right...
Really great to see this video. Talk about a 'REAL'. Thanks for doing this Jim and perhaps we shall see each other again. We shall! I'll be RV road trip again in May!
Ha! You should see the rust on brother's Toyota! It's actually pretty minimal compared to some of the builds I've seen, I'm just super paranoid about it. My ADHD brain obsessing.
Maybe you’re destined to take the portraits of life on the road in our country. I can see so much positive life changing moments ahead for you! I will be excited to watch your journey. Best of luck. 😊
Hey Bobby! Sorry, I thought I had already responded but I guess I didn't. Nice to meet you - Ashley is awesome. AWESOME. Glad you're here - I'm interested in seeing how it's going to end up myself. ;)
Thanks Man! I've thought about reaching out several times! Any day you have time this week I could use a hand. Just let me know when you have time - there's always somethin' I could use help with!
I love this Jim, my friend..❤ I’ll keep watching! My prayers and thoughts are always with you. Talk to you sooner then later I hope. AND please.. get wear some gloves!!
Jim, what a terrific intro vid! Your transparency is beautiful and I pray it will also be healing for you. I am looking forward to going along with you on this journey, maybe learning a few things too. Blessings!!
Jim! What a journey!!!! Please keep making portraits of others as well as yourself!!! I’ve already subscribed and will follow this journey with you. If you ever drive to West Texas, please let me know. You are always welcome here. And our acres here at our home, have plenty of room for your van. 😉
Hi Kristin! Well... I may actually be in Texas in a few weeks. I'm still debating my route but I'm thinking about Padre/Corpus Christi. Never been down there. Of course Texas is a big state, so like, how far west is west texas???
