Meet the Nomadic Photo Ark : A roaming black and white darkroom and art studio
Piloted by
Monica Jane Frisell and
Adam Scher
Unknowingly, Adam and Monica went to the same elementary school in Seattle, WA - same year, same class - but it wasn’t until 2021 at 35 did they finally meet. Finding that they both share a deep love for travel, peoples stories and photography, they were quick to move into the back of Monica’s truck and start a nomadic life together creating a Portrait of US.
Kodak Master Field Camera with the Ark
Monica and Adam with the camera in front of the Ark
Full Set up of the Ark
Some nicknacks collected on the cabinets in the Ark
The Kodak Master Field Camera that is used to create all portraits
The back of the camper on the truck with the Ark
A look inside the darkroom of the Ark
Red Lights on in the darkroom of the Ark
The small enlarger that is used in the Darkroom of the Ark
Building the Ark
Monica spent the winter of 2020-2021 building the Ark in Seattle, WA with help from her friend Wolf and his dog Roy. Starting on December 21st, Wolf and Monica set out on learning and adjusting how to make this mobile darkroom on wheels.
At the start Monica did not know how to do any type of construction - she had built a wooden platform for her bed in her truck - but other then that she had barely used a drill before. By the end of the build - Monica had learned to do basic welding and basic metal work, started to understand the way electricity works and even dabbled in some basic plumbing. Wolf was able to help learn these tasks - but he was the one to do most of the electric.
There are 2 Renogy 175 WATT solar panels powering the Arks three 100 AMPH Battle Born Lithium Ion Batteries. The entire system is on 110 - and runs through a 3000 Watt Renogy Inverter - as long as there is sun, it is fully self sufficient.
Building the Camper
Monica and Adam built the camper that is now their bedroom in the winter of 2021-2022 at a friends farm in Upstate NY. Monica welded the frame of the camper with 3/4 inch steel tubing and they used DiBond to create the shell. There is 3/4 Inch solid insulation panels throughout the camper and the trucks bed has also been insulated. It is a basic design that allows them to have a warm dry place to sleep.
There is one 175Watt Renogy Solar panel that charges the campers one 100AMPH Renogy Lithium Ion Battery. There is a full 12V system that powers the lights and the overhead fan and there is a 1000W Inverter that is used to charge computers and the like.
Follow along on instagram @nomadicphotoark
