Capturing the Volkswagen Amarok

Capturing the Volkswagen Amarok: A Photographer’s Road Trip Through the North West

Photography and adventure often go hand in hand, and when Marshall Volkswagen handed me the keys to a Volkswagen Amarok for four days, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine the two. The brief? Capture the Amarok in its element—on the road, off the road, and everywhere in between. With 1,200 miles ahead of me, I set out to the Peak District and the Lake District, camera in hand, ready to put both the truck and my creativity to the test.

First Impressions: A Photography Subject with Presence

The moment I saw the Amarok, my first thought was, this is massive. Compared to my usual VW Golf, this was a whole different beast. But from a photographer’s perspective, that worked in its favor. The Amarok’s bold stance, muscular proportions, and rugged styling meant it had instant presence in any setting—whether parked against dramatic mountain backdrops or powering through muddy trails.

Chasing Light and Landscapes

Over the four days, I explored some of the most breathtaking locations in the North West, hoping to capture the Amarok in diverse environments. The Peak District provided sweeping hills and winding roads, while the Lake District offered dramatic, moody landscapes. A particular highlight was Honister Pass, a hidden gem with steep inclines and rugged terrain that made for some of my favorite shots. The combination of misty mountain peaks and wet, glistening tarmac gave the images a raw, untamed feel—perfectly in line with the Amarok’s character.

Weather Challenges: Fighting the Elements

Photography is all about light, and unfortunately, the weather didn’t make my job easy. Cold, wet conditions meant overcast skies and limited opportunities for golden-hour shots. Rain-covered bodywork and misted-up windows became part of the aesthetic, adding to the sense of adventure. While the conditions weren’t ideal, they highlighted the Amarok’s capability—handling slippery roads and unpredictable terrain with ease.

Comfort Behind the Scenes

Long days on the road meant plenty of time behind the wheel, and this is where I really appreciated the Amarok’s comfort. The heated seats were a welcome upgrade from my Golf, especially after hours of shooting in the cold. The refined cabin made those long-haul drives feel effortless, even if the 28mpg fuel economy meant frequent stops to refuel.

Final Thoughts: A Dream Subject for Adventure Photography

From a photographer’s perspective, the Amarok was a dream to shoot. Its bold styling, off-road capability, and sheer presence made it stand out in every setting. While the unpredictable weather made things challenging, it also added authenticity to the images—proving that the Amarok thrives in real-world adventure conditions.

Huge thanks to Marshall Volkswagen for making this trip happen. Despite the rain, the mud, and the fuel stops, it was an unforgettable experience—and one that reinforced just how versatile the Amarok really is.

A selection of the images are below ⬇️