Capturing the raw beauty of the Cascade Mountains means enduring unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and long days far from the busyness of the city. For outdoor photographer Scott Rinckenberger, his office is often miles from the nearest power outlet. To capture his stunning images, he relies on an essential tool: his truck. For years, that was a gas-powered Ford F-150.

"I was planning to drive it 'til the wheels fell off," he said.

Nature, however, intervened. When a falling tree totaled his beloved truck, Rinckenberger saw it as the perfect opportunity to embrace new technology. He chose a 2024 F-150 Lightning®, an electric truck that he says was "love at first drive."

A Mobile Office, Miles from Anywhere

For a photographer who spends days in the field, power is everything. The F-150 Lightning’s Pro Power Onboard feature transformed his workflow, turning the truck into a rolling power source for his cameras, drones, and laptop.

"I can really run it as a mobile office," he said. "It's a lot easier to keep my equipment running for multiple days in the field. Before, I’d have to pack multiple battery packs. Now I can recharge on the fly, editing photos from the trailhead and ultimately going back to the office less than I used to."

This capability allows him to stay on location longer, waiting for the perfect light without worrying about a dead battery.

The Game Didn't Change. It Got Better.

For this lifelong truck owner, the switch to an electric vehicle wasn’t a compromise; it was an upgrade. He still navigates the same rugged logging and Forest Service roads to get his shots.

"With the Lightning, I feel like I can get anywhere I could in my old truck," he said. "And it's better in the snow," referring to the truck’s drive modes and weight distribution compared to his previous truck.

The biggest surprise was how seamless the transition was.

"I think the real game-changer for me is realizing the extent to which the game didn't really change," Rinckenberger reflected. "I do all the things that I used to do with my truck, but now I don't have to go spend 100 bucks at the gas station. I just head home, plug in my truck to my charging station, and it's good to go in the morning."

The addition of a weather-proof, lockable front trunk (or "frunk”) provides a secure, out-of-sight space for his valuable camera gear — a crucial peace of mind when leaving equipment at remote trailheads.

“Getting an electric vehicle sort of felt like the last puzzle piece.”

Scott Rinckenberger, outdoor photographer and environmental enthusiast

For a man dedicated to celebrating the natural world, the F-150 Lightning has become an essential partner.

"Getting into an electric vehicle sort of felt like the last puzzle piece," he said, aligning his transportation with his environmental ethos.

When asked what he’d say to someone who claims the F-150 Lightning isn't a "real truck," his answer is simple.

"I guess I'd say you're right," he smiled. "It's better."

Jake Bley writes for Ford Motor Company about electric vehicles, community, and customer experience while his orange cat snores next to him.