Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Karlberg.
Hi Yolanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for photography began back in middle school in Sweden where I loved spending time taking pictures and developing film in the darkroom during art class. This was before digital cameras were a thing (and yes, writing that makes me feel a little old, haha!).
Life took me in a different creative direction, and I pursued a career in graphic design within the movie industry in Stockholm. In 2012, my husband was offered a job in San Diego, and we made the big move across the Atlantic. Fast-forward eight years and three kids later, the pandemic hit. That’s when I reconnected with photography, this time digitally. My plan was not to make my hobby a business, I was mostly shooting my own family and friends for fun but little by little, it started to grow into something more.
I launched Yolanda Karlberg Photography, and after a few years of hosting sold out mini sessions with a borrowed vintage VW bus I realized I wasn’t the only one who loved that nostalgic vibe. So I began the search for a bus of my own. After a long hunt, I finally found the perfect one in Oregon: a beautiful blue 1975 split-window VW bus that had been converted into a photo booth.
My husband and I spent the spring restoring and customizing it, adding fun props, vintage decor, and a custom surfboard. And just like that, Salty Soul Photo Bus was born!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! Like many creatives, I have days where I wonder if I’m measuring up, especially in such a saturated industry. I put a lot of pressure on myself to deliver the best possible experience for my clients, and let’s not even talk about those pre-shoot nerves… will they ever go away?
When I bought the bus, I ran into all kinds of unexpected roadblocks. Registering it in California turned out to be a much bigger hassle than I imagined. What I thought would take a few weeks stretched into months, pushing my entire launch timeline forward. And to top it off, one day after yet another DMV appointment, the bus suddenly broke down on my way home and left me stranded on the side of the road.
As I sat there waiting for the tow truck, I remember thinking, What have I gotten myself into? Maybe I’d taken on more than I could handle. Maybe I should just sell the bus and walk away from the whole project.
But I’m so glad I didn’t.
Eventually, the registration came through, the engine was repaired, and things slowly started to fall into place. Even learning to drive the bus was its own adventure. I grew up driving a stick shift, but you really can’t compare that to a 50-year-old VW bus. The gear stick has a personality of its own and sometimes it takes a few deep breaths, a little gentle persuasion, and a whole lot of luck just to find what you’re looking for.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Salty Soul Photo Bus is a one-of-a-kind vintage 1975 Volkswagen split window surf bus that’s been transformed into a mobile photo booth for weddings, parties, and special events across San Diego. It’s not just a photo booth, it’s a full experience that brings fun, nostalgia, and a laid-back coastal vibe to any celebration.
What sets Salty Soul apart is the unique blend of vintage charm and modern technology, making it both an interactive entertainment piece and a stunning visual centerpiece. Unlike the more common bay window VW buses you typically see, Salty Soul features the rare split windshield and classic V-shape front, a true head-turner and conversation starter wherever it goes.
Here’s how it works: Guests pick a fun prop from the back of the bus, step inside, strike a pose, and within seconds two printed photo strips pop out. One can be placed in a guestbook with a message for the host, while the other becomes a keepsake to take home. It’s a total party starter and always a crowd favorite.
Salty Soul Photo Bus is perfect for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, brand activations, and can even be rented without the photo booth setup for styled photo shoots or mini sessions.
What I’m most proud of is turning something I love into a business that connects with people. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a business that lets me combine photography, design, and storytelling. Now I get to show up to events with this awesome vintage bus, watch people have fun with it, and know that I’m helping create moments they’ll remember. That feels pretty special.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That nothing about building a creative business, especially one involving a 50-year-old VW bus, goes exactly as planned. Things take time and usually a bit more patience than you expect. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, whether it’s a hiccup with the DMV, an engine that decides to quit on the side of the road, or trying to find second gear like it’s a hidden treasure. The biggest lesson has been to stay flexible, roll with the bumps (literal and figurative), and keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saltysoulphotobus.com and www.yolandakarlberg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltysoulphotobus_ and https://www.instagram.com/yolandakarlbergphotography
Image Credits
Yolanda Karlberg
