Ice cream van hire · London & Home Counties
Ice cream van hire for photo shoots
A classic red or cream ice cream van as a backdrop or prop for fashion, editorial and brand photography.
An ice cream van says summer, nostalgia and Britishness in one frame. That is why stylists and art directors book them for fashion lookbooks, editorial shoots, social content and campaign photography. Our vans carry traditional Mr. Whippy and Wall's livery, one in red and one in cream, which suit different palettes and moods. Both are real working vans, not dressed props.
For a shoot, the van needs to look right and stay where it is put. Our vans serve on battery power, so the freezers run on batteries and there is no engine running between shots, no exhaust drifting through the frame and no noise for anyone on set to talk over. That makes it easier to place models close to the hatch and to keep the set calm.
We can also serve real ice cream for the shoot: a fresh 99, a Knickerbocker Glory or a dripping waffle cone made at the moment the photographer is ready. Soft serve melts quickly under lights and sun, so timing matters. We will work with the photographer and stylist to have each one ready on cue. We can also supply a cone that has been left to drip, if that is the look you want.
Why our vans suit it
- Two looksRed and cream vans give you two different colour stories. Tell us your palette and we will suggest which suits it.
- No fumes in the frameNo exhaust and no engine running while we are parked means a clean frame and comfortable conditions for models standing at the van.
- Fresh product on cueWe make ice creams as the photographer is ready, so every shot has a fresh, well-shaped cone rather than a melting one.
01
Choose the van colour
Decide early between the red and the cream van, and share mood boards if you have them. We will confirm availability for that van on your date.
02
Secure the location
Shooting on public land may need a permit from the council or landowner. Make sure the van is covered in any parking or filming arrangements.
03
Plan the product shots
Give us a shot list for ice cream close-ups. Soft serve holds its shape briefly, so we time each cone for the moment the camera is ready.
04
Consider the light
The van can be repositioned between set-ups, within reason. Talk to us about where you want it for morning and afternoon light.
Questions people ask
- Can we choose the red or the cream van?
- Yes, subject to availability on your date. Tell us your preference when you enquire, and send any mood boards or references. We will confirm which van is booked for you. If the shoot depends on one colour, we will tell you straight away if it is already taken, so you can adjust the date.
- Will the ice cream melt under the lights?
- Soft serve starts to soften within a short time under hot lights or sun. We make each one fresh when the photographer is ready, and can keep producing replacements through the shoot so you always have a good-looking cone. Shooting the cones first in each set-up helps.
- Can the van move between set-ups?
- Within reason, yes. The van can be repositioned on the location between set-ups, as long as the ground and access allow. Let us know the plan in advance so we can allow time. Moving the van takes a few minutes, as nothing needs unplugging.
Read before you book
Other occasions
- Film and TVA battery-powered ice cream van, silent while serving, for crew catering at unit base or as a picture vehicle in shot.
- Product launchesA classic ice cream van that draws people to your launch, photographs well and works close to the stage without noise or fumes.
- Brand activationsA battery-powered ice cream van that stops people in their tracks, with experience working alongside brands such as Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG.
Book a van for photo shoots
Get your free quote in minutes and secure your date with London's premier eco-friendly ice cream service.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message us on 020 8088 5431Limited dates available, book early to avoid disappointment.