Bike Photography Tips
Bike photography can be a lot of fun, especially if you are taking photos of a group of cyclists. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture great images of bikes. Here are a few tips on how to take good photos of cyclists.
Choose a location that has a lot of contrast
Where you choose to take your photos will greatly influence the quality of your shots. The best locations are ones where the environment is bright and has lots of contrast. This is especially true for capturing action shots of a group of cyclists. Bright lights, white buildings and bright blue skies work best for this type of shooting.
Find a location where the light is soft
When photographing a group of cyclists, you’ll need to make sure that the light source is soft and low. The sun will cast long shadows, making the riders look awkward. Also, avoid lighting from behind, as the rider may block the sun’s rays from hitting the camera.
Consider your exposure settings
You’ll want to have the correct exposure settings for the conditions. For example, if there are bright clouds, you’ll need to use a higher shutter speed than if there is no cloud cover. Try to shoot your photos in RAW format, so you can manipulate your images and see the final result in your editing program before printing.
Get the cyclist’s attention
One of the most difficult things to do when photographing cyclists is to get their attention. You’ll need to work on timing the flashes with the cyclists’ movements. You’ll need to get close to the cyclists, and position yourself between them and the flash. The best technique is to move away from the camera, so that the cyclist doesn’t think that the flash is part of the camera.
Use a tripod
A tripod allows you to hold your camera steady and make sure that the image is not blurred. If you want to take pictures of cyclists at different speeds, try to find a location that is smooth and flat. A tripod is a must for this.
Choose a suitable location.
Generally speaking, bicycle photography is best in the early morning or late afternoon. The reason for this is that the sunlight is softer and there is less shadow. In the early morning, the light is still cold but the shadows are short. In the afternoon, the sunlight is much warmer, but the shadows are long and deep. So you need to find the ideal spot where there is both a bright and sunny day.
Take photos on different backgrounds.
The background plays a big role in your photos. A white wall would create an unreal mood, a black and white image is perfect. And if you take a photo at night, the moonlight could add a romantic atmosphere. For example, take a picture in front of a building, in front of a mountain or by the sea.
Focus on the details.
You can use the detail as the key to the frame. The detail gives the whole scene its shape and adds interest. For example, you can photograph the wheels, seat post, tire tubes, chain, gears, saddle, brakes, brakes levers, brake pads, seat, pedals, handlebar, handlebar grips, hand brake, kickstand, frame, fork, rims, handlebars, handlebar grip, wheels, rear reflector, etc.
Set your camera up
The quality of your photographs depends on the quality of your equipment. If your camera has poor quality lenses, you will only be able to use it to take low quality photographs.
If you have a choice between a point and shoot camera and a full-frame digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera, the SLR is usually the better option. It is better than the point and shoot because you will have the flexibility to get the best possible image quality and the range of exposure settings available means that you will be able to capture the scene perfectly. If you choose a large sensor camera such as a Nikon D3 or D700, you will have the advantage of producing a larger image size which you can crop later on.
If you do not currently own a camera, there are many used cameras available from professional dealers and online auctions. You can buy second hand digital SLRs at reasonable prices and these will offer you a wide choice of lenses.
When choosing lenses, be aware that you need a zoom lens with a focal length range of 35mm to 200mm to cover the most popular photography situations. Some cameras also include an 18mm-200mm lens that will cover the same focal range. These lenses will cost more than the equivalent lenses that come with a SLR camera but the added cost will be more than repaid by the quality and versatility of the zoom lens.
When shooting, set the camera up to automatically focus. This is the easiest way of ensuring that your photos are sharp.
Shoot with a tripod if you can. The benefits are obvious: your camera will stay steady, the wind will not affect your photos, and the resulting image will be sharper and less likely to blur. Tripods can also be used to prevent unwanted movement when shooting on a moving bike.
Have a plan
Planning your photos will give you an idea of what is happening in your images. If you are shooting in a crowded area, try to imagine what the final image will look like.
Look for interesting compositions. The subject matter will be different depending on whether you are shooting on the road or in the countryside. For road photography, try shooting subjects with strong lines or curves to create a dramatic effect. In the countryside, take pictures of the trees, flowers, sky or buildings. You can crop the image later on if necessary.
Shoot what you like
Taking photos of the places that you enjoy will make your life easier. When you are out cycling, your mind will be free to wander. Take some time out of the saddle to go on a short walk or to visit an interesting sight.
You will be more likely to take a picture if you are interested in what you are seeing. The image of a cyclist riding along the seafront will probably look dull, while images of cyclists heading off to a cycle race will look exciting.
When photographing cyclists, try to find the key moment when the action is happening. If a rider has just overtaken you and you are taking a photo of the passing scene, it will look more dynamic if you are facing the direction that the riders have just taken.
Be prepared
Always carry a camera with you, even if you are not using it. It is best to be prepared for any eventuality and to know exactly where you want to take your photographs.
You can easily forget the location of an interesting landmark if you don’t have your camera on you. Always carry a spare memory card or hard drive to ensure that your camera continues to work.
Stand Up
Take a good stance and shoot a bike from the side and above. It’s important that the image you shoot conveys a feeling of speed or the power of a fast bike. The frame of the bike can be more important than the rider.
Shoot from the front.
There’s nothing quite like the view from the front. The rider’s face is visible, and there’s a sense of drama, as the headlight glints off their eyes. This is a great place to start your bike and cycling photography, but be careful not to get too close and get your subject splashed.
Be Creative
Try using a flash. It can light up a dark scene, giving the impression of nighttime, or a bright day. Try using several flashguns, aiming in different directions. They’re expensive, but if you’re keen on shooting the sunset, a tripod is essential.
Keep your camera steady.
If you want to capture a sharp image, you need to keep your camera still and steady, especially if you’re shooting a moving object, such as a cyclist on a motorbike or a race. If you’re taking photos of a rider, focus on the front wheel.
The rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds means that you should divide the frame of your shot into three sections, like the number three, and put the main subject in one third. This creates a more balanced composition.
Take Advantage of the Light.
The light changes as the day progresses. Get in front of the sun and shoot as the light changes.
Shoot with your lens cap on.
This will allow light to enter the camera and fill the sensor. If you shoot with your lens cap on, you won’t have to worry about the light coming in and out.
Be Aware of Camera Movement.
If you’re shooting a rider and the camera shakes, the result will look like a blurred image. To stop this, mount the camera on a tripod.
Take your time
Photography is not a race and taking photos will rarely require you to shoot within the shortest time possible. It is always worth pausing and taking a few minutes to compose a good photo. If you don’t have time to do this, then compose the photo with your camera set up on a tripod and take a few practice shots.
Don’t assume you will be able to shoot photos fast. If you are shooting action shots, you may find that you need to set up several shots in quick succession. Take time to take your photos.
Do not expect to capture the perfect moment; you will have to work hard to find a good picture. The more you take the more opportunities you will have to take good photos. You are likely to have to change the composition of the shot at some stage, so you might as well try to produce the best possible image in the first place.
Be patient
There will be times when you will not be able to get a clear shot. Don’t worry about it. Keep calm, compose the shot, and take a couple of extra shots. If you get a picture you are pleased with, don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out as you had hoped. It is much better to have one bad shot than no photos at all.
Remember that you are not a professional photographer and you will not be able to produce the highest quality images immediately. Be patient and work steadily towards your goal.
Use flash when needed
If you are photographing a street scene, take time to find the right angle for your photo. You might not get a great shot unless you are shooting into the sun. You will also need to avoid direct sunlight which can cause reflections in your lens.
Even if you are photographing outside in daylight, try to position yourself so that you are shooting into the shade. This will prevent your image from being too bright and will help you capture an accurate reflection of the scene.
Have Fun
Remember to have fun! You may feel nervous taking photos, but if you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll be more relaxed and less likely to make silly mistakes.
Bike Photography Ideas
