Taking decent photos of bikes. Your tips (and results).

[john]

I always fail. Maybe we could have some user tips how to get good snaps.

Here are a couple of useful sites I found in my travels...

http://raydobbins.com/photosetup.htm

http://www.43bikes.com/photosecrets.html

 

[legrandefromage]

plain contrasting background

dont show a green bike on green grass etc

 

[Tallpaul]

Great idea

I've only taken one good bike photo in my life, and i'm pretty sure someone who knows better can point out a long list of things that are wrong (and not just the modern tyres).

 

[JeRkY]

Indeed its all about the setting. My favourites are close ups against grass, overall shots against stone/rendered walls in bright sunlight in order to catch the shadows. Take a million shots from slightly different angles then when back home spend the evening chosing your faves.

 

[legrandefromage]

I like this shot but I couldnt get it right without getting run over (by another cyclist)

My angles need to be straight, the bike needed to be level and off slightly to right/left to make the composition right.


This beach one took ages to set-up, wanted to do it without the rucksack but the wind wasnt quite strong enough to hold the bike up:

 

[REKIBorter]

This shot is great, probably my best, but generally I have problems, either getting them in focus or fitting the whole bike in whilst still showing the details.

Plain background deffo helps as does shooting in shadow.

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

double

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

 

[dyna-ti]

I try to use a tripod where possible[ok not an easy thing to carry around]but if im taking them at home,thats what i like to use.
The problem these digital cameras share is its stabiliity,conquer that and its a breeze
I then take about 30 pics using different settings with and without flash/macro etc
Then i go through them all picking the best

When im outside i set the camera up on a flat surface and use the timer countdown

 

[kaiser]

I guess moving to where hairstream lives isn't a helpful tip :roll: