Motorcycles are synonymous with passion and hobby but that’s not all they also stand for stylish, sometimes rugged (read heavy bikes) and sometimes trendy (read scooters) rides. That is why anyone with a knack for photography always gets attracted to taking photos of different motorbikes. Let’s go through some helpful tips for motorcycle photography.
All about Motorcycle Photography
If you’re wondering what professional motorcycle photography is, well it is simply the art of taking photographs with professional cameras. Moreover, taking shots of moving bikes is called “panning.” If you have a good camera with a decent number of megapixels and you are all set to take motorcycle photographs as good as professionals.
Clicking great motorcycle photos also helps in selling them online.
Tips for Motorcycle Photography
Let’s go through some useful motorcycle photography tips.
Use a Quality Lens
The quality of the photograph depends on the camera’s lens quality. For professional motorcycle photography, you will need a lens with a wider aperture. In simple terms, aperture is the direct light pathway to the camera’s sensor. The wider the aperture, the more the light. This helps in taking low light shots.
Use Proper Lightning
If you are shooting indoors use continuous lighting. You can use coloured lights around the motorcycle as well. If you have garage lights, that helps too – you can also turn on the headlights of the motorbike itself. The photograph looks more alive when the motorcycle’s headlights are on.
On the other hand, if you are shooting outside, choose a location that compliments the bike’s colour but make sure the background is not very cluttered or distracting. For example, having trees in the background when taking photographs of a motorcycle, may make it look like the trees are sprouting out of the motorbike. This is also among popular professional photography tips.
Indoor or outdoor, be passionate when clicking motorbike photographs. Highlight the lines and curves of the motorcycle that give it a unique look.
Take a Landscape Side-on or Diagonal Photo at Hip Height
With motorcycle photography, the most common shot is the side-on one. The side angle gives a detailed insight into the motorbike, displays the controls and body, athletic and the aesthetic shape of it.
Usually, people who wish to place an ad of their motorcycle online or on Facebook/Instagram use a diagonal photo at hip height or side-on photo. This enables the buyers to have a detailed look at the motorcycle’s structure and style.
Keep the Motorcycle Upright
Motorcycles can lean over when they’re on their side stand, sometimes this can obscure the important details. To avoid this, always try to keep your motorcycle upright.
Following are the three common ways to keep a motorcycle upright for photography:
- Use a centre stand (most motorcycles don’t have one)
- Use a small bit of wood or anything about 3cm thick under the motorcycle sidestand’s foot
- To keep the rear wheel in place use a track stand
Express the Motorcycle’s Personality
Our motorcycles are as unique as we are. They have a personality of their own. Harley Davidson’s make for a rugged look, while standard bikes by Yahama dons a totally different look.
Therefore, when taking photos of motorcycles, make sure you capture their personality. Capture the individual spirit of each motorbike. Work with different colours and backgrounds.
Take a Video for Buyers
If you are going to sell the motorcycle, it is always an added bonus to take a small video of the motorcycle. A video where a ride is being taken on the motorbike helps online buyers have a closer look at the motorcycle’s structure, style and its operation.
On that note, if you are looking for a motorbike for yourself, take a look at these used motorcycles for sale in the UAE. You will find different types of motorcycles at different prices. Once you have a ride of your own, make sure you take care of it. Here are some key tips for motorcycle maintenance.
Stay tuned to your favourite cars blog for more on motorcycle photography, car photography and bicycle photography tips.
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