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5 Cycling Photography Tips for Better Bicycle Photos

Photography is really fun and can be done by anyone, but when it comes to cycling photography, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So, what makes cycling photography different from others?

Well, while performing cycling photography, you have to capture the action, speed, motion, power, emotions, and so on. And trust me, maintaining all the aspects is not that hard if you follow the proper cycling photography tips.

However, some of the core cycling photography tips for better bicycle photos are:

  • Select the right camera and lens
  • The ideal location and timing are essential
  • Try to be familiar with shutter speeds and ISO
  • Take panning photos
  • And don’t stick to a single perspective

Want to learn more about them in detail? In that case, follow this article to learn about all of them and other related aspects.

Is Cycling Photography Really Difficult?

Cycling photography: cyclist in camera
What makes cycling photography different from others?

Whenever you want to click some good cycling photos, one thing you will surely hear is that cycling photography is hard. Well, it’s one of the core misconceptions that many photographers have, but the truth is completely different.

Many people find cycling photography tough because they don’t follow the requirements that could give the desired output. Let me clear up your confusion, it’s not tough if you follow the proper cycling techniques.

Start with getting quality photography gear; it could be interchangeable lens cameras or an action camera like the Apeman action came. Then select the landscape, click some action, and don’t forget to try different perspectives.

Maintaining all the basic rules can give you a magnificent cycling shot.

Cycling Photography Tips for Better Bicycle Photos

Here is the main part, which is how to take better bicycle photos while performing cycling photography. As I have already said, you can use either interchangeable lens cameras or action cameras for this task, and here I’ll show tips for both of them.

Check out the section below to discover some pro tips for both types of cameras:

1. Select Location & Time:

Cycling photography tips: cyclist going downhill
Cycling photography tips: choose a time when the sunlight is low.

The first thing you need to do is choose the right place and time. Well, try bicycle photography when the sunlight is low, like in the afternoon. And always take shots from the corner area. From that angle, you can easily get the best and widest view of any photographic subject.

2. Cameras

After selecting the place and time, now it’s time to pick the camera. Well, you can use interchangeable lens cameras or action cameras. When it’s about DSLR cameras, you must consider the lenses. On the other hand, you’ll have no lens option on action cameras.

Cycling Photography Tips for DSLR Camera

Cycling photography tips: DSLR camera
If you’re using a DSLR camera, then lenses matter more than the brand of the camera.

If you’re using a DSLR camera, then lenses matter more than the brand of the camera. Here are the lens types that you must have on your DSLR camera:

  • Make sure you have a zoom or prime lens for close shots
  • The use of a telephoto lens can help you focus on a single thing from a long distance
  • Try to use a wide-angle lens to cover a wide area.

Cycling Photography Tips for Action Camera

Cycling photography tips: action camera
Action cameras are really fun. Image source: Deposit Photos

When it’s about action cameras, then you have to look for several features like:

  • The image resolution and fps
  • Camera stabilization facility
  • Image Format
  • Shooting modes and so on.

Note: To learn more about action camera features and facilities, you can read the best action camera review on gottapics.

3. Keep Shutter Speeds & ISO In Mind

Cycling photography tips: a time-trialing cycilst
You can easily take a picture of any object when the object is not moving. But if you’re taking photographs of any moving object, like a time-trialing cyclist, the shutter speed and ISO needs special attention.

You can easily take a picture of any object when the object is not moving. But if you’re taking photographs of any moving object, the shutter speed and ISO needs special attention.

No matter if you’re using an action camera or DSLR camera, always try to set the shutter speeds and ISO at their maximum levels. Both are extremely effective at getting a bright and sharp image of any moving object.

Therefore, you can easily capture some quality bicycle photos while the cyclist is riding the bike.

4. Utilize Panning Photography

Woman riding a bicycle
Panning photography will allow you to capture the illusion of motion.

This tip is for DSLR cameras, and if you want to take some good cycling photography, then panning photography is a must. It will allow you to capture the illusion of motion.

And to do so, set the shutter speed at a low or medium level, and don’t forget to work on the focus. Here are the steps you need to follow for panning photography:

  • Point your lens at your subject (the cyclist) and let your camera focus on the subject
  • Then depress the shutter buttons and gently move the camera with the cycle

In the beginning, it can be super tough to perform panning photography, but with proper practice, you can become a master at it.

5. Don’t Stick To One Perspective

Cyclist going downhill
You should try to take photos from different angles.

Last but certainly not least, my last tip is to never stick to a single perspective. What I’m trying to say is that you should try to take photos from different angles. No matter if you’re using a DSLR or action camera, trying this technique can really help.

Along with a different angle, try switching your location. While using an action camera, consider the resolution, frame rate, and camera stabilization settings. And for DSLR cameras, try to ensure proper settings of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture for excellent results.

Note: All the aforementioned tips are extremely effective and can provide you with the best shot possible. Plus, when it comes to photography, tons of tips can be given, but it’ll be super tough to practice. So, stick with simple tips and enjoy your photography.

Closing Thoughts

Now you have a pretty good idea about cycling photography and also know how to take better bicycle photos. Plus, you also know the usability of different types of cameras to take better photos.

So, no matter if you want to do photography with an action camera or a basic lens camera, always try to follow the rules I’ve mentioned above. I can assure you that following these tips can give you the best output that you’ll love.

Always try to perform photoshoots in the afternoon; select your location and click with confidence.

Robert Farnum

By Robert Farnum

I'm a content writer who loves to write about trends and topics that are relevant to the modern consumer. My aim is to provide readers with in-depth tips and advice on how to improve their lifestyle and style.

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