Good motorcycle photos and videos tell the story of a ride: the bike, the road and the landscape. A few techniques make a big difference, whether you use a phone, an action camera or a full camera kit.
Still photos of the bike
Light is everything. Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon (“golden hour”), when soft, warm light brings out the shape and paint without harsh reflections. Avoid midday sun, or find open shade.
Angles: a three-quarter front view, slightly below the height of the tank, is the classic shot. Turn the front wheel slightly so the rim faces the camera. Get low for drama; shoot details (badges, engine, instruments) up close.
Background: a clean, uncluttered background makes the bike stand out. Roads curving into the distance, mountains or industrial walls work well. Watch for poles, bins and other bikes in the frame.
Photos of riders in action
Panning shots, where the bike is sharp and the background blurred, convey speed. Use a shutter speed around 1/60 to 1/125 of a second and follow the bike smoothly as it passes. Burst mode helps. Shoot from a safe spot well away from the road, and never stand on the outside of a corner.
Ride videos
Action cameras such as GoPro or Insta360 are the usual choice. Mounting positions each give a different view:
- Chin mount on the helmet: shows the dashboard, handlebars and road, close to the rider’s view.
- Helmet top or side: higher and more stable view, follows your head.
- Bike mounts on the tank, handlebar or rear: interesting angles of the bike and wheels.
Use the camera’s stabilization, a resolution of at least 1080p (4K for editing flexibility), and a frame rate of 60 fps for smooth motion. Wind noise ruins audio; use the camera’s wind reduction setting or an external microphone with a windscreen, often placed inside the helmet.
Storytelling
Mix shot types: wide landscapes, close-ups, the rider’s view, still moments at stops. Keep edits short; most viewers prefer three minutes of the best moments to an hour of raw footage. Free and paid editing apps make this easy.
Stay safe and legal
Set up cameras before riding and never handle them while moving. Check local rules on helmet mounts; some countries restrict them. Respect privacy when filming people and avoid publishing other drivers’ plates in a way that targets them. And never ride differently just to get a shot.
For more gear, see camera mounts and other gadgets, and for inspiration, the best motorbike documentaries and movies.
