Looking for tips on photographing a bicycle

[ph0enix]

I took these yesterday and I like at least a couple of them but I'm out of ideas as to what to do next:

1

2

3

4

5

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

J.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

What is your intent?

 

[Sisco]

Exactly what I was thinking? This is just for personal photos? Ads? Selling your bike?

These appear to be flat in their contrast, bump that up a notch or two, some tonal contrast would work wonders on details.

 

[KmH]

Light the bike (but only the bike). All of these are underexposed somewhat.

Get it away from that wall.

None of the shots really let your main subject 'pop'. Another way to describe 'pop' is: main subject matter that is well separated from the background.

Oh, be sure to put a blank line between each photo when you post, and number them if you post more than 3.

 

[KmH]

I brightened the exposure of the subject separately from the background, and I increased the mid-tone contrast to enhance detail:

 

[ChevyBaby]

I brightened the exposure of the subject separately from the background, and I increased the mid-tone contrast to enhance detail:

I don't think the edit helped this one!
Just reshoot, they just look so sad and gloomy!

 

[gsgary]

This is what i did with one of my bikes

 

[ChevyBaby]

...i think it's your choice of location that's making your image a bit unsatisfying you know. That's a gorgeous bike and a gorgeous shot but imagine it up against a background of a lit up road at night and skyscraping buildings or something, i don't know. i think that's what it is, for me

 

[ph0enix]

What is your intent?

I just bought the bike and I want to take a few good shots for myself and to share with other bike enthusiasts.
For example I would like to show the drive train in an interesting way but nothing comes to mind. I've looked at other bike photos online and to be honest they all seemed boring to me.
I'm definitely not good enough to want to get paid for it.

 

[Infidel]

FWIW, I think bicycles look a little "wimpy" if the chain is on the small chainring (granny gear). Why not throw it on the big ring for the photographs (I mean up front, not the rear cogs)? Also, if you're gonna do a re-shoot, you could make sure the valve stems are oriented in the same position for the front and rear wheels. You could also clean some of the road grime off of the brake caliper. Don't know if the 'dale has a cool head badge, but that's a nicely executed head tube nonetheless...great lines with the fork; show it off!!!

 

[ph0enix]

FWIW, I think bicycles look a little "wimpy" if the chain is on the small chainring (granny gear). Why not throw it on the big ring for the photographs (I mean up front, not the rear cogs)? Also, if you're gonna do a re-shoot, you could make sure the valve stems are oriented in the same position for the front and rear wheels. You could also clean some of the road grime off of the brake caliper. Don't know if the 'dale has a cool head badge, but that's a nicely executed head tube nonetheless...great lines with the fork; show it off!!!

Ah, this is the type of advice I was looking for. You're absolutely right about moving the chain to the big ring. I should have thought of that.

FYI: That's a standard/racing double so it doesn't really have a granny ring. I believe the term is reserved for the smallest ring on triple cranksets.

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

J.

 

[memento]

hide the valve stems behind the forks and seat stays.

 

[Infidel]

FYI: That's a standard/racing double so it doesn't really have a granny ring. I believe the term is reserved for the smallest ring on triple cranksets.

I suppose you're right...but perhaps it's all relative....either way, I meant the "easiest" gear.

 

[AoT]

This thread is a little old, but I'll throw in my 2 cents. In the first shot I'd suggest you take the photo from a little higher and move a little to the right. It's a much cleaner look when you've got the handle bars lined up. I'd second the suggestion that you put it in the big ring in front and add that you should also have it in the smallest cog in the back.

For other shots, you might want to do one down the drive train, from the front and the back.

 

[LiveStrong2009]

You can arrange the bike a bit like Trek has displayed, as far as crank arms, chainring, hidden valves.

It depends on your riding style, but if you consider flipping the stem, it will look more racy.

Consider removing bottle cages and computer head unit-- Is that a doublewireless? If that is the flextight bracket that cateye uses, that is such a simple removal/ reinstall. I really have not taken many interesting pics of my bikes, but bring it some place interesting.

Here is a shot I took before my interest in photography had sparked.

Awesome bike, love the force and rival!

GSGARY- Nice GS!