Motorcycles are sleek and powerful machines that any owner would want to show off. A simple snapshot of a motorcycle won’t do it proper justice. This machine deserves a proper photograph to show off every aspect about it, much like a family portrait shows off a family. Whether the pictures are to help sell a bike, or simply show off, the right tricks make for quality photos of any bike.
Lighting is important. Since most photos will be taken outdoors, either a high quality camera that can handle lots of light is required, or the picture should be taken later in the day when the sunlight is not as bright. A slightly cloudy day provides perfect coverage for a well-lit picture.
The typical pose for a motorcycle shot is to take the picture from the side with the owner posing on it. To sell a bike, a snapshot of all sides of the bike without a rider is ideal. Stand the bike up, and snap the shots. To show the owner in the photograph, have them straddle the bike and grip the handles as if they’re about to take off. They can look at the camera, or off into the horizon. Standing beside the bike with one hand on the seat is acceptable as well. Make sure to look happy. A motorcycle is something to be excited about.
After the photos have been taken, choose the best shots and do some touch-ups on the computer. Adobe Photoshop is excellent for these touch-ups. Adjust the contrast and the brightness of the photo until it is crisp, but not too bright or dark. Decide if you want the background of the picture to show the real scenery in the photo, or create a more dramatic effect. For a nice shot, a background in a beautiful location works well. If there are some random trees or a road behind the motorcycle, consider turning the background into a simple faded black. This focuses the attention on the motorcycle, and makes the photograph look more professional.
If you’re not looking for any fancy pictures, a few quick snapshots with a disposable camera will work. Take several shots from the same angle, a few with flash and a few with the flash off. Move back a few steps and then take a few steps forward. Different cameras have different viewing angles and may not work well without the flash, or may take in more of the picture than what you see when you look through the view finder. Keep these tips in mind, and any motorcycle photos you take will be perfect and captivating.
