Help photographing old bikes

[GrahamNfk]

For years I've tried to make interesting images involving my bikes, and for years I've failed to create anything remotely interesting. It seems that while I can appreciate a good photograph, I've never developed the 'eye' to create one myself. So it's probably high-time I asked for help and advice.

 

My efforts so far include these:

 

Wafting the lanes on a BSA Light Tourist

 

 

Royal Sunbeam stopped for a rest

 

Ditto, really!

 

Looking a Lucas in the eye

 

A bunch of bikes

 

A BSA Light Tourist leaning against one of the few original apple trees in the former Gaymers orchard

 

Dull, just really dull.

 

Comments and suggestions really welcomed. I'd love to end 2014 with a really splendid portfolio of bike pictures, so I will act upon any constructive advice offered. I suspect it's a change of thought process that's required.

 

Cameras used were entirely random from pocket Kodaks to a borrowed Oly E-PL1 and a mobile phone with wonky lens.

 

[NannyFerret]

I'm liking them all.

I like especially the handlebar one and the BSA light tourist leaning against the tree, but they are all interesting shots.

Keep them coming.

Oh, I forgot the lamp. Amazing!

[Denis]

Definitely the lamp and the Bicycle/signpost combos work for me.

 

I tried the multi cycle shot outside a hotel in Holland last year and also a line up of bicycles in Cambridge.  Frames and handlebars shot from a lower prospective seem to work better. So, if anything Graham try getting a tad lower when shooting the bikes

[GrahamNfk]

So, if anything Graham try getting a tad lower when shooting the bikes

I'll give that a go tomorrow, thanks for the input. :-)

[bugmeister]

One problem with something like a bike is that they are extremely thin for their length which can make them seem very 2D.

 

Using another prop such as a tree or signpost can add that little extra depth needed to stop it looking flat, just as you have done with the apple tree, That is the pick of the crop (sorry) for me.

 

Another point, the direct side-on shot is good for a record or sales shot where you need the details, but as a picture with interest it tends to fall a bit flat. 

 

The detail shot of the lamp works well by the way.

[colinb]

4, 5 and 6 are fine, but I would like a little human interaction possibly dressed for the period/age of bike. Understandably difficult but I do think it would add interest, which brings me to the sign post picture- good idea but poorly composed and I too think you should have shot lower down aiming up as currently the sign tends to be the dominant item. 

 

But - all interesting and worth pursuing and I would suggest you consider a 'blog' with info on each bike? 

[GrahamNfk]

Thankyou for all the input. Weather permitting I'm going to head off out tomorrow and have a photo session with one of the bikes

[David]

I like all the mono ones best and I think the lucas lamp shot is really great - interesting, different and artistic - that's the shot of the set for me

[ChrisLumix]

1. I like, but think it would be better if it faded to blur before the eye leaves the picture, either that or sharp all through - it's neither one or the other.

 

2. Nearly there I think - as others have said, a lower POV would be even better.

 

3. Bit of a cliché for me - sorry! 

 

4. Good potential but a bit cluttered - not easy to see the main subject which is presumably the ancient lamp?

 

5. Again, nearly there - try cropping most of the rest of the front wheels out, and maybe the saddles too? It would simplify it in my view.

 

6. Very good. One small thing : could you have included the whole of the front wheel and lost a little background at the top?

 

7. The dullness is not due to the picture of the bike but where you've placed it; in a different, very contrasting or even surprising setting, it would work very well.

 

Hope that critique helps. I do really think most of those pictures display care and thought, and have real potential. Keep posting!

[annie]

that's a nice set,,,,different.

 

i think the bike leaning against the tree would be my fav shot, has a nostalgic feel to it.

[Kobione]

The first one, going down the lane and the apple tree one for me, Graham. I think you have started an interesting subject anyway, good luck with your pictures, and keep 'em coming.

[Guest]

I have never tried to take photos of bikes but here's a few thoughts:

 

1) they are all static, try to introduce some movement e.g. try #1 when going flat out with a slow shutter speed (1/20th?)

 

2) they are all taken from handle bar level or above - ever fallen off? try a shot from there.

 

3) many have intrusive backgrounds - try your widest aperture.

[GrahamNfk]

One never falls off 

 

...but if I ever do, I'll try to remember the camera, if only for your amusement  

[Korky]

I quite like the signpost shot - I don't think it's cliched, but I'm no expert on bikes or photographing them, or riding them or mending punctures.

 

I just wondered if this image might be more interesting if some additional props were used. Would an old rucksack, a flask, a packed lunch and a road map turn it into a sort of outdoor still life? Or am I just piling on the cliches?

 

Korky

[GrahamNfk]

I quite like the signpost shot - I don't think it's cliched, but I'm no expert on bikes or photographing them, or riding them or mending punctures.

 

I just wondered if this image might be more interesting if some additional props were used. Would an old rucksack, a flask, a packed lunch and a road map turn it into a sort of outdoor still life? Or am I just piling on the cliches?

 

Korky

Yes, I think that would add to the historical interest and add lots of colour to the pics. I nearly did that a while ago, but I should expand upon it. This one I can see what I was trying and failing to do.

 

 

I always have a Primus bolted to whichever bike I'm out on for the day, and a Brown Betty teapot in the saddlebag at all times. Usually I have a Victorian copper kettle too, but I was travelling light this day and opted for the new-fangled aluminium one. I think a nice picnic set-up with bike forming a backdrop could work well.

[ChrisLumix]

Here's my best bike picture. What, it's total cr*p, I hear you say? Maybe. But it was taken without a camera

 

[GrahamNfk]

Here's my best bike picture. What, it's total cr*p, I hear you say? Maybe. But it was taken without a camera

 

pinhole bike 11-1975.jpg

Spill the beans! I won't sleep until I know how you did it 

[ChrisLumix]

Spill the beans! I won't sleep until I know how you did it 

 

You're probably too young to remember Instamatic 126 film? It was spooled into a cartridge and you just dropped the cartridge into the camera then sent it off when completed.

 

Well, this was a B&W Instamatic cartridge with a black card cube taped to the film plane, and a needle used to create a pinhole in the exact centre of the front of the cube. A separate square of card was held over the front with a rubber band. The cartridge was placed on a firm surface, and the card 'shutter' removed for about 30 seconds, then replaced. A pencil was used to wind each frame on. This was one of the better and more usable exposures that resulted!

[GrahamNfk]

You're probably too young to remember Instamatic 126 film? It was spooled into a cartridge and you just dropped the cartridge into the camera then sent it off when completed.

Yes, yes I am. Definitely, absolutely, yes, far far too young  

 

...and 620, and 127, and all the others, never heard of 'em, no siree...

[NannyFerret]

I'm not!!! I owned a 126 Instamatic.Now that is scary 

[GrahamNfk]

I'm not!!! I owned a 126 Instamatic.Now that is scary 

Don't feel bad, mine was a Reflex Brownie with 127 roll film

[ChrisLumix]

I'm not!!! I owned a 126 Instamatic.Now that is scary 

 

I had a Brownie 127 as a child! And my first ever camera (as a student) was a 126 Instamatic.

[FUJI]

Back to the question ......How to photograph old bikes......

Might seem too obvious, but wouldn't it be great if you could find costumes for willing models and props from the era a particular bike came from......or......according to what use the bike was put in its day?

FUJI

[GrahamNfk]

Back to the question ......How to photograph old bikes......

Might seem too obvious, but wouldn't it be great if you could find costumes for willing models and props from the era a particular bike came from......or......according to what use the bike was put in its day?

FUJI

Yes, but possibly easier said than done. Not impossible, though One of the attendees of my annual bike ride always shows up in a 1950s nurses uniform, and looks splendid on her old basket-equipped Raleigh.

 

...and I look stunnin' in a nurses outfit

 

But yes, props could well be the answer, both human and otherwise. I think it's going to be a good fun project for the warmer weather

[annie]

my first ever camera was an ilford pixie...my sister got it for me for xmas in 1967...i was still using it in the 80s we have a complete album full of snaps from it, the album is now in my eldest sons possesion, i have no idea why..