Motorcycle Photography
There are a few common elements, whether it's in the comfort of my own garage, within driving distance in my truck, or on another continent.
These example show that you need a main light to provide the drama, a broad fill light to cut the gloom, reflectors to beautify the chrome, and spotlights to provide highlights. That sound like a lot? It's not if you develop a system and practice it a few times.
The examples below use studio flashes, tungsten hot lights, or multiple AA battery lights. You can get something from every situation, at home or on travel if you prepare for it.
Read MoreThese example show that you need a main light to provide the drama, a broad fill light to cut the gloom, reflectors to beautify the chrome, and spotlights to provide highlights. That sound like a lot? It's not if you develop a system and practice it a few times.
The examples below use studio flashes, tungsten hot lights, or multiple AA battery lights. You can get something from every situation, at home or on travel if you prepare for it.
Shooting at a show
The Idaho Vintage Motorcycle Club lets me set up a double vendor booth at their indoor show. There's electricity available so I can use studio flashes. In front of the engine is a small softbox as a main light; to the left is a larger softbox for general lighting; and to the right I have a spotlight to put an accent light on the front of the engine. A white reflector cloth below and a white board under the camera give the chrome a uniform polish. The black felt background gets rid of visual clutter. The spot light in the upper left is not aimed into the picture; it's just bleeding power off of the softbox below.
