It is not every day that you get to photograph a mountain bike and its rider pedaling hard on rough trails. However, when you get to capture this scene and show the exhilarating sport that it is, plus the amazing view of the mountains and forest you pass by, then you can show just how great mountain biking really is.
Shooting mountain biking definitely has its challenges. After all, this is sports photography without the comfort of a smooth level floor or a roof above your head. You are definitely at the mercy of the elements.
Aside from getting all the tips you can for this kind of shoot, having carry devices for your gear will make everything easier and more comfortable. The SpiderLight family from Spider Holster is perfect for all your lightweight gears, cameras and GoPro during this kind of shoot.
Now, it’s time to learn what professional mountain biking photographers do.
Tip #1. Set your shutter speed accordingly.
Just like many sports, speed is a crucial element when photographing mountain biking. And because of this, adjusting your shutter speed to the right settings is very important. A shutter speed of 1/1000th or faster is helpful if you want to freeze your subject. Carrying devices with a quick draw feature, like the SpiderLight system, will complement your lightning speed reflexes to get elusive shots.
Tip #2. Do not get too caught up in all the action.
Photographers always realize too late that they have been paying attention to the subject all the time, forgetting the beautiful background behind them. Moreover, they almost always focus on the highlight of the biking activity and do no give a lot of thought to other aspects that contribute greatly to the story.
Tip #3. Do not stick only to close up shots or wide scenic shots. Get a mix of both.
Sometimes you get too many close-up shot and a little bit of scenic shots. And you would wish you have more of the latter. While getting the face of your subject on photo is important, having more details and variety can tell a better story and will pique the interest of your audience.
Tip #4. Talk to your subjects.
Communicate to the bikers what you want to capture in your photos before the shoot. This tip goes well for any kind of photography. And it certainly gets pretty good results. Just make sure you communicate well and use a two-way radio if you need to get something across to the athlete while shooting. You probably won’t hear each other even if you shout at the top of your lungs. The Spider Monkey Utility Pouch is best for your radio, phone and other essentials.
Tip #5. Position low when capturing cornering action.
Placing your camera on the ground gets a lot of details that you won’t capture while you’re on your feet. And the view of the biker will definitely be interesting in this position.
Tip #6. Be aware of what the athlete is wearing, from the clothes to the accessories.
When you are aware of the colors they wear, you can do some adjusting so the subject blends well or stands out from the background.
Tip #7. Shoot light.
This refers to lightweight equipment. It is a hassle shooting fast-paced action when you have too much gear with you. Investing in a carrying system like the SpiderLight system will help you carry your gear comfortably, yet securely. When you have to use your GoPro, the Action Camera Grip can be very useful. The Spider Backpacker Kit also allows you to carry your camera on your backpack strap while you ride or mount a GoPro camera for first person videos.
Tip #8. Set your camera focus beforehand.
Check the location, find out where you want your athlete to be and set your focus. You can also use the auto-focus lock button for this.
Tip #9. Be aware that you might need to shoot in dark places.
Mountain biking will make shoot in forests which are often dark. Be prepared for this and use fast lenses or those with an aperture of f/2.8 or better.
Tip #10. Avoid shooting during midday.
Doing so creates harsh light since the sun is directly overhead. Try doing your shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
These tips will definitely help you capture the best shots during your mountain biking shoot. Spider Holster products will also help make to make it easier and more comfortable for you, too.