Hi guys, I thought I'd pick your collective brains on this.  I have a Nikon D800 digital camera, a sweet piece of kit with a couple of sensational lenses with phhotoshop on the laptop to do the post production work on the images.  I'm learning how to use the camera,  maybe check out an online course so I can best use this stuff.  Now, my question to you all is, what tips and tricks have you found successful in photographing these amazing pieces of machinery, our beautiful bikes?  I can't get enough of getting out on mine, and I'm really keen on taking some really good photos, both of riding and in situ if there's a good back ground to compliment the bike, as well as recording the memories of some great rides which no doubt will come in the future.  I'm looking at getting some proper portable lighting stuff later so that I can really get the best images around the place, maybe even set something up in the shed too?

Also, has anyone had their pride and joy photographed professionally, where, with whom and how did they turn out?  I am happy to do some shots of your bikes should the opporunity arise, and no I am not looking for paying customers here, just experience and sharing the passion we all have.  I guess you'll want a memory stick thing to put the images on, after all the photos will be of your bikes : )   I'm open to all ideas re taking the photos, as this is something that is turning into a bit of a passion for me and I really want to be great at it.  Practice makes perfect so they say, so what are your experiences, successes and, well, not so succesful.  

Your thoughts and input are appreciated blokes, so please, what do you suggest?

Cheers

Don't take photos that include your shadow. Use flash always, brings out the detail in dark areas, unless you're specifically trying to set up a dark shot. Keep backgrounds uncluttered if possible. use a monopod, tripod or gorillapod for steady shots.

Nice shot chinashop bull, how did you do the lighting?

That's what I love about your work china. Too many wanna be photographers buying up big and still not knowing how to use a simple camera properly let alone take a photo.... I recently ripped into my wife's friends that are like this! Glade they don't come around no more!

My advise - start simple and work out/learn the basics first. Learn to take a good shot, rather than taking 500 and pickng a good one.

T1

Always include naked women........and post away on here!

 

Lighting

Location

Subject

 

Those are the big 3, Understanding how light works is the big aspect. Once you get your head around that and basic photographic knowledge (aperture, shutterspeed and ISO) it all falls into place.

I am a professional automotive photographer and it all boils down to those three things. http://500px.com/chrisbrasher

 

As said above, plenty of muppets out there with all the gear and no idea. But nice gear can make the difference, as a bit of a Promo for Sony I did a full series using their compact Nex Series showing that it's not so much the size of the camera, but rather the ideas and person behind the lens.

 

Here is a quick disgusting snap I took of my 48 after having a thai feed the other night. It's a rubbish rush job lol

 

If you have any specific question feel free to drop me a line.

 

CB

Thanks for the advice all, and yes it's a pointless having the gear and not knowing how to use it, worse still pretending that you can. I use my iphone camera heaps as well, and get some half decent photos from it But like anything, I can improve on what I'm doing with my photography.

Here is a good site for on line courses http://www.lynda.com/

Thanks jpc72, I'll check it out!

Here is another good site ofr photography.
http://kelbyone.com/