How can I photograph bicycles and cyclists in motion with a Nikon D40x?
Asked 10/13/2011
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2 answers
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I have a Nikon D40x with the 18-55mm kit lens and want to take attractive photos of bicycles, plus some shots of cyclists riding. I like the look of images with strong color, contrast, and subject separation similar to stylish bike photography blogs. I'm still learning the technical side of photography, so I'd like simple guidance on gear and settings.
What kind of lens would help for this style, especially if I may upgrade camera bodies later? Also, besides shooting RAW, what techniques or camera settings should I focus on for both static bike shots and riders in motion?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
2
Quite a few things going on here. I'll go over a few items that will help get you images such as this, but the questions you are asking could fill a book, so I'll keep it high level.
These images were created with a lens that is capable of a large aperture, such as f/1.8 that is found in the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens. That blurs the background, and actually gives a shallow depth of field.
It is likely that an amount of post processing in Photoshop or a similar program is required to achieve the coloring and contrast of these images.
Beyond that I would say that no special ISO was used or setting on the camera. You just would want to make sure that you are forcing your aperture to open up wide to a value such as f/1.8.
If you are concerned about compatibility with future camera bodies, and are interested in a lens that offers a large aperture at a "normal" focal length you may want to try the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D as a secondary lens.
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For the look you linked, a fast lens is the main gear upgrade. A lens with a wide maximum aperture, such as a 50mm f/1.8, can give you stronger subject separation and background blur. Note that this is actually shallow depth of field, not big depth of field.
For static bike shots, use a wide aperture when you want that blurred background look. Your kit lens can still work, but it won’t blur the background as strongly as a faster lens. RAW helps, and post-processing is also important for the final color, contrast, and polished look.
There isn’t one special ISO or camera mode that creates this style by itself. The key is controlling aperture and learning how that affects the image. If your goal is the blurred-background aesthetic, prioritize a wide aperture.
For cyclists in motion, learn panning. Track the rider with the camera as they move and shoot while following them. This helps keep the rider sharper while showing motion in the background, which makes action shots feel more dynamic.
In short: use a fast prime for the styled still shots, shoot RAW, expect to do some editing, and practice panning for riders in motion.
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