General Cycling Discussion - <<< Photography and Cycling >>>

Does anyone else get into photography when riding? I doubt some of the hard-core roadies do but for those who like to take things a little slower it's probably fairly popular.

I can't wait to get out there (still waiting on bike to ship) and start taking pictures!

:thumb:

I do a lot of photography stuff (http://www.flickr.com/derango/ is my flickr account. It's a hobby of mine). Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.

A long time ago I sometimes carried a Yaschicamat TLR on rides.
Really appreciate small digital cameras.

I've just recently gotten into photography, or more deeply into photography (bought the DSLR, started posting on photography sites, etc.), but I've been taking photos of where I ride for years with my P&S.

My Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-bb/sets/

I do a lot of photography stuff (http://www.flickr.com/derango/ is my flickr account. It's a hobby of mine). Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.


You could get a fair sized handlebar bag. That seems to be how a lot of people do it on bicycle tours. Or you could buy a smaller high end P&S. I just bought a Panasonic Lumix LX5. There's also Canon's S100 and Nikon's P7000 and Samsung's TL-500 and a few others worth considering. I think the small size and quality are a good compromise, although I've never owned a DSLR. Anyway I carry my new camera with my all the time in a padded case on the belt of my backpack but I find walking gives me many more opportunities to shoot. Biking is just too fast and I don't wanna stop to take out the camera and take a picture when I'm already going.

When I'm on tour I'm always stopping to take photos. A good job I tour solo or I would drive fellow-travellers crazy.

On my everyday rides I just use a little cell phone an only take unusual stuff, roadside animals, flood and disaster, good rainbows, vintage vehicles etc.

...I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :) ...If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.

I have a backpack camera bag for my DSLR. It's like a sling over one shoulder and a strap that connects at mid chest level. I use it when we go to the amusement park and such. It's the best way to remain hands free, yet I can release the strap and access my gear quickly.

...Biking is just too fast and I don't wanna stop to take out the camera and take a picture when I'm already going.

That's why I purchased a hybrid. I want to take it a bit slower and enjoy the scenery because my hobby is photography. As my dad use to say, "If you try and rush through life each day you wind up missing the best moments."

That always seemed to stick in my mind for some reason and he's always been right.

I'm just getting into cycling so going fast hasn't really been a thought at the moment. The guys at the bike store said give it time and it will. Most people upgrade their bikes for that very reason, to go faster. Maybe that will happen to me one day but for now....I'm taking her slow and easy my friend. :)

I have a backpack camera bag for my DSLR. It's like a sling over one shoulder and a strap that connects at mid chest level. I use it when we go to the amusement park and such. It's the best way to remain hands free, yet I can release the strap and access my gear quickly.

Yeah, I actually tried that the other day. My "small" camera bag is a Tamrac Velocity 7x sling bag. But I found I couldn't get it to stay centered on my back and it felt lopsided.

A good Point and shoot is probably the way to go, but I just spent all my disposable income on the bike ;)

I do a lot of photography stuff (http://www.flickr.com/derango/ is my flickr account. It's a hobby of mine). Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.

Nice photos! I'm getting into photography but unfortunately there aren't many interesting views around here - within my current cycling range at least! I tend to just sling my camera bag over my shoulder (quite a small one) and use the waist strap on my rucksack to stop it from swinging around like crazy.

Anyway, seeing as we're exchanging Flickrs, http://www.flickr.com/photos/74451323@N02/

Anyway, seeing as we're exchanging Flickrs, http://www.flickr.com/photos/74451323@N02/

Not to derail this thread further, but Nice! I've been meaning to try some light painting stuff at some point...

I just started using Lo-Fi plastic toy cameras on my rides.

I have one of those smaller Topeak bags that fit on the stem. It is just the right size for my Panasonic point and shoot. I like to take pictures when cycling on vacation and them use the images as wallpaper on my computer when I get home.

I do a lot of photography stuff (http://www.flickr.com/derango/ is my flickr account. It's a hobby of mine). Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.

I have carried mine in a pannier on my touring bicycle, but it does take up quite a bit of room. I tend to use it if we're driving somewhere, or at home. My favourite types of photographs are little scenes set up in my "studio".

OK, so I use the term "studio" very loosely :D ... I set up my backdrop and scene on my dining room table.

As for cycling, my point & shooot works quite well. I've been impressed with the quality of most of the photos. And my most recent one has a lot more settings, a lot more user control.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtytiger/

In the last year or so, I have been carrying my film cameras on almost every ride... Little camera bag inside the backpack... It's either my Yashica Electro 35, Yashica fx-3, or Minolta sr-t 201 (35mm full sensor all of them;) )... I like the fact that I can stop and park anywhere I want with my bike and take a picture. Mobility and versatility... My Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67136957@N08/) ...

I use to have a Flickr account with nearly 1,000 photos but paying the monthly fee wasn't something I needed to keep doing so I took it off line. No, it wasn't a huge fee but then again my photos weren't making me any money so...

Anyway, I may open an account back up on Photobucket, which seems to be a better platform. At least it's rated much higher by people. I'm sure there is a cost to that also but now that I'm getting more into cycling my photos will be geared more towards that so starting over isn't a problem. I still have all my photos backed up if I felt the need to upload again.

Yes, I've often thought about ditching my heavy/bulky DSLR and purchasing a quality P&S which would more than likely out perform my Nikon and three lenses. But again, that's more money I don't really have right now.

I'd love a small P&S that is water proof and rugged. Kinda like those ones folks use for hiking. I've seen them on eBay. That way it would be MUCH easier to carry while cycling and if I got caught out in the rain or dropped it, no worries!

If riding just to go fast is what's important to you, don't bother with a camera, no matter how plain and simple or how expensive and fancy. If you ride as I generally do, to see the sights and record what appeals, then by all means, do it! And even when it's just a straight-down-to-the-farmers'-market-and-back ride, I take the P&S.

That's why I purchased a hybrid. I want to take it a bit slower and enjoy the scenery because my hobby is photography. As my dad use to say, "If you try and rush through life each day you wind up missing the best moments."

That always seemed to stick in my mind for some reason and he's always been right.

I'm just getting into cycling so going fast hasn't really been a thought at the moment. The guys at the bike store said give it time and it will. Most people upgrade their bikes for that very reason, to go faster. Maybe that will happen to me one day but for now....I'm taking her slow and easy my friend. :)

I think you misunderstood me. I actually go comparatively slow. My bike is a 30 lb beast that I hate carrying up stairs. I'm not a racer by any means. I don't use brifters or SPDs or wear lycra, but I miss a lot of photo opportunities biking even at 10 or mph compared to walking at 2mph. Btw, I live in Korea so cities are pretty densely populated. I could miss a lot in a single block. Walking with a neck strap is the best way to take pictures here, but still I carry my little P&S in a belt pouch just in case I stop at a park or cafe or see something interesting.

No, I didn't misunderstand you I just didn't have enough detail. lol I always say that to my wife. ha... No need to explain...I guess the difference is I won't mind stopping once I get going. ;) For me that will be half the fun! Cycling/Photography. In time, once I get in better shape... I'll be riding more for serious exercise/speed I'm sure.

LYCRA ROCKS!! jk..

I do a lot of photography stuff (http://www.flickr.com/derango/ is my flickr account. It's a hobby of mine). Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.

Put it in a camera bag, and put the camera bag inside a big t-shirt balled up and then put that in the bottom of a backpack to distribute the weight out.

Sometimes I carry my camera in a pack while I'm biking, thinking I'll take some amazing Ansel Adams-esque wilderness photography. Usually after I get going I just want to keep going and so the camera just adds dead weight. Once in a while I get it out and take a few pictures that turn out to be spectacularly boring when I get back home.

I use to have a Flickr account with nearly 1,000 photos but paying the monthly fee wasn't something I needed to keep doing so I took it off line. No, it wasn't a huge fee but then again my photos weren't making me any money so...

Yeah, that $1.75/month fee is really steep.



Yes, I've often thought about ditching my heavy/bulky DSLR and purchasing a quality P&S which would more than likely out perform my Nikon and three lenses. But again, that's more money I don't really have right now.

I'd love a small P&S that is water proof and rugged. Kinda like those ones folks use for hiking. I've seen them on eBay. That way it would be MUCH easier to carry while cycling and if I got caught out in the rain or dropped it, no worries!

I wouldn't ditch the DSLR. I've got both now, and use both for different purposes. I picked up a Nikon Coolpix S3100 p&s for about $140 and Rowan got the newer model about 6 months later for slightly less than that. So you can get a decent p&s that takes decent photos for a reasonable price.

It's my other pastime and I've been combining the two together of late. Lots of cycling shots in my photostream on Flickr, and lots of the non-cycling shots were taken while out riding.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/

I carry a Canon G11 in my jersey pocket when out on my road bike. When the purpose of an outing is mainly photography, I have an older mountain bike with a padded rack trunk to safely tote my 50D.

It's my other pastime and I've been combining the two together of late. Lots of cycling shots in my photostream on Flickr, and lots of the non-cycling shots were taken while out riding.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/


Just started getting more into cycling and I haven't figured out the best way to carry my gear with me when I'm on the road like that since my main camera setup is a big ol' dSLR. Not exactly light or easy to carry around :)

If I could figure out how to do it effectively, I'd be totally in.
I carry a Canon G11 in my jersey pocket when out on my road bike. When the purpose of an outing is mainly photography, I have an older mountain bike with a padded rack trunk to safely tote my 50D.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6583640953_fa7da19799_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6583640953/)
Port Bolivar (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6583640953/) by Yo Spiff (http://www.flickr.com/people/yospiff/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/6874628472_64a7151c80_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6874628472/)
Rack Trunk for 50D (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6874628472/) by Yo Spiff (http://www.flickr.com/people/yospiff/), on Flickr

Yeah, that $1.75/month fee is really steep.

I thought it was more than that. Ok, you got me... but, it all adds up! At some point you have to quit spending, period. I wasn't enjoying the experience on Flickr any longer and that was the main reason more so the money at the time I guess.

I thought it was more than that. Ok, you got me... but, it all adds up! At some point you have to quit spending, period. I wasn't enjoying the experience on Flickr any longer and that was the main reason more so the money at the time I guess.

I just paid for my next 2-year membership the other day, and it was about $42 US. They've actually dropped it ... 2 years ago the 2-year membership was $44 US.

I'm comfortable with Flickr ... there are two features I wish they'd improve, but the rest of it is good.


And why do I have to "quit spending, period"?

When you own decent DSLR gear with multiple lenses those P&S cameras all feel like toys to me and lack the control I'm use to. I know they are getting better but I still haven't found one I like well enough to compare to my Nikon gear. That's why I always lug my big heavy equipment around. I guess I'm just use to it. Sometimes I use my daughter's P&S but feel robbed of the true photography experience in doing so. Does this make sense to anyone? Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.

When you own decent DSLR gear with multiple lenses those P&S cameras all feel like toys to me and lack the control I'm use to. I know they are getting better but I still haven't found one I like well enough to compare to my Nikon gear. That's why I always lug my big heavy equipment around. I guess I'm just use to it. Sometimes I use my daughter's P&S but feel robbed of the true photography experience in doing so. Does this make sense to anyone? Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.

Yeah ... I sort of understand. Sometimes I do wish I had my DSLR with me on a ride, and it can do more than my P&S. But then again, the P&S is so convenient.

The thing is, you've got to think of them as two different things for two different purposes. Much like having a mtn bike for hitting the gravel roads and trails, and a road bicycle for doing some distance at a greater speed on paved roads.

When you own decent DSLR gear with multiple lenses those P&S cameras all feel like toys to me and lack the control I'm use to. I know they are getting better but I still haven't found one I like well enough to compare to my Nikon gear. That's why I always lug my big heavy equipment around. I guess I'm just use to it. Sometimes I use my daughter's P&S but feel robbed of the true photography experience in doing so. Does this make sense to anyone? Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.

There are some very effective point and shoots out there for very reasonable prices and with editing software just about anyone can make a nice picture. I generally use one of my DSLR's, but still find at times it's easier to carry compact than to lug around a bag full of gear and I never feel robbed if I get a shot I like...........

Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.
I do like my DSLR, but it's not practical to always have it with me. My G11 does shoot RAW and has a lot of DSLR-like features. I've gotten some killer shots with it, but sometimes would have liked to have the 50D with me.

Most of it is the photographer and your eye for spotting (or creating, if studio work is your thing) the good shot. You get a feel after a while of how to work within or around the limitations of the camera. My wife and I recently took our first tandem outing around Port Bolivar, on the Texas coast. We didn't have the ability to carry both DSLR's (She has a Rebel XT) so I let her use my 50D for most of the trip and I used the G11. She was still left wondering how I got all the good shots she missed.

Just thought I would add this to the thread. Last week I bought a Tamrac Zipshot mini tripod. This thing is great! It fits in a water bottle, so I can take it with me on the road bike. The larger Zipshot is too big, but this smaller version is perfect. Wouldn't trust a DSLR on it, though.

Oh, and I did something stupid and lost my previoulsy mentioned G11. Now toting a Powershot S90 that I found for a nice price on Craigslist. The S90 is actually a better fit for cycling. It fits more easily in a jersey pocket and is easier to handle if I want to take a shot while riding.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7766704942_00a4ccd787_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/7766704942/)

I dropped my D40X about three weeks ago and the body is toast :-/ I'm now reading and shopping for a decent replacement camera, but in the mean time, I picked up a cheapie Canon A3400. It's SMALL! I can carry it in my jersey pocket and if something happens to it, I'm only out $129. I'm not sure I would want to carry a $800 with me on a bike. Now if my knee and the weather would cooperate, I could get out on a ride other than a commute.

I got into photography around 2007 & didnt get serious until 2-3 years ago. I have a certificate in the field so if anyone wants tips just ask.

I got into photography around 2007 & didnt get serious until 2-3 years ago. I have a certificate in the field so if anyone wants tips just ask.
Not interested in tips right now, but I would love to see some of your work if you have it online.

We've done a lot of long distance touring and photos documenting our trip has been a must. Now that we've switched to a tandem, my stoker (wife) should be able to shoot while we are moving. Still working on that. As far as which camera, we are looking at getting something smaller with a 10 to 20X optical zoom.

Not interested in tips right now, but I would love to see some of your work if you have it online.

I'm going to update & add to my Flickr soon. After I do I will post a link.

I could attach some to a post if you would like to see some now.

When you own decent DSLR gear with multiple lenses those P&S cameras all feel like toys to me and lack the control I'm use to. I know they are getting better but I still haven't found one I like well enough to compare to my Nikon gear. That's why I always lug my big heavy equipment around. I guess I'm just use to it. Sometimes I use my daughter's P&S but feel robbed of the true photography experience in doing so. Does this make sense to anyone? Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.

Pre-digital I used to have the same conversation with a Leica user, before I discovered the pleasures of simpler cameras myself. There certainly are some things SLRs do better, but an awful lot of travel photography demands nothing more than a good eye, an accurate viewfinder, and an understanding of your camera's abilities.

I've toured with as much as a Mamiya Universal with 70mm back and Bogen tripod, many many miles with Olympus OM-series SLRs, a dedicated infrared digital, etc., but most days I ride with a little waterproof Pentax in my jersey pocket.

Cycling and taking pictures seem like they were made for each other. I am not a photographer, but I do carry a point and shoot and often see something worth taking a picture of. For me, being on a bike is all about enjoying the environment around me.

For the real photographers, Zimbale makes an insert that can fit into a saddlebag. Saddlebags may be a bit retro for a lot of folks, but it's an option.
http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/48129777/zimbale_camera_insert_0.jpg

Zimbale makes an insert that can fit into a saddlebag. Saddlebags may be a bit retro for a lot of folks, but it's an option.
Looks handy. I use a rack trunk on the MTB when I want to tote the DSLR. Convenient and fast to get it out. Can't carry many lenses though. One mounted to the camera and room for one other small to medium lens.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/6874628472_64a7151c80_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6874628472/)
Rack Trunk for 50D (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6874628472/) by Yo Spiff (http://www.flickr.com/people/yospiff/), on Flickr

Unless you've used a true DSLR I don't think most people would understand.I do understand, but I also believe photography takes a back seat to cycling, or the other way around. I've been a photography nut since the 80s (Nikon F3, F4, FM2 - which I still all own) and 4 years ago, I bought the full-frame D700. Been trying to marry my 2 passions - photography and cycling, but one or the other always suffered. This has more to do with my dislike for wearing a backpack when riding. For me, when out cycling, the bike ride is #1 and anything else I do, should only serve or complement the joy of riding. Therefore, my photography and photography equipment should be both convenient and hassle-free. Otherwise, the heavy gear stays home, which is most often the case.

However, early this year I discovered the Micro 4/3 camera, and bought one of the smallest (if not the smallest) out there - the Panasonic Lumix GF3. It's not a P&S compact - the sensor is much bigger - although it looks like one. I took it with me on the climb to Mount Baker. The photos rival my D700 full-frame shots. I shot almost everything in manual mode (my choice of shooting) so it doesn't lack for control, even lenses are interchangeable - although I only have 1 lens for it right now.

As for toting this GF3 on a ride, I can do either of two things, depending on how long the ride is and how much I need to carry. For short up to 1/2 day rides, I have a Lezyne Caddy sack and the GF3 fits nicely in there with space for keys and a cell phone or ShotBloks. With camera inside, the Caddy Sack fits in my middle jersey pocket, and being waterproof, it protects the camera from sweat. For longer full-day rides where I'd need more to carry, I put the camera in a small top tube bag - Topeak Tribag - with ample room for lots more stuff. This frees my jersey pockets for more essentials.

Just tried this for the first time last week, here are a couple. I have three point and shoots plus a DSLR but I am not taking that on my bike. These were taken with my 7 megapixel Kodak Easyshare.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/biking6.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/biking1.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/august13.jpg

I've enjoyed a thin Sony point and shoot with touch screen, bought at a pawn shop (https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=5O&doc_id=10045&v=1H). Hands around my neck under my jersey when on tour. Actually use the cp for 90% of my throw away shots. Pull the Sony out if it's a potential wall hanger.

Track pump with a tripod base (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beto-CTP-001S-Metal-Tripod-Track-Pump-Gauge-/280901509505)....
Are you all thinking what I'm thinking.

Track pump with a tripod base (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beto-CTP-001S-Metal-Tripod-Track-Pump-Gauge-/280901509505)....
Are you all thinking what I'm thinking.

So what about simply using a standard photography clamp and a ball head to clamp the camera directly to the handlebars? The whole bike can be your 'tripod'.

Well its hard to take a self portrait if the bars are flapping around and you also need a bike stand.
A tripump adds a whole new level of gadgetry which can only be a Good Thing.

Photos are memories. Mine are on my website and Flickr. I ride paved trails exclusively. I usually take photos at the beginning of my ride instead of on the return. Cannon point and shoot and the SLR is hanging around my neck but turned backwards. Enjoy everyone.

I'm giving the sub-5-hour centuries a rest, but I always took my camera along in a camera bag (barrier from my sweat) in my jersey pocket, and I've been well pleased with some of the shots I've gotten over the years. If you're stuck in a car, you're really traveling too fast to be in the moment, and it's a PITA to find a suitable parking spot, get out of the car, get out the camera, etc. These were shot while riding on the fly...

http://www.calamarichris.com/images/120421-mtlaguna1.jpg
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/111030-dar-deathval3.jpg
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/111030-dar-artists.jpg
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/120825-laukur-gmr2.jpg
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/120421-chrmtlaguna.jpg

If you don't bring your camera along, you're just asking to see something no one will ever believe.
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/110423-catalina.jpg
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/110423-catabison.jpg

I especially hate traveling by car, because of the fact that you have to find a safe place to pull off the road to get out and get the shot; I miss so many beautiful shots because of this one stupid fact. Photography is better done on a bicycle, or at least a motorcycle.
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/090814-seq-trees.jpg

I went through Sequoia more than half a dozen times before taking my bicycle up there. It was a pretty tough climb in spots, but the speed limit through the park is 25mph, but even at that speed, you miss so much. My first time riding through the Sequoia Grove on a bicycle felt like my first time there ever.
http://www.calamarichris.com/images/090814-burnt-tree.jpg