Good tips, I'm no photographer, but have taken plenty of shots of cars and bikes to sell
them on craigslist or Ebay. I like to get on the ground and take shots.
It gives a different perspective. Like this one.

 

I beg to differ with the iPhone camera. I own a SLR and I'm not lugging that thing around. The iPhone takes some great pics. Especially with some editing on the snapseed app!! Tips, I just shoot a bunch of pics at different angles and choose what I like best.

 

HDR does wonders.

 

Here are a few with my SLR no editing just high res just below RAW.

 

Always gets my attention that's for sure...

 

Best tip I have whether selling or for keepsake is shoot the bike in an area that is good riding area or give the viewer the outdoor feeling. Motion is cool too, if you can work with someone to capture it.

 

Like the ones in my profile album? I took those with my iPhone.

 

Good tips. Thanks. I take lousy pictures of my bikes. A member Schumaker on this forum takes great shots. I was going to ask him for advice but haven't seen him post in a while.

 

When looking through a viewfinder or looking at a digital screen, fill your screen up with the subject, all the way to the edges.

A lot of times, there is too much useless background. The subject should be the subject unless you have a very enhancing background.

Also, as mentioned earlier, don't be afraid to get on the ground and get the angles that are different and unique.

For example, this shot is in front of the Paul Reed Smith factory.

This one is cool...



but this one is better...



Moving the bike up on the sidewalk and really filling up the shot would have even been better.


This shot, I should have moved the front tire back more towards the boulder behind it, moved to the left so the bike hides that stupid trash can, and got myself a little lower and closer.



Fill the screen up with your subject, get an interesting angle, pay attention to your background and notice what you want, and what you don't want in your picture.


This one of my buddy's Deuce, I wish I would have paid attention the the damn electrical box in the background, and covered up the orange kickstand plate on the ground to get this old barn in the shot with it. I was downhill from the bike, so I got to shoot upwards for the effect. I initially thought I had too much empty space to the left, but I like the effect so I went with it.

 

I have yet to get the pictures I want, the great ones you see in magazines and some on this forum, but I have learned a few things trying.

If you really want to see the bike, the less background the better. It is also good to keep the bike away from the background and shoot from as far away as possible with telephoto if you have it. This blurs the background.

Just before sundown or early morning gives the best light, it is less harsh.
Bright sun causes lot of glare, especially on chrome or black bikes.

A flash can help if you have one but it needs to be deflected to cut the harshness and bounce back from the shiny surfaces of the bike.

Also watch for your own reflection in the bike, unless you want that. I am constantly making that mistake.

I really enjoy seeing well done photos on this site, good pictures make any bike look great