Photography from a bicycle or motorcycle (Page 2): A Kawasaki Concours is actually my preferred mode of transportation when going out specifically to take photos unless the subject...

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

A Kawasaki Concours is actually my preferred mode of transportation when going out specifically to take photos unless the subject matter requires so much gear that it becomes impractical. Being on the motorcycle does indeed make it possible to stop and get photos that would otherwise require extensive walking to get, sometimes causing so much time to pass that you miss the shot. The only 'downside' is that you don't have the space to carry a lot of lenses. But for the most part, a 'standard' zoom (24-70) and a moderate telephoto have been sufficient for just about anything I need to shoot, from bison in Yellowstone to wildflowers in spring in CO. A small extra wide (looking at a 14-30 z lens) would be handy at times.

repleo Loc: Boston

LCD wrote:

A not uncommon thing for me is to see a nice shot while driving, but there is no safe and convenient place to pull off. I wished I was in a motorbike and could pull off onto whatever meager strip of shoulder the road might offer me. Has any tried photography from a bicycle, motorbike or Vespa motor-scooter?

I really felt your frustration while touring around Umbria and Tuscany in a rental Alpha Romeo for my 65th birthday trip. Every turn seemed to open up amazing scenes, but nowhere to stop safely. I promised myself I would spend a month there with a Vespa when I retire - just waiting for Covit to pass.

I have this pretty cool detachable camera bag mounted on my bicycle that I use while biking around Cape Cod.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097DUIOE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

I've done a lot of photography from a motorcycle (not moving). There are a lot of places where there is room enough for a motorcycle to safely pull over, but not a car. I carried my gear in a sling pack, (just enough room for an 18-105and a 70-200) and often never got off the motorcycle, surprising how steady it is sitting on a bike with two feet on the ground. My bike was a Honda 650 dual sport.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Longshadow wrote:

I wished I was in a motorbike and could pull off onto whatever meager strip of shoulder the road might offer me.
Funny, I inferred while parked. Many times one can pull over much easier on a bike than in a car.
And how would one use two hands on a camera while the bike is moving? Or take time for a composition?

You inferred "while moving", I didn't.

You are absolutely correct!!!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

tcthome Loc: NJ

Morning Star wrote:

When I've been the passenger on my Dad's Norton mo... (show quote)

he said like to pull over to take the shot.

tcthome Loc: NJ

From a bicycle within 10 mls from my house & also at Sandy Hook NP. Purchased a rack & removable basket that goes over the rear wheel. I put an old heavy towel down first to dampen vibrations & keep it clean. I am looking for a front bag that would hang off the handlebars that would hold a FF DSLR & my 200-500 lens in a vertical position.

uws Loc: nyc

When you are on a bicycle or a scooter your only focus should be on the road. You cannot be a tourist. If you're fiddling with a camera you could wind up under a bus!

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Gene51 wrote:

I've done it on occasion, but usually with a cellphone, or sometimes with a bridge camera. Some carefully pack a small-ish camera in a saddle bag on a motocycle or bike, but the hassle of getting off, digging into the carrier adn pulling out the camera is a big deterrent for me. The cell is in my pocket.

Yes, it is a hassle which is why I don't do it. I ride a recumbent trike and wouldn't dare carry my big, expensive cell phone in my pants pocket, since it could fall out while I'm pedaling or feel uncomfortable while pedaling. When I ride, I ride. When I photograph, I photograph.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

LCD wrote:

A not uncommon thing for me is to see a nice shot while driving, but there is no safe and convenient place to pull off. I wished I was in a motorbike and could pull off onto whatever meager strip of shoulder the road might offer me. Has any tried photography from a bicycle, motorbike or Vespa motor-scooter?

DONT DO IT, even on my Harley I’d never do, far to dangerous...park first

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I have no trouble carrying my camera etc. but on a cycle, if I am riding at normal speed, I often am past a good stopping location before I find an adequate place to stop. I like to ride to parks and places to take photos but I very seldom try to make isolated stops on road sides. It sounds easier than it really is.

bikerguy

LCD wrote:

A not uncommon thing for me is to see a nice shot while driving, but there is no safe and convenient place to pull off. I wished I was in a motorbike and could pull off onto whatever meager strip of shoulder the road might offer me. Has any tried photography from a bicycle, motorbike or Vespa motor-scooter?

LCD it is obvious that you never rode a motorcycle. Stopping on a "meager strip" is an accident waiting to happen. I rode for many years and there is no way I would stop on a narrow shoulder. If it isn't wide enough for a car it wasn't safe enough for a bike.

rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

LCD wrote:

A not uncommon thing for me is to see a nice shot while driving, but there is no safe and convenient place to pull off. I wished I was in a motorbike and could pull off onto whatever meager strip of shoulder the road might offer me. Has any tried photography from a bicycle, motorbike or Vespa motor-scooter?

I carry my camera in a tank bag on my motorcycle. On the bicycle, I often use a messenger bag as my camera bag. When I stop, I can easily access the camera and shoot. I wear a modular (flip up full face) helmet on the motorcycle, so I can usually get the camera to my eye, but I can use live view if necessary.

LCD

Point of clarification: I don't like speaking on the phone while driving. I certainly wouldn't try to take pictures.

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

I take a compact camera on cycling trips.
Best way to travel and get to see sights.
And, yes. I always pull over to take the photo.
The camera fits in one of the pockets in my jersey.

jmesgolf Loc: Bar Harbor, ME

I use an E-bike (trike) due to the fact that I am legally blind and am no longer allowed to drive a motor vehicle. The basket in the back allows me to put my camera bag in it, and I get some exercise.
https://evelo.com/products/compass
I can pull over at any place I choose, get off, take a hike and grab the image I saw while passing by at a more leisurely pace.

It works for me!