First, you need a camera. If you’re really into photography, invest in the best one you can afford. The difference in photo quality between low-end and high-end cameras is huge. I guarantee that when you look back at your photos twenty years from now, you’ll be glad you spent the money on a good camera. Your camera should be convenient to use while traveling. There’s nothing worse than coming across a rare sight only to find your camera buried deep in your pannier. Keep it in your handlebar bag, pocket, or even clipped to your backpack strap—just make sure it’s easily accessible.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind: To capture clean, sharp photos, hold your camera steady, especially during low-light conditions like early morning or dusk. If possible, rest it on a fence post, your bike, or anything stable. When photographing people, try to capture them approaching you rather than riding away—you’d rather see their faces than their backsides, right? Experiment with different angles. Avoid boring snapshots—get low, go high, and shoot from every angle you can think of. If something looks interesting, weird, or appealing, take the shot.
Finally, remember this: A camera can record precious moments, but don’t let it hinder your enjoyment. Capture the best shots at the best times, then put the camera away. Photos can bring back memories, but they can never replace the feeling of being there.
In the next sections, you’ll learn more about photography and enjoy works from our favorite five photographers. Follow their advice, and your photos will surely impress your friends—and help you preserve these moments forever.
Landscape Photography
No matter what camera you have, here are simple ways to make your cycling photos more interesting—use elements in the foreground. Riding through beautiful scenery feels natural and enjoyable. We often ask a fellow cyclist to smile for the camera a few steps away, then snap the shot. We’ve all taken plenty of such photos. They’re not bad, but too many become monotonous. Similarly, if the foreground is filled with uninteresting road or the scenic background is too far, the result falls flat. At home, you might recall where you were, but not the feeling of the place.
Try this instead: step off the path and into the scenery—walk into a flower field, forest, towering rock, or endless cornfield or cotton field—then turn around. Now, frame your shot to include elements that represent the landscape: use tree branches to frame your friend, kneel to let corn or cotton fill the sky, or make your friend appear ant-sized next to a cotton boll. Vertical framing highlights tree height, while horizontal shots capture sprawling sagebrush, with your friend and winding road subtly in the upper frame.
When you return home, all that remains are memories and photos. While we love scenic beauty, what often leaves a lasting impression are the people we meet along the way. Capture them when you encounter them—next time you visit, the scenery may remain, but the faces could be gone. Here are some simple tips for photographing people during your travels.
1 Get close. Many people stand too far from their subjects. Remember, you want their faces, not the distance between you. Adjust your focus or take a few steps forward.
2 Keep it clean. You’re not shooting professional models—most people feel awkward in front of a camera. Many offer a quick, enthusiastic smile before tensing up. When you spot a great moment, keep your camera around your neck and ready. Snap the shot when the perfect moment arrives.
3 Mind the light. Light is the most crucial element in photography. Backlit subjects appear dark, while direct light causes squinting and dull expressions. Side lighting illuminates without harshness. Another tip: use soft, shaded light—on sunny days, seek building shadows, trees, or awnings. These areas offer gentler illumination, creating much better results.
Capturing Cyclists in Motion
As cycling enthusiasts, we love riding through breathtaking landscapes. But photographing fellow cyclists while showcasing the scenery is a skill. My favorite technique captures both rider and landscape. Instead of getting close and using a wide-angle lens to awkwardly fit the background, step back and zoom in. This “compression” creates depth—a lone cyclist in the mountains or lost in the desert is captivating. It also preserves the flow of cycling; just stop, frame, shoot, and continue.
Follow the rule of thirds, placing the cyclist to one side while considering other elements. What’s the most interesting part of the frame? Would a winding path add narrative? Or is a distant forest needed for depth? If not, move to the roadside, lower your angle, and use textures—broken walls, flags, cacti silhouettes, or road markings—for depth. Time your shutter speed to match the cyclist’s motion—climbing out of the saddle or kicking up dust adds dynamism. On DSLRs, fast shutter speeds freeze action. Many tripods have motion settings for the same effect. Often, I focus on the cyclist, quickly frame the shot, and snap. Take several, then pick the best. Lastly, have your cyclist wear bright colors—they’ll stand out in panoramic shots.Traveler’s Tales: Pioneering Outdoor Culture
Mastering Light
Professional photographers call the first and last hours of daylight the “magic hour” for its golden light. Remember, a camera is ultimately a light-capturing device. I often say, with good light, even a mailbox can look stunning. Shooting during these times yields breathtaking skies and clouds. Winds are usually calm, wildflowers still, and water mirrors the landscape—only in the magic hour do you see such serene beauty. Here are tips to capture these transitional moments on your next cycling trip. Sleep early, rise early—crucial in summer when light changes rapidly (within 30 minutes). (For crisp dawn shots, use a lightweight tripod—soft morning light is warm but weak; camera shake blurs images.) Sunset and sunrise also offer great silhouettes—place an interesting shape or object between the lens and sky (but avoid direct sunlight). Most importantly, soak in the peaceful warmth of each sunrise and sunset; your photos will reflect that tranquility.
Choosing the Right Angle
Photography is like writing—unsatisfied with my first sentence, I rearrange words until it feels right. In a field, every shadow, sign, cloud, or smile is a “word” in my photography lexicon. I combine them into interesting “sentences.” When I sense a scene forming a great image, I trust my instinct, take the shot, and reframe until no new ideas emerge. I often break rules, using unusual angles for fresh perspectives. Try lying on the asphalt for a low-angle shot of a descending cyclist, or climb a fence for a sweeping panorama. But most importantly, don’t stay on your bike—get off, explore with curiosity, and find the best angle.