Cycling and photography are two activities that can go perfectly hand in hand. Whether you are a professional photographer or just a lover of beautiful pictures, cycling allows you to enjoy the outdoors and explore and capture beautiful landscapes or cities at the same time.
Although modern smartphones can take excellent photos, using one during a bicycle ride carries extra risk. Always dismount and secure your bicycle before taking a photograph, both for your own safety and to prevent the phone from slipping from your hands and being damaged.
A dedicated camera can be a safer choice than a smartphone for photography on a cycling trip. Set it to Auto, A or S mode and RAW so you can make corrections later. When you see something worth photographing, stop cycling in a safe place before taking the shot.
A larger camera can also be easier to hold than a slippery phone. Once you have stopped in a safe place, use the camera with both hands or a secure strap so it cannot slip from your grasp.
With a camera that has an optical viewfinder, such as a rangefinder, you look directly through the finder rather than at an electronic display. This provides a clear, lag-free view of the scene. The camera is immediately ready for use: the controls are on the outside, so you do not first have to navigate a menu. A good compact camera can come close, although you are still looking at a screen.
In any case, choose a camera with simple controls and some degree of shock and water resistance, and avoid a fragile lens-cover mechanism.
Nevertheless, you can take beautiful photos during your bike ride with a smartphone or GoPro. In Paris, for example, you can rent a good bicycle (from Vélib, among others) with a sturdy basket on the handlebars, and via the waterproof case next to your bell you can easily operate your phone without having to take it out for navigation.
With the rise of the electric bicycle and speed pedelec, it is now easier to cover great distances and effortlessly climb hills and capture the most beautiful places with your camera, giving you even more opportunities to take unique photos.
With a speed pedelec you can reach high speeds, so be extra alert to your surroundings and take other road users into account. Safety always comes first, even when you are taking beautiful photos.
Useful bicycle accessories for photographers
Camera mounts
Dedicated mounts can be attached to a bicycle’s handlebars or frame to hold a camera securely. They are useful for video, but for still photography you should stop safely before operating the camera.
Waterproof bicycle bags
A good waterproof bag is essential for keeping your camera and lenses safe and dry, especially in changeable weather. Special handlebar-bag mounts are available. Choose an easily accessible bag, or a basket that holds your waterproof bag upright.
Rainwear
Check the weather forecast and prepare for changing conditions. Provide adequate protection during a rain shower for both yourself and your camera with rain gear and waterproof covers.
Shock-absorbing covers
To protect your equipment from shocks and impacts while cycling, consider special shock-absorbing cases or inserts for your bicycle bag or basket.
Tripod mount for bicycle
Handlebar-mounted carriers are available for photographers who want to take a compact tripod on a bicycle. A tripod is useful for long exposures or group photographs along the route.
Power bank or USB charger
If you want your phone to remain available for emergencies while navigation drains its battery more quickly, carry a good-quality power bank or USB charger. A converter for a hub dynamo can be mounted on the frame and provide a USB output. A built-in buffer stabilizes the output voltage, allowing you to charge a smartphone safely.
Smartphone holder
If you plan to use your smartphone for photography, choose a dedicated holder that attaches securely to the handlebars—but stop safely before operating the phone.
Additional tips
Route planning
Plan your route in advance and consider potential photographic hotspots. Choose quieter roads or paths where you can stop more easily to take photographs without obstructing traffic. In a city, move fully onto the pavement or another safe place before taking a photograph.
Lighting conditions
The light changes throughout the day, so plan your trip so that you are in the most photogenic places during the best lighting conditions. Early morning and late afternoon often offer the best light, but later in the morning or earlier in the afternoon there can also be plenty of beautiful skies, for example during or after a rain shower.
