I snapped this photo the other day as I was loading the bikes onto the back of my SUV and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. I don’t know why. There’s no staging involved, I didn’t mess with the crank arm angle (even though it’s close to where it should be anyway) or worry about where the valve stems are (they should be at 6 o’clock)… I just wheeled my bike out and was heading back with my wife’s bike when I looked and thought, “that might make a good picture”…
This is another recent favorite. No staging whatsoever… Hopefully I can be forgiven, as you can imagine I was a little more than a little wet and cold. My wife, friends and I had to put in some rough miles to get that much snow and slush stuck to the bikes.
Once I learned there was a nuance to staging a bike for a photo (drive side facing the camera, valve stems at 6:00, crank arms set so the back arm is obscured by the frame, etc.) I was a bit of a stickler about sticking to the rules. While there’s no doubt, a bike photographed properly staged looks better, those “crap, I’m just too tired to mess with all of the particulars” photos are growing on me.
It’s not a “rage against the machine” thing, as I clearly have my “take my time and stage the bikes properly” photos:
The truth is, I’m enjoying a different perspective lately. I like the odd angle shot:
Or better, the photo that says “I’ve been somewhere” or the photo that helps me to remember a ride, or time spent with my wife and friends… or the beginning of another wonderful summer’s day:
In the last few years, while the bike is always important, it’s become more about where that bike has been – or better, who I was there with. That’s what puts a smile on my face.
Ride hard my friends… There are no points for “I wish I had done it differently”.
Cool pics. I think worrying about where the valve stems are might be painting with too fine a brush… at least for my taste.
I think it has its place, in particular there’s a site I follow called “Bike War” in which it’s a head-to-head “vote for the cooler bike” site and I can instantly pick out the tiniest staging imperfection. Beyond that, for we mere mortals, you’re absolutely right.
Whatever turns you on. For me it is form over substance. You might consider a Pinterest bike page.
No chance for Pinterest… This blog is enough work.
I have about 4000 pics of bikes on Pinterest. It’s fun. Of course, I am retired so have some time.
Nice artwork there!
Thank you Tisch.