- What makes the perfect Bike Vault image?
Well, that's a good question, but it comes in two parts.
To start with you need an image
that's really strong, captivating,
and shows how much love you've got for your bike.
Secondly, if you're gonna get in the Bike Vault,
you need to add a little bit more.
It needs to show the enjoyment
and the atmosphere of the bike rides you go on.
Now, I've got some tips for you
that are gonna help you get a really great image
that you're gonna love
and might just get you in the Bike Vault.
And if you get these right, you never know,
it might be enough to get you all the way (gears grinding)
to a (bottle squeaks) Super Nice.
So, let's take a look at the things you need.
Obviously you need a bike.
You need a great location and you need a camera.
But you also need to take some imagination and some energy.
Now, the location is key.
But this doesn't mean summiting some incredible mountain.
Because that won't necessarily always get the job done.
What you've got to do
is think about the bike and showing it off.
So, rather than suggest the perfect place to take a photo,
let's take a look at some of the places
that don't generally work for the Bike Vault.
Now this first one really annoys me.
Just laying your bike on the ground.
It just seems a bit throw away,
you haven't thought about the location really,
and you haven't put much energy into it.
And, if you're gonna do this,
there's one rule to definitely go by,
at least get the whole bike in the shot.
Next example of not the best location is
leaning your bike up against a fence.
Now to me, this suggests that
it was a bit of a last minute idea.
That you've come back from a ride and you thought
"eh, you know, I could get in the Bike Vault".
Well, we want more than that.
And honestly, it just doesn't sell the bike.
I mean, look at that.
Such a nice bike.
Now that backdrop makes the bike sing.
And it did get (bottle squeaks) a Super Nice.
Now this photo drives me crazy.
This example from Stewart who sent it in to the Bike Vault
has got an incredible location.
And he's hoped the locations gonna do all the work for him
and get him all the way in to a Super Nice.
It nearly did.
But look at the bike.
The detail's lost because it's back lit.
We can't see the star of the show.
It does my head in.
So, I'm gonna give you 5 tips
for taking the perfect Bike Vault image.
And get you not making these mistakes.
(upbeat techno music)
Tip one.
Now Stewart's image makes me think about the lighting
straight away because it's back lit.
Now what you want ideally is either side lit or front lit.
It's really gonna make the bike pop out of the image
and you'll see all the detail.
Back lit is something you really need to avoid.
Tip two.
Now, I love this one, because it's really technical.
It's the rule of thirds.
Now, if you look at this grid on the image there.
Those intersect points are where
you basically want to have the focal point of your image.
You will be amazed, if you just think about this,
how much more powerful your photo is gonna be.
So think about the rule of thirds
when you're setting up your shot.
Tip three.
Focal length.
Now I like this one again cause it sounds kind of technical.
A longer focal length's gonna help simply
to pull your bike out from the background.
Which will make it look way better.
Tip four.
Get it in focus.
That means you too.
Can you get it, thank you, in focus.
Now, I can't believe I'm even bringing this up.
Especially after the really creative tips
I've just given you.
But you'd be amazed
how many images we get for the Bike Vault
that aren't in focus.
If they're not in focus, they're just not gonna get in.
And that's a shame.
So, take the time, get your image in focus.
Tip five.
Try something different.
This is your chance to get creative.
Look for an angle you've never seen before.
Put your bike in an interesting place.
Throw it in a lake.
Just do something different.
Don't throw it in a lake.
(upbeat techno music)
Props.
Now, out on the trail there can sometimes be
sticks or logs that can really help become
part of your supporting cast.
A stick can often make a great bespoke bike stand
or a log can be the perfect backdrop.
I quite like it when people use things like trees
to hang their bikes or put them somewhere unexpected.
It just feels fun.
So keep an eye out for those props on the trail
that could help you take the perfect Bike Vault photo.
One prop that is always popular is a trail dog.
If I can call it a prop?
Nothing brings a panting smile to your image
than man's best friend.
And, you know what, it doesn't guarantee you a Super Nice
but it does get you a lot closer.
Just to be fair, trail cats, trail snails, trail iguanas
they're all welcome.
Now, please keep your Bike Vault photos coming in to us to
dirtshed@gmbn.com.
See if you can get them in the Dirt Shed Show.
If you'd like to see
who did get into the Dirt Shed Bike Vault
then why don't you click up there
see the latest Dirt Shed Show
and click down there
to see how to get comfortable and confident on your ride.
Click just here to subscribe.
Only last thing to do,
leave us a comment and give us a thumb's up like.