Sharing photos with friends and family is fun, but if the photos are boring we won’t pique anyone’s interest. Remember, the memories are ours but the audience sees the photos without the same emotional involvement or context. Roads and scenery can be particularly challenging to capture. Next time you stop to photograph a road or scenery, take the time to move around and try different angles.

Learning activity: Take your motorcycle to a road with little or no traffic, where you can park it in the road to spend time taking pictures. Next, try walking around the motorcycle taking pictures of the road as the focal point while changing the position of the motorcycle within the frame. Then change the angle of the motorcycle in the road and repeat the same shots so you can compare them when you get home. Have fun and don’t be afraid to lie down in the dirt or climb trees to get your shots.

Photo 1: This shot was taken by simply stepping off the motorcycle and kneeling in the middle of the road. The kneeling position adds detail to the road surface, but it can lack interest or perspective.

Photo 2: A common shot where you simply stand behind the motorcycle to capture the background and motorcycle. It lacks grand interest and your eyes are first drawn to the motorcycle while the background has no impact in particular. Simply put, there’s no defined subject.

Photo 3: This is an excellent perspective that adds value and impact. The partial motorcycle shot draws the eyes into the photo and takes the rider down the road with you. This was taken from a crouched position using the front fender to lead the eyes into the photo.

Photo 4: Adding to the fun factor and a great perspective when riding on difficult surfaces such as deep sand or large rocks, this picture shows the realities of motorcycle travel without defining the motorcycle.

Photo 5: Many of my favorite shots come from lying down and having the camera on the ground. This shot adds significant interest but may lack the same visual lead effect offered by Photo 3.

Great motorcycle road photography is all about perspective, creativity, and the willingness to get a little dirty in the pursuit of the perfect shot. By experimenting with angles, positioning, and focal points, you can transform simple road scenes into images that draw your audience in and make them feel like they’re right there with you. So next time you stop for a photo, take the extra minute to move around, try something new, and capture not just the road—but the story it tells.