The Solo Rider's Guide to Epic Motorcycle Photos (No Photographer Needed)

Riding Verse
Jan 7
2 min read

You're on the ride of a lifetime. The road is perfect, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and you and your machine look incredible against the backdrop. You reach for your phone to capture the moment, and... you get a slightly awkward, helmet-on selfie with half the view chopped off.

It’s the classic struggle of the solo rider: experiencing epic moments with no one there to document them. But riding alone doesn't mean your photo album has to be empty. With a little creativity, some basic gear, and the right digital tools, you can become your own personal photographer.

Here is your guide to capturing stunning images of yourself and your bike, all by yourself.

1. The Gear: A Tripod is Your New Best Friend

Forget the unstable rock or the precarious fence post. The single most important piece of gear for solo photos is a sturdy, compact tripod for your phone or camera.

The Technique: Pair your tripod with a Bluetooth remote shutter or your camera's interval timer mode (e.g., take a photo every 5 seconds). This allows you to set up the shot, get into position on your bike, and capture natural-looking action shots without sprinting back and forth.

2. Scouting the Perfect Shot with Riding Verse

Great photos rarely happen by accident; they are planned. You need to find the right location with the right light and the right background.

The Riding Verse Edge: Before you ride, use the Web Route Planner to scout your route. Switch to satellite view to find dramatic overlooks, interesting S-curves, or unique geological features. When you find a potential winner, drop a Custom Waypoint and name it "Photo Spot - Scenic Curve." Now you have a destination, not just a hope.

3. Composition 101: Get Low, Get Dramatic

A photo taken from eye level is boring. It's what everyone sees. To make your photos stand out, you need to change your perspective.

The Technique: Place your tripod low to the ground, looking up at your bike. This makes the motorcycle look powerful and dominant against the sky. Use the "rule of thirds" by placing your bike in the left or right third of the frame, rather than dead center, to create a more dynamic and interesting composition.

4. The "Ride-By" Shot

This is the holy grail of solo photos—a shot of you actually riding.

The Technique: Find a safe, quiet stretch of road with good visibility. Set up your camera on the tripod, focus on a spot in the middle of the road, and set it to take continuous photos every second. Ride past the camera a few times at a moderate speed. You'll capture a sequence of images, and one of them is bound to be perfect.

Capture the Memory, Not Just the View

Your solo journeys are a testament to your independence and spirit. They deserve to be documented with more than just a quick snap at a petrol station. By taking the time to set up a great shot, you're not just taking a picture; you're creating a tangible memory of a moment where it was just you, your bike, and the world.

Download Riding Verse to start scouting your next epic photo location today.