Filming your bike rides has several benefits. You can assess what you did right and wrong to better your skills. Plus, you can share your videos with others so they can learn from your experiences. And think of how fun it will be to relive your memories for years to come. Follow these tips to best capture your adventures.
1. Choose the Right Equipment
Use a dedicated action camera, like a smartphone or GoPro. Invest in a high-quality mount for your helmet or bike. Something that will keep it stable and prevent it from falling off. This gear might be expensive, but it’s worth it.
2. Use Special Camera Settings
Set your camera to the right resolution for your intended video quality. A higher resolution captures all details, but it does take up extra storage space. Enable image stabilization, if your camera has it, to prevent shaking, vibrations and unwanted movement.
3. Consider the Lighting
Lighting conditions play a huge role in filming. Early morning and late afternoon – what’s called golden hours – give you soft light. Low-light settings require additional camera settings or accessories for better visibility.
4. Plan All of Your Shots
Decide whether you want to record the whole ride or just certain parts. It’s easiest to film the entire outing, but you might not have the space for it. Instead you can focus on scenic settings, technical sections, or jump shots. Then you know when to start and stop filming.
5. Frame Your Shots
Make sure what you want to capture is within frame. You can keep the horizon level. Or try different angles for fun and dynamic shots. There’s also the rule of thirds with a subject in the left or right of the camera, leaving two-thirds of an open scene.
6. Get Different Perspectives
The same angle might get boring. Try mounting your camera on different types of your body or bike. Or use multiple cameras, all filming at once. Always include your point-of-view to immerse yourself or others in the ride.
7. Try Slow Motion or Time-Lapse
Slow motion and time-lapse shots provide more dramatic and cinematic effects. Especially during action shorts. You can also condense a long ride into a shorter and more captivating video.
8. Don’t Forget Audio
Recording sounds and commentary add context to the situation. Enhancing everyone’s viewing experience. Consider an external microphone for high-quality audio. You can even add a voiceover during the editing process.
9. Be Sure to Edit
You should cut down a long-form video so it’s easier to watch. Either with time-lapse or taking out repetive or unnecessary sections. Consider adding music, titles, and transitions to improve the production value.
10. Tell a Good Story
Try to tell a story on a scenic ride or challenging journey. You can convey it through special and dynamic shorts. As well as added notes and commentary. Then it will be a good narrative that people will want to watch.
11. Share It With Others
You can share your videos with people you know or on social media. Others can marvel in your experience and even benefit from it. Using your moves to better their own skills. You should engage with others online, too, so they want to keep watching your content.
12. Put Safety First
Your safety is most important. Always look ahead to see what’s coming. Make sure the camera doesn’t obstruct your view or interfere with your riding in any way. Don’t risk dangerous jumps, drops or tricks, even for the shot.
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Ready to have the best cycling adventures ever? First you need a high-quality bike. One that’s durable, versatile and efficient to conquer any terrain. You can find one at Airpark Bike Co. We sell models from top brands, like Yeti, Norco and Santa Cruz. Check them out here on our site. Or see them in person at our shop! We’ll give you the deal of a lifetime!