Motorcycle travel video and photography tips

If you're setting out on a road trip, whether it's for a day or a year, you're sure to be taking some photos and video - for yourself, for family and friends, and maybe to share with the world on social media. In this digital age, capturing and sharing our travel adventures has become an integral part of the experience, and there's some great technology and equipment to make it simpler than ever before. Here's the Roadskin guide to creating fantastic images and video from your bike. 

Best cameras and video kit for documenting your motorcycle road trips

GoPro camera. 

Mountable on helmets, handlebars, chest and drones, action cameras capture high-quality video and photos in extreme conditions. Waterproof and durable, they're designed for tough environments. GoPros record high-resolution video with advanced stabilisation that keeps footage smooth, even on bumpy rides. The wide-angle lens captures immersive, ultra-wide shots - ideal for action and travel footage. Swap the mounts around for different angles.  Another handy feature is voice control, so you can operate them hands-free by telling them what to do, plus WiFi and app connectivity for easy editing, sharing and live-streaming. Play with creative modes like TimeWarp and Super Slow-Mo for cinematic effects. For extended recording time, ensure you have long battery life and that it's easy to swap the batteries around. Loop recording and GPS is useful for dashcam-style use and tracking your route. Wind noise will undoubtedly be a challenge while riding, so seek out GoPros with wind noise reduction and/or external mic support. 

A flexible mini tripod.

An essential piece of kit for any travel photographer or videographer, especially if you want to self-record. It provides stability for your camera, ensuring better time-lapse and night photography, and smooth panning videos The creative angles you can achieve with a tripod allow for more dynamic and cinematic shots. Also pack a clamp mount, so you can attach the tripod to your bike, which makes for brilliant action shots. An integrated phone mount is handy for mobile shooting. Opt for a compact, lightweight and durable tripod that's easy to pack and quick to deploy. Some are foldable/collapsible to fit in panniers, backpacks or tailbags. In terms of material, carbon fibre is light and strong, while aluminium is cheaper but heavier. Rubber or spiked feet give better grip on uneven ground or rocky trails, while wind-resistant types are useful if you're recording on open roads or mountain passes. Height-wise, you'll need at least eye-level for vlogging or portraits, and a low height for creative shots and time-lapses.

Digital storage 

• High-capacity SD (Secure Digital) cards or microSD cards. These are tiny memory cards widely used in cameras, drones, dashcams and handheld devices.
• Portable SSD (Solid-State Drive) or rugged external hard drive, which allows you to transfer and backup your files at super-fast speed on the go.
• USB-C card reader or camera-specific cable – for transferring files to your storage.
• Smartphone with ample storage and cloud backup enabled (like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive).

Miscellaneous but important

• Batteries
• Waterproof case/bag to protect your equipment. Silica gel packs reduce moisture levels.
• Compact cleaning kit, including a microfibre cloth, soft-bristle brush, and lens cleaning fluid. Lens cleaning tissues or pre-moistened wipes are good for quick cleans on the go. An air blower tool blows dust off your lens and sensor without touching anything.

When are the best times to take photos and video while on your motorcycle travels?

Golden hour (just after sunrise, before sunset)

At this time of day, you'll find soft, warm light with long shadows that add depth, making it ideal for landscapes, silhouettes and dramatic skies. Bonus: early mornings often mean fewer people, cleaner air and wildlife on the move.Blue hour (before sunrise, after sunset)

Dreamy, cool tones with soft gradients in the sky are good for capturing cityscapes lighting up, moody landscapes or campfire scenes.

Midday The brightest light of the day will create harsh shadows and contrast, ideal if you’re capturing clear water, mountain peaks or dramatic cloudscapes. Midday is also a good time to take action shots like biking, hiking or climbing. Use ND (Neutral Density) filters (like sunglasses for your camera lens) or shoot in the shade for more flattering results.

NightA tripod and a clear sky unlocks star trails, the Milky Way, glowing lights and atmospheric, dynamic cityscapes. The best tip we can give is be alert to changing weather—a sudden mist, an approaching storm or isolated rays of sunlight can make an otherwise ordinary scene extraordinary, dramatic and beautiful.

• Matt McFadden, the photographer, digital artist and motorcyclist behind the Classic Rides channel on YouTube. Check him out: A Triumph Bonneville T120 and Winter in the Peaks. 
• Bunny King Hogs - entertaining husband-and-wife vloggers, Brian and Carolyne, messing about all over the world on their his and hers Harleys Bunny King Hogs - YouTube.
• Saffy Sprocket shares her solo rides, UK and long-distance trips and camping escapades, plus gear reviews and a lot of sound advice for motorcycle touring. Saffy Sprocket - YouTube.
• Bruce Smart, AKA TeapotOne, is much respected for his epic motorcycle adventures, most notably his round-the-world trip on a Suzuki GSX-R1000. You can see him chatting with our Ian here.
• Noraly Schoenmaker is Itchy Boots, a Dutch adventurer and former geologist with 2.8m YouTube subscribers. She travels the world full time on her 1987 Yamaha Tenere. She's even created an online academy for teaching what she has learnt about motorbike vlogging, from storylines to the final edit. 

We hope you've found this motorcycle photography and video round-up useful.