Bike photography advice?

[Panter]

My everyday lense is a Nikon AF Nikkor 28-100mm, the telephoto is a Nikkor 70-300mm and I have a Sigma 28-80mm which permanently stays in Macro mode for close-up work.

They are all film camera lenses though and I don't think that helps too much.

 

[GrasB]

Oddly enough my best work comes from using my cheapest lens which doesn't even do auto focus & I have to use manual light metering on. With that in mind the fact they're for film cams isn't a bad thing, in fact it probably means you're cropping out the worst area of the lens' performance.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

this is my okish attempt; a full shot with a few close-ups which show the details. admire the bike more than the photography mind…

 

[MajorMantra]

When I finally, and very begrudgingly, gave in to the digital revolution I wanted something a bit more sophisticated so that I could really learn photography, so I bought a Nikon D100.
Sadly, I've never had the time to really play with it and jsut don't get the best out of it. If I'd bought a slightly more basic model I'd have been far better off. It's a semioprofessional and I'm sure it's capable of amazing pictures, but you have to know what you're doing with it, and I just don't.

I disagree. Anyone can learn the basics of photography and it's by taking control of the parameters of your exposure that you'll get the results you want. The D100 is as good as any camera for learning this control. Stick it in Av (aperture priority) and learn what works. If you shoot RAW you can even deal with white balance after the fact so you can concentrate on mastering shutter speed, aperture and ISO. If you need a primer on these things there are many, many excellent guides on the net.

A simple camera with 'scene modes' will always involve less thought but it will also compromise your results. Your mind is far more flexible and able to judge a situation than the computer in your camera.

Matthew