Motorbike Photography for Beginners: Gear, Settings & Trackside Tips

Motorbike photography is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to practice action shooting. The speed, the lean angles, the noise—it all comes together to create an electrifying atmosphere. Whether you're a photography enthusiast looking to try something new or a motorbike fan wanting to capture the thrill of the track, this guide will walk you through the basics: what gear you need, how to set up your camera, and what to expect when you're trackside.

Camera Gear: Start Simple, Shoot Smart

You don’t need to break the bank to get started. An entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS Rebel series or Sony a6000 is more than enough to begin with. What matters most is the lens. A telephoto zoom lens—something like a 70-200mm—will help you get close to the action even if you're behind barriers. For paddock and atmosphere shots, a wide-angle lens also comes in handy.

Make sure you’re equipped with fast memory cards (look for UHS-I or UHS-II ratings) to keep up with burst shooting. A tripod or monopod can be helpful, especially for panning shots or if you’re shooting for long periods. Don't forget spare batteries (racetracks are notoriously hard on gear), and bring a lens hood to reduce glare—especially on sunny days.

Camera Settings: Let the Action Shine

When it comes to photographing fast-moving bikes, your camera settings are everything. Shutter Priority (Tv or S mode) is a good starting point. To freeze action sharply, aim for shutter speeds of 1/1000 sec or faster. If you want to show motion blur in the wheels or background (great for a dynamic feel), try slower speeds like 1/200–1/500 and practice your panning technique.

A wide aperture (f/2.8–f/5.6) helps isolate the rider from the background, while ISO should stay as low as possible for quality—but don’t be afraid to raise it if you’re losing light. Use continuous autofocus (AI-Servo or AF-C) to keep up with moving subjects and stick with a single center focus point or dynamic area mode to stay locked on. Burst mode is your friend—capture multiple frames per second to increase your chances of landing the shot.

Trackside Reality: What to Expect

If you’ve never been to a racetrack before, be prepared for a sensory overload—in the best way possible. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s full of opportunities to capture adrenaline-pumping moments. The paddock area, if you can access it, is a great place for more intimate, candid shots of riders prepping and teams working.

Position yourself strategically around the track—corners and braking zones are excellent spots for dramatic lean angles and overtakes. Avoid shooting head-on down a straight unless you’re intentionally going for that symmetrical, intense look. Always stay within designated areas and follow safety rules. Track marshals are there for your protection, and photographers are no exception.

Keep in mind, the environment can be rough on gear. Dust, heat, and sudden weather changes are all common, so bring basic protection for your equipment and yourself. Oh, and hydrate—it’s a full-body day.

Tips for Nailing the Shot

Here are a few quick tricks that make a big difference. First, watch a few laps before shooting. Learning how riders take certain corners will help you anticipate where to aim. Practice your panning—a smooth, steady motion following the bike creates that beautiful background blur that gives a real sense of speed. Pay attention to your background too. A cluttered or distracting backdrop can ruin an otherwise great shot.

Always shoot in RAW if your camera allows—it gives you far more flexibility when editing, especially with highlights and shadows. And most importantly, take your time. Not every shot will be a winner, and that’s part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

Motorbike photography combines the thrill of motorsport with the challenge of capturing motion—and once you start, it’s hard to stop. Don’t worry about having the fanciest gear. Focus on building your skills, learning the rhythm of the track, and experimenting with different settings and angles. Be patient, stay safe, and enjoy the ride. And once you've got some shots you're proud of, don’t be afraid to share them online and connect with the community. You’re part of the paddock now.