Motorcycle expeditions through wild landscapes are about more than just the ride. The open road, misty mountain curves, hidden forest paths, and unexpected wildlife sightings all create moments worth remembering and sharing. But capturing those moments on camera while traveling on two wheels presents its own unique challenges and opportunities.
Whether you're an experienced rider with a DSLR strapped to your saddlebag or a weekend adventurer snapping shots with a smartphone, this guide will help you level up your outdoor motorcycle expedition photography. We’ll explore how to capture better landscapes, portraits, action shots, and storytelling sequences — all while keeping gear safe and your ride uninterrupted.
If you're touring with us at BackCountry Adventure Tours, you already know that our guided rides through the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala Forest, and beyond offer endless photo ops. With the right tips and preparation, you’ll return home with photos as epic as your journey.
Your photography experience starts with choosing the gear that suits your riding style and comfort level.
Modern smartphones like the iPhone or Google Pixel take fantastic shots, especially with good lighting. They're compact, easy to access, and require no extra mounting equipment. If you're just getting into photography or want to travel light, your phone might be all you need.
Pro Tips for Smartphone Photography:
Perfect for capturing motion, action cameras can be helmet- or bike-mounted to shoot video and stills while you ride. They’re rugged and waterproof, ideal for all conditions.
Pro Tips:
For the more serious photographer, a DSLR or mirrorless camera delivers exceptional image quality, low-light performance, and lens versatility. Just make sure you have a safe, padded place to store it.
Pro Tips:
Once you have your camera, knowing how to compose a great shot is key. Composition is what turns a snapshot into something compelling.
Divide your frame into a 3x3 grid and place the subject where the lines intersect — this makes the photo feel balanced and intentional.
Motorcycle roads themselves are perfect leading lines. Use curves, fences, and trails to draw the viewer’s eye through the image.
Instead of just snapping a distant mountain, include your bike, helmet, or even a glove in the foreground to add depth and a sense of presence.
A big open sky or empty road can help emphasize isolation, freedom, or scale — great themes for motorcycle travel photos.
Lighting can transform a scene from bland to breathtaking. Outdoor photographers live by the golden and blue hours.
Avoid shooting midday unless it’s cloudy. Harsh sunlight creates flat colors and unwanted glare. Cloudy or foggy days often create moody, unique photos ideal for forested roads and mountain passes.
If you're exploring destinations like these iconic Southeastern routes, you’ll find the lighting changes dramatically from lakefronts to ridge tops — offering dynamic conditions for photography.
It’s tempting to stop and snap a photo only when the scenery peaks — but the real story of your motorcycle expedition lies in the in-between moments.
Take photos of:
These details build a visual narrative and bring your adventure to life. A full ride album should feel like a journey, not just a slideshow of distant mountains.
Protecting your camera gear on a motorcycle requires smart packing and quick access strategies.
With BackCountry Adventure Tours, our guides help pace the ride so there's time to pause, shoot, and enjoy the scenery — especially at key photo stops.
Capturing movement takes practice, but a few simple techniques can help:
Move your camera with the rider as they pass, using a slower shutter speed (1/30–1/60) to create motion blur in the background while keeping the subject sharp.
Use burst mode to take multiple photos in quick succession. Great for riders coming around curves, cresting hills, or riding through water.
Use a tripod or stable surface to shoot long exposures. Waterfalls, clouds, and even taillight streaks from motorcycles at night can look amazing.
Editing helps highlight what your eye saw but the camera didn’t quite capture. Even basic adjustments can make your photos pop.
Focus on:
Free tools like Snapseed (for phones) or Lightroom (for desktop and mobile) are easy to use and powerful.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to document every second, but don’t forget why you’re out there in the first place. The best photos come when you’re immersed in the experience — aware of the scenery, the ride, and your surroundings.
Let photography enhance your journey, not dominate it.
With scenic routes handpicked by experienced guides, our tours are perfect for photographers. Whether you're chasing sunrise through the Smokies or capturing reflections off a quiet mountain lake, we make sure your ride is as beautiful as it is thrilling.
If you want to know who’s behind the scenes, meet the passionate riders who created these unforgettable experiences on our About page.
If your memory card is as hungry for adventure as your throttle hand, it’s time to ride with us. Join a guided motorcycle tour with BackCountry Adventure Tours and discover just how photogenic the Smokies, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Gravel Dragon really are.
📍 Contact us today to reserve your ride and start your next chapter behind both the handlebars and the lens.
What’s the best camera for motorcycle travel?
Your smartphone is perfect for casual shooting. A GoPro works great for action. For higher quality, use a lightweight mirrorless camera with a compact lens.
How do I protect my camera on rough rides?
Use padded bags or inserts in your saddlebags. Keep gear sealed in dry bags during wet conditions.
Can I take photos while riding?
You should never shoot handheld while riding. Use mounted action cameras or pull over safely before taking shots.
How do I take better landscape photos?
Shoot during golden hour, use foreground elements like your bike, and apply the rule of thirds.
What’s the best way to shoot other riders in motion?
Use burst mode, pan with the motion, and shoot from a safe roadside location.
What camera accessories should I bring?
Extra batteries, memory cards, a microfiber cloth, small tripod, and lens cleaning tools.
How can I avoid glare in photos?
Use a polarizing filter or adjust your angle. Shoot with the sun to the side rather than directly in front or behind.
How do I take photos of myself while riding solo?
Use a tripod and timer, or action camera with voice controls or remote.
Do you offer photography-friendly tours?
Yes. Our guides include photo stops in every route and can even suggest ideal spots.
Can I share my photos from the tour?
Absolutely! We love seeing your work and often highlight rider photos in our area attractions gallery.
