Photographing classic motorcycles is a popular pastime for many classic bike enthusiasts. There are many events where classic bikes can be photographed and the memories of an enjoyable day captured.

Today, the modern digital camera () has made photography simple - just point and shoot, for the most part. The beauty of these cameras is the ability to review the shot before moving on. In the old days of 35mm cameras, the first chance the photographer had of reviewing an image was after the development process - problematic at best if the subject was on another continent!

Although taking digital photographs is easy, planning an image before shooting will pay off in the long run. Also, if you are taking photographs that may be used in print or digital media, for instance, or you want a top quality photograph to enlarge into a poster, there are some do's and don'ts worth bearing in mind.

Selecting a suitable subject in a collection (bike) can be frustrating. The make, model and year of bike you wish to photograph may be hidden amongst 20 others, or otherwise partially obscured. However, classic bike owners are very accommodating, especially for photographers. Being polite and friendly towards the owner will often be met with them offering assistance in positioning the bike for your shot.

At events such as shows, arriving early before the bikes have been situated in their allotted spaces can often present a better chance of photographing the bike on its own. In general, the first and most important element of taking a quality photograph is ensuring correct lighting.

If the bike is outside on a clear day, the photograph will have better definition if the image is taken either early in the morning, or late afternoon (before the light fails at dusk).

Do's and don'ts of lighting:

• Use a direction flash: You want the entire subject lit evenly if possible with no reflections from chrome etc.
• In bright sunshine: note any shadows and move around the subject to improve the image if possible.
• In low light conditions (where the digital camera suggests a flash): be aware the shutter speed will be slow and any movement will result in a blurred image - use a remote shutter release and tripod if available.

Don'ts, general:

• Don't shoot an image that is reflecting anything, for example: you, your feet, the sky, other bikes, sun or flashes from chrome, a brightly colored object nearby.
• Do not photograph registration plates (tags), or at least be prepared to cover the letters and numbers later.
• Do not photograph (or publish) vehicle identification numbers unless important for an advertisement, for example.

• Do not move any items from a display bike. You will often see a sign sayings "do not sit on this bike" on its seat. Politely ask the owner if he could move it for the photograph.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to move the bike: ask the owner.
• Do not wipe rain or other items from paint work.
• Do not rush the shot, be patient.
• Do not take just one quick shot. Take as many as the owner seems comfortable with (fidgeting indicates he is getting fed up of waiting for you). Try to do an image review before moving on.
• Do not miss the information board placed against the bike. You will be surprised how many times you forget what year or model the bike was (take a shot of the information sheet).

Do's, general:

• Use a high megapixel camera (5x and above) for professional photography and posters. Learn the camera before traveling.
• Take a spare camera (in separate luggage if flying).
• Have plenty of spare batteries.
• If you intend to do a lot of close up work, purchase a close up lens, don't rely on cropping to zoom in on an item (the image will appear grainy and lack definition).

• Try different positions for the shot. For instance, kneel or lie down facing the bike instead of standing over it. Shoot from every angle: front, rear, side, 45 degrees, sitting position.
• Be prepared to download the images onto a laptop or send to an online collection. You will be taking plenty of photos, so you should create a way to save some to ensure enough space.
• Save images in png format if at all possible (any changes made in jpg will lose definition from the image).
• Email a copy to yourself when on the road (if you should lose your camera, you will still have a copy of the hard to get photos).
• Take some generic model release forms with you.
• Have a note pad or some form of note taking device with you. Journalists' dictaphones are ideal ().
• If the photograph is to be used in the media, make sure you cannot identify the faces of anyone around the bike (copyright issues) or you will need the person to sign a model release.