Motorcycle Lifestyle Photography

Daytona Bike Week 2017

Our motorcycle-loving client invested a lot of resources in designing the bike of his dreams, “Southern Cross,” and wanted to capture the creation for legacy purposes, magazine submissions, and competition entry.

Bike Builder

The Southern Cross Bike is a custom 2017 G2 Razor Bagger build by Gary Chipp et al of Fat Baggers, Inc. With a super-charger and 30-inch wheel, the bike is upgraded for performance and comfort.  

Shoot Locations

Daytona Bike Week was the perfect location to begin our shoot with the Southern Cross bike. Prior to our arrival, we scouted shoot locations quintessential to Daytona Beach.

Waterfront

To begin, we set up at a little known treasure called Sickler Park. Sickler Park is located on the west side of the Halifax River. This location provides incredible views of Seabreeze Boulevard Bridge and Oakridge Boulevard Bridge. It is perfect for early backlit sunrises. The location also allows the shooter to place the bike against the blue water of the Halifax River with perfect light. 

Second, another location perfect for water shots is Fortunato Park. This park has a small beach that completely provides an open water view. You are able to position a bike as if it is riding on water.

Over The Road

For a bike ride shoot, Bulow Creek State Park offers a great spectacle. Two roads parallel the Halifax River with both names change. On the northwest end, the road is renamed Old Dixie Highway. Take a right onto Walter Boardman Lane and another right onto High Bridge Road. There is a another great photo op at the east side of this road, Highbridge Drawbridge. Along this route, we captured several amazing biker shots in motion.

Deland Wings

Last, the Deland Wings by Erica Group is a must photography session. Yes these wing murals are everywhere but this one is unique. Located in a back ally, this side street is super tight. Our Canon 24mm lens was really too tight for this shot. Next time, we will have a Canon 16-35mm. Check out more of Erica’s work, be sure to check out Wings of the West.

Talent

For days, we unsuccessfully scouted for talent for the Deland Wing shoot. However, when we arrived that day and begin to set up, the perfect model literally walked past us. Ashley Folds Williams, a local business owner, graciously allowed us borrow her look for an hour that afternoon. And that is how magic happens on a production shoot. 

Photography Equipment

As for our equipment, our camera is a Canon 5D Mark II. Lenses used are Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L. We run dual Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT with ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter. For softbox, we defuse with SMDV Speedbox 65.

We stayed at the famous and historic Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Harley Davidson hotel. For more information Daytona Bike Week, visit their website – https://officialbikeweek.com/

Next, check out more of our Lifestyle Photography with The Hollander.