The Secret to Photographing a Bike with John Prolly

[@johnprolly]

Heck yeah, Dustin. Stoked on how this came out and it's so wild to think how long we've each been doing this stuff! Mind blowing. Thanks for your super professional job here. Means the world. xo

[@mitchellconnell7893]

I remember the first time you shot the builders behind the bikes, with the bikes out of focus, and it absolutely made me pause and think “damn! I’ve never seen that!” And of course everyone copied it immediately!

[@johnprolly]

@@mitchellconnell7893 😂

[@mfmeow206]

You shared all your secrets....except.....what is the bike stand

[@johnprolly]

@@mfmeow206 Stinner Frameworks (it's in the video)

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This was a pure and total honor thank you J!!

[@texarama]

You had me at "crank lined up with the chainstay".

[@selishots]

As a professional photographer and videographer working for a bicycle company I agree with just about everything said in this video!

[@megatryn]

This has been the bike shooting law since at least the early 2000`s as far as I can remember. I remember having discussions on forums and IRC back in the 90s on how to photograph bikes. Long lenses, cranks in line with chainstay, tire logos the right way and valves by logos were all agreed on. Photo-sticks are a thing, but when shooting analog, you often just find a stick that blends in with the background.

[@ultraromance]

its a yearly honor/highlight of mine to have a bike shot by JW --- lens master of the bicycle --- nice video!

[@johnprolly]

We gotta make it happen more than once a year. I need to wade into the tick jungles and go through the shed of bicycle glory holes with you!

[@Liketheoutdoors]

Awesome, really like how John is breaking down his thought process and showing the end-result. Inspiring.

[@clubmate12]

I love all your videos, DK, but this was the one where «Everything's Been Done» clicked with me. John didn't only share tips about photography, he shared important conceptual ideas on how to be original. Big respect to both of you.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Much respect! Thanks cheers for the supper! 🤜❤️🤛

[@sean9820]

John is very generous to have shared all this wisdom. Great video.

[@hnurminen]

Oh man, this video resonates with me on so many levels! I ride gravel and I do photography (mostly landscape) here in Finland. Key take-away? It's composition that matters, not the (camera) equipment. So many overlaps with riding bikes - ride the bike that makes you happy, not the one that the industry tries to sell you.

[@flatorange]

One shot with the stand and bike, one without the bike so a blank background. If the camera is on a tripod the two images will be in registration in photoshop layers. Just layer mask to the clear plate, no cloning needed and better for busy backgrounds like grass. Don't forget to use manual focus to keep the focus plane in the same place. Would even work with a finger propping the bike up. 😉

[@rrluthi1]

I remember meeting John briefly at Golden Saddle many years ago. I had bought a used custom frame off of eBay and needed something from the shop. He immediately noticed a bunch of details about the frame that I hadn't even noticed. That he brings this level of detail to his bike photography makes total sense. Cool video!

[@johnprolly]

Cheers! It's a lifelong obsession! xo

[@sonyvaioboy]

The quality of the light during the interview in this is amazing. Well done - Looks dope 😎

[@johnprolly]

Best light of the weekend!

[@milanb.6022]

Now these are some top tips from the man himself. Great hearing John speak about his work, he seems so positive and enthusiastic. Thanks Dustin!

[@adamweb]

This is a real working photographer... you can tell because he's part of the UV filter/no lens cap mafia 😂

[@johnprolly]

#SayNoToLensCaps haha

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I love how every aspect of the process is considered!

[@slurpalurple]

Today’s $40 UV filters are more than transparent enough to yield zero aberrations in the final image. This is the right choice!

[@Jl454w]

man... you don't have an idea how many times I have scratched my head asking 'Who is holding that bike???' in his pictures...

[@williammaya2010]

I'm an architect, ride bikes and are into photography. You couldn't have made a more niche video for me! Love it and what great insights from such a cool person!!

[@johnprolly]

\m/

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Johns considered approach to every step of this process is truly appreciated.

[@BigBrainParty]

John is a legend. Thank you for this highlight

[@themindunset]

What a fabulous episode! Well done, friend. John Prolly seems like an awesome dude. Love the Radivist.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This one was a long time coming. Honored to be able to hear Johns approach to photography.

[@definevalentine]

Loved every second of whatever this was. Keep doing what you're doing. Both of you.

[@ALIVEDJP]

Hell yeah. Awesome stuff. Keep up the great work.. both of ya.. and all the Made folks too.

[@sixtwenty2181]

Always rad to hear from John Prolly Not Probably! His pics are always the icing on the cake on any radavist article!

[@johnnigri7269]

My favorite KZbin content creator showcasing my favorite facebook page?!?! Sweet baby Jesus bike geek worlds colliding !!! Great content as always!!! 👍🏼

[@theanswer00]

Seeing someone doing what they do and be so good at it is always inspiring. Great video!

[@Chris.E.]

Your best video by far and one of the best I've seen in a while. Maybe because I like cycling and photography 🙂

[@methical__]

I really like this interview. As someone whos main hobby is photography who just gets into bikes, this ticks all the boxes. Also "everybody's lookin at their shit on their phone" hahaha this is so true :D

[@conroe_au]

@johnprolly is a true gentleman. Through the overlanding/4x4 scene years ago he offered me a place to stay if I visited stateside. Always love seeing his photographic work.

[@johnprolly]

Cheers man! The offer is still open! 🙂

[@conroe_au]

@@johnprolly a gentleman and a scholar!

[@ryanooitzehan7757]

Rad stuff! Been waiting for an episode with the Radavist himself!

[@Gang1955]

Thank you for this video, I love his style and I am stoked to have learned the basics through this video. About to take my photography to the next level with these tips!

[@IdrisFashan]

This is such a captivating video. Artist vision, delivery AND BIKES. Hobby photogs like me are losing their beans watching this. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@kawabus]

Very well done. Thanks for this one. Love the behind the scenes and process perspective.

[@gaguistyle]

Who remembers #prollyisnotprobably ?

[@joepug]

I'm so here for this content- two favorite people totally killing it. Kudos homies

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My dude!!!🤜❤️🤛

[@lanceleegordon]

Shoutout to Kissena Velodrome! Prolly used to decimate us in the cat5 field in every event. Great vid, Dustin. What a legend.

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

Very nice indeed love the nerdy bike talk since I’m always talking nerdy bike talk haha. Great looking pictures as well!.

[@ecycled3d]

Mucho love for so much of this. Stunning work!

[@RipCityRyan]

So thrilled to see all the StravaGram photos this inspires!

[@electricsheep1963]

This is great, it is always gold when you learn some of the details that you have been missing 😀

[@jtnord]

I got into MTB in 2009. I would say this approach to bike photography was pretty much the industry standard by about 2012. Neat to learn about the early days of it.

[@Griff-q3f]

I don’t think I take a ride without at least one photo of the bike I’m riding. Great video, great photo tips. Great creativity from both of you……ENJOY THE RIDE

[@monguzzle]

Loved this. I always used Nikon stuff back when I was shooting press jobs, but the R series stuff from Canon is *Saul from Coming to America voice* BEAUTIFUL

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Ive stubbornly stuck with Canon since film and the R series is legit (I have R6 & R5c)

[@robinheil]

Some great lessons from the master! Thank you Dustin and John. I like the part at 8:56 when he talks about aperture. I feel like some people shoot wide open all the time because it "looks cool" but sometimes they end up losing details of the bike.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thank you bud!

[@JonathanCooper-t3q]

Great practical video … I have been using a similar approach with a piece of bamboo to hold the bike up .. but love the puddle approach and crank / pedal position.

[@keepingtherubberdown5715]

I'd love to get a bike stand like that.. Love it. And thanks for the video..

[@max-eb9vi]

Dammmm, the crank position is such a good shout! I take bike photos all year then pick the best of each month to make a calendar for the next year so gonna use that now. Nice1

[@Armedwithamindtx]

This was really cool! Ive always loved Johns work.

[@jimholmes7639]

That was very good, loved every minute.

[@andymarks1049]

That does it. My 5d3 and 70-200 are heading out to photograph my newish Fargo. My pics of it suck. What a maestro! Great, informative video, again. Thx. 14:10

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This makes my day!! It would be really cool to see your previous photo next to your new photo(maybe carousel on IG?)

[@andymarks1049]

@@EverythingsBeenDone I shot my Fargo, and put the pics on my Smugmug site. I need to reshoot a few to hide irrelevant stuff.

[@LoganVonBokel]

Such a nerd - love it! Good stuff.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thats what we are here for!

[@CJMajesty]

Never thought I needed to see this. Good Job

[@tibiynb]

Great video! John is such a legend ❤

[@FfortheT]

Yes! As a biker and photographer, this is very relatable and informative. Thanks!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Brian-qv1ir]

This guy is a lot better than me and did things that I would consider errors, which means I just saw past the horizon of my abilities. It's always a good day when you get new lessons handed to you.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This one is a keeper. There were several things I learned from John on this as well.

[@easkeybikes1966]

Great to see the method behind the stunning results.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Turns out John is also a great teacher!

[@Alex_564]

I really liked this video. Thank you.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This makes my day Alex!!

[@chrisdistefano198]

"You don't have to be crazy about it." - Don't tell me what to do, John! I'll be as crazy as I want.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Bawhahahahaha you go grrrrl

[@johnprolly]

GET CRAY!

[@scubasteve4093]

Cool dude, enjoy listening to him explain his process and I have 0 knowledge in photography

[@motoed]

Nice story… I always like your stories, but this one resonates with me as a photographer. Great insights. And your capture and edit of this grips your attention. Excellent work. Curious… Are you shooting with a DJI Osmo Pocket 3?

[@michaelhayward7572]

Best bicycle photography on the interweb. Fact.

[@marcokalle2452]

This video satisfied my daily dose of 2 things I can really nerd out on: bikes and photography 🤘🏽❤😎

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My work here is complete!

[@marcokalle2452]

@@EverythingsBeenDone for this video yes, but don't quit yet, keep them videos coming 🙏🏽

[@chonclark]

Very cool. Great video just hearing John talk about his process. Thanks !

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I had a feeling this one was going to interesting. Talking with John had way more depth then I expected...such a cool experience to be able to share.

[@richardclark5255]

DK, what have you done to me? I felt empty last week, couldn’t figure out why, and then I realized it was because there was no EBD coming into my feed. Hope you had a good, healing trip.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I was on my walkabout. But Im BACK BABY ;)

[@manchetajr]

Hey did John give any info on the bike stand he’s using or how to get one?

[@johnprolly]

It's Stinner Frameworks.

[@WaltervanDusen]

@@johnprollythank you. I just ordered it. Wish the Ti version was in stock.

[@chongki3832]

Hey Dustin! Thanks for the video. Would you know where he got the bikestand propping thing? Thanks man!

[@lucianonilos614]

Great video, great ideas to shot bikes greetings from argentina

[@taonflorian2]

John probably has that same drawer I have filled with lens caps. Need that stick tho, relying on luck finding the perfect wood stick when I wanna shot bikes is not a strong strategy.

[@JoeCincotta307]

Cool point of view from a cool dude.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Well said!

[@ykei4536]

tysm for making this video!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Your appreciation does wonders! 💫

[@headsling]

brilliant video - prolly is amazing subject for a deep dive. awesome

[@slowwerthensnot]

Fantastic stuff!

[@ENDUROMASIVO]

This video is gold

[@MrDaljoh]

Thanks for the video!

[@jkee1533]

Great video and info!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JohnnyD365XBL]

My 2 loves in 1 video, awesome

[@weroplayero]

I need one of those stands! Where can I get one of those??? This photoshoot is great!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Between you and me a stick is just as functional

[@chasej5630]

10:01 is the most REALEST shit I've heard about the photography trend. Go get photos, explore the world, and stop giving a damn.

[@brian90tb]

wooo I was following Prolly is Not Probably before he turned into Radavist!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thats whats up!!

[@TheLoamRanger]

I need one of those bike stands… yesterday.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Between you and me a stick works just as well.

[@TheLoamRanger]

@@EverythingsBeenDone unless you were me, three days ago standing in the middle of the AZ desert looking for a stick that didn't exist within 10 miles. 😄

[@jeffrochford2183]

I am just really enjoying his nerdom; infectious

[@pgn666]

gr8 video, THX!

[@dfglandon]

A lot of “oh yeah, never thought of approaching on that away?! Makes sense.”

[@Turbobuttes]

The mind on that guy. I thought he was gonna shoot the bike in front of the bush for some purple accents, but he shot it THROUGH the bush.

[@Yrch-s2s]

what a nice guy!

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Koool video I learned so much things thank you 🙏

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andysillaber]

where could i get the bike stand ?

[@scottamy404]

May have to go dig out my 200mm lens and digital SLR I haven't used in years.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You IG feed will thank you

[@gerhardwinter1821]

Hello from Frankfurt / Germany. You make very great Pic. Very professional. I like our Bikestand. Where can I buy it? Great Gerhard

[@TechWithBruno]

Great video!

[@JonathanCooper-t3q]

Superb steel bike too!

[@BeardedLer1WD]

Every major hobby must have an equally important minor hobby to support the major hobby. Or something like that. Bike needs camera.

[@hmudesign]

Super nice!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

The real skill is to be able to connect them one all in some form or another.

[@BikePortland]

Cool! Love hearing about his process. Thanks.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

May all our photos benefit from this!

[@romanzanier]

where can you get that bike stand??

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Between you and me I found stick works just as good.

[@romanzanier]

@@EverythingsBeenDone facts hahah

[@seanbyrne8891]

6.5e-18 parsecs is a great focal length for shooting bikes

[@JohnDoe-zw5jr]

True Legend

[@MazingerZX]

The RF 100mm L Macro should also work pretty well.

[@tomalcolm]

Prolly gonna be a good vid.

[@Mr_RichardH]

Apropos of nothing, Sycip has the sweetest head tube badge.

[@johnprolly]

Right?

[@xrossfader]

John… if you read this, the full shot of the bike you just need a photo prior to placing the stand from the same spot and you’ll just copy paste the stand out with that photo.

[@timothymcn]

Still miss when the site was called Prolly is Not Probably!

[@OptimusCrime_69]

using a bottom bracket for the linkeage is genius

[@HarishChouhan]

What stand is that?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

The green one