Through The Lens: A Cyclist's Journey in Photography
Cycling, particularly bicycle touring, has profoundly influenced my photography, constantly challenging me to rethink my craft and approach. The blend of adventure, nature, and unpredictability has shaped my perspective in ways I never imagined. Whether waking up in my tent camping atop the Catskill Mountains in Woodstock, NY, or on a local group ride. Photography became more than a hobby—it became a way to document and connect with the world around me. I fell in love with capturing the mellow yet exhilarating world of bikepacking and bicycle touring while on a cross-country trip back in 2014. Though I’d been a photographer long before I ever pedaled a mile, shooting while on the bike pushed my creative boundaries in ways that my previous work—primarily street photography in New York City—never did.
My First Tour: Finding the Right Tools
When I embarked on my first bicycle touring trip, I faced a dilemma familiar to many photographers: choosing the right gear. I overpacked, bringing along three cameras:
- A Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm lens, which I primarily used for video and time-lapse photography. While it delivered stunning quality, it was heavy and cumbersome in my Ortlieb pannier.
- My mobile phone, which was quick and convenient but lacked the depth and versatility I craved.
- My trusty Ricoh GR, a compact point-and-shoot camera with a fixed lens.
It was the Ricoh GR that proved to be the perfect companion. Lightweight, durable, and easy to pack, it allowed me to shoot high-speed, on-the-go images with remarkable sharpness and just the right amount of motion blur to evoke the intensity of the ride. Whether tucked into my mountain bike shorts pocket, stashed in my frame bag, or strapped around my neck, the Ricoh was always ready.
When I embarked on my first bicycle touring trip, I faced a dilemma familiar to many photographers: choosing the right gear. I overpacked, bringing along three cameras:
- A Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm lens, which I primarily used for video and time-lapse photography. While it delivered stunning quality, it was heavy and cumbersome in my Ortlieb pannier.
- My mobile phone, which was quick and convenient but lacked the depth and versatility I craved.
- My trusty Ricoh GR, a compact point-and-shoot camera with a fixed lens.
It was the Ricoh GR that proved to be the perfect companion. Lightweight, durable, and easy to pack, it allowed me to shoot high-speed, on-the-go images with remarkable sharpness and just the right amount of motion blur to evoke the intensity of the ride. Whether tucked into my mountain bike shorts pocket, stashed in my frame bag, or strapped around my neck, the Ricoh was always ready.
Shooting on the Move: A Risky Style
My shooting style on the bike is, admittedly, risky. Often, I ride with one hand on the handlebars and the other on the camera, ready to capture fleeting moments. In many ways, it mirrors my approach to street photography back home in New York City, where I would wander the blocks, waiting for moments to find me. The difference is that cycling adds an extra layer of unpredictability and challenge—there’s no stopping to set up a shot when you’re hurtling down a mountain trail or navigating rough terrain on your gravel bike.
This approach taught me that photography is less about the gear and more about being present and attuned to your surroundings. It’s about blending into the scene and capturing the essence of the moment.
Lessons from the Journey
Over the years, I’ve realized that there’s no definitive “best” camera for cycling, bikepacking or photography in general. It’s all about personal preference and how well your gear aligns with your vision. For me, the latest Ricoh GRIII became indispensable, but others might find joy in a completely different setup. Being able to capture moments during Bikepacking trips and road/gravel rides has not only elevated my technical skills but also reshaped my creative philosophy. It’s a reminder that photography is about storytelling, not perfection.
My Favorite Images From Shooting While Out Riding
Below, you’ll find a collection of my top 10 favorite images from various bikepacking adventures, gravel and road rides. Each photo is a testament to the unpredictable beauty of life on two wheels and the joy of capturing it.
Enjoy, comment, share, and don’t forget to subscribe for more journals like this one. Let’s keep exploring, both on the bike and through the lens.
Ridden & Written by
Dwayne Burgess
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