Creating Content

Written By Jennifer Barbour

Capturing Content Gold: Tips for Biking in the Rockies

Riding bikes in the Rockies is a recipe for content gold. Here are some tips on how to capture the best content for the Gram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, or whatever your social jam is. The breathtaking scenery, thrilling trails, and epic adventures offer endless opportunities to create stunning and engaging content. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your Rocky Mountain biking experience.

1. Plan Your Shots

Scout Locations

  • Pre-Ride Exploration: Before you start your ride, scout the trail and identify scenic spots, interesting features, and challenging sections where you can capture great footage.

  • Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions. Plan your ride to coincide with these times for the most dramatic and visually appealing shots.

Storyboard Your Ride

  • Create a Narrative: Think about the story you want to tell. Whether it’s a thrilling descent, a peaceful ride through a forest, or a challenging climb, having a clear narrative will help guide your shot selection and editing process.

2. Gear Up for Quality

Camera Equipment

  • GoPro or Action Camera: Durable and versatile, action cameras are perfect for capturing high-energy biking footage. Mount it on your helmet, handlebars, or chest for dynamic angles.

  • Smartphone: Modern smartphones have excellent camera capabilities. Use a gimbal for stabilization and consider external lenses for more variety in your shots.

  • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: For high-quality photos and videos, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a good lens can capture stunning detail and depth.

Accessories

  • Mounts and Tripods: Use various mounts to get different perspectives. A small tripod can be handy for stable shots and time-lapses.

  • Microphone: An external microphone can improve audio quality, essential for vlogs or commentary.

3. Capture a Variety of Shots

Wide Shots

  • Show the Scenery: Wide shots capture the expansive beauty of the Rockies. Use these to establish context and showcase the breathtaking landscapes.

Action Shots

  • Dynamic Angles: Action shots convey the thrill of the ride. Experiment with different angles—front-facing, rear-facing, and side shots—to add excitement to your content.

Close-Ups

  • Detail Matters: Close-up shots of your bike, gear, or even the trail surface can add interesting details to your video or photo series.

POV (Point of View) Shots

  • Immerse Your Audience: POV shots from your helmet or handlebar mount give viewers a rider’s-eye view of the experience, making them feel like they’re part of the action.

4. Leverage Natural Light and Weather

Lighting

  • Natural Light: Use the sun to your advantage. Backlighting can create beautiful silhouettes, while front lighting can highlight details and colors.

  • Avoid Harsh Light: Midday sun can create harsh shadows and overexposed shots. If you’re shooting during this time, look for shaded areas to capture more balanced images.

Weather Conditions

  • Dramatic Effects: Different weather conditions can add mood and drama to your content. Fog, rain, and snow can create unique and captivating visuals.

5. Editing and Post-Production

Editing Software

  • User-Friendly Apps: For quick edits on your phone, apps like VSCO, Snapseed, and Adobe Lightroom Mobile are excellent choices.

  • Professional Software: For more comprehensive editing, software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer powerful tools to enhance your videos and photos.

Consistent Aesthetic

  • Color Grading: Apply consistent color grading to give your content a cohesive look. This can enhance the visual appeal and make your content more recognizable.

  • Music and Effects: Choose music and sound effects that match the mood and pace of your video. Syncing your footage with the music can create a more engaging viewing experience.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Interactive Content

  • Live Streams: Consider doing live streams during your ride to interact with your audience in real-time. Answer questions, share tips, and give viewers a live look at your adventure.

  • Polls and Questions: Use social media features like polls and questions to engage your audience before and after your ride. Ask for route suggestions, gear recommendations, or feedback on your content.

Community Building

  • Hashtags and Challenges: Use popular hashtags and participate in challenges to increase your content’s visibility. Create your own hashtag to build a community around your adventures.

  • Collaborations: Collaborate with other cyclists and content creators to reach new audiences and add variety to your content.

Capturing content while biking in the Rockies is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. By planning your shots, using the right gear, and engaging with your audience, you can create compelling and visually stunning content that showcases the beauty and thrill of mountain biking. Remember, the most important part is to enjoy the ride and share your passion with the world. Happy riding and happy shooting!


Jennifer Barbour
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