Motorcycle Photographer Looking for Bikes

[jolsen]

I found many bikes to shoot at the Wauseon event last week. Rode my trusty 1999 Honda VTR there, so my photography was limited to two small flashes and a bunch of photoshopping afterward. There are more on my site at johnolsenphoto.com. Contact me for free photos of your bike if you're in the Wisconsin/Illinois area.

1906 Curtiss V8.jpg

[jolsen]

An exercise in excess, is the mighty Münch. A 1200cc NSU car engine crammed into the frame as custom build. We don't see a lot of these in the U.S., but there's a nice one at Throttlestop. See more at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

Munch D Vign.jpg

[jolsen]

I recently found out what a resource Throttlestop in Elkhart Lake WI is. Not only are they a dealer in vintage bikes, but their space includes a museum of 200 beautifully restored vintage motorcycles. Being just north of Milwaukee you might expect a heavy Harley-Davidson display. To my surprise they've got a range of Ducatis and plenty of Japanese Fours. There's even a Münch for your viewing pleasure. Here's their Flying Merkel. Other images from my day there are at www.johnolsenphoto.com. If you've got a bike to have photographed send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. (It's free)

Merkel D Vign.jpg

[jolsen]

Here's another coming up for auction in Las Vegas - a 1918 Harley-Davidson - for the more ambitious restorer. See more at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

1918 H-D Engine right qtr1415.jpg

[jolsen]

Back in action after a break, I got to shoot a group of 13 bikes that are slated for the 2024 auction in Vegas. We did 6 poses of each in digital color and one or two on B&W film. If you've got a vintage bike that I could shoot (within 250 miles of Madison) send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. More images at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

1915 IndianHeldie Engine right 1475.jpg

[jolsen]

Also at the Wild Ones event in Milwaukee I found this 1975 Ducati. I used three battery flashes and the owner and bystanders held up a backdrop for me. I'd really like to get this into a garage setting so that I could refine the image, but this is still nice. If you've got a vintage bike that I could shoot (within 250 miles of Madison) send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. More images at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

9 1975 GT 1046 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

A fine 1953 Panhead (previously AMCA-judged at 99 1/4) at the Pandemonium meet at the Harley-Davidson Museum yesterday. I heard there were 86 Panheads registered for the ride. The Badger Heritage Chapter organized the field games and everyone had a great day.

4 1953 Pan 1022 PMW.jpg

4 1953 Pan1024 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Earlier this month I could spend a day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. It's a fine museum with bikes displayed for good viewing and great information signage about each one. It's sad to say, but they'll be closing forever at the end of this summer, so don't delay in making a visit if you haven't already. Pick up some museum tee shirts while you're at it.

I shot color and B&W with several battery flashes and a portable backdrop -really had a great day!

R2 N3 Curtis PMW.jpg
1906 Curtiss Twin

I Ariel 18 PMW.jpg
1933 Ariel Square Four

[jolsen]

Paul: Thanks for the comment. This is a pretty serious hobby/compulsion.

Last weekend a Badger Heritage Chapter member invited me to admire his 1949 Moto Guzzi GTV. This one is mechanically restored but left with the patina of high mileage. Between the heel-toe shift linkage, exposed valve springs and external flywheel the GTV is a great subject. I shot color and B&W:

R2 N5 right b PMW.jpg

GTV Left 5 PMW.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Beautiful work Jolsen! Love the way you captured the detail.
Wish they had you photographing the Marque Excellence Winners.

[jolsen]

Caught this fine 1936 Indian Scout at the 2023 Slimey Crud Ride in Leland WI. Owner is with the AMCA's Driftless Chapter. If I can shoot your treasure sometime, contact me at john.olsen337@gmail.com or call (608) 467-2081. It's FREE. Other examples at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

Indian PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Thanks to a Badger Heritage Chapter member I got to shoot this fine 1926 Harley-Davidson Peashooter. It has a ball bearing crank, roller tappets, oversize valves, and a gas/alcohol carb. There are more views on my website (www.johnolsenphoto.com). If I can shoot your treasure sometime, contact me at john.olsen337@gmail.com or call (608) 467-2081. It's FREE.


PeaRight75 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

My resolution for the New Year? Photograph more vintage motorcycles. Thanks to several AMCA members I got some nice pictures last year and now that I'm done with knee surgery again, I'm looking to find more photo ops in the Wisconsin area (or at my place in Madison). The photography is FREE, you get full digital files, and I can come to you if you've got room to shoot indoors.

Here's an informal snap from the Wheels Through Time Museum last September. This is with a medium quality camera and two lights. For AMCA-members shots I'll bring more lights, my best camera and a backdrop - all FREE. Please see other examples at www.johnolsenphoto.com and contact me at john.olsen337@gmail.com.

SuperX 1226 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Thanks to AMCA members' responses I've gotten access to some great bikes recently, like this 1920 Excelsior Series 20. Check out my other shots at www.johnolsenphoto, then contact me at (608) 467-2081 or john.olsen337@gmail.com (if within a day's drive of Madison, WI).

Excelsior X 17 crop PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Another AMCA bike from Northern Wisconsin: A beautiful 1945-6 Indian with those great skirted fenders.

O IND45 103 PMW.jpg

Remember, my photos are FREE because its just a hobby job. Call me if you're within driving distance of Madison, WI. (608) 467-2081. Check out my motorcycle photos at www.johnolsenphoto.com