How to Capture the Best Photos & Videos on Your Bali ATV Ride
Dadi Bali Adventures
27 March 2025
Blog & Article

How to Capture the Best Photos & Videos on Your Bali ATV Ride

A Bali ATV adventure is not just a thrilling ride through muddy trails, jungle paths, and scenic rice fields—it's also the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos and dynamic videos. With the island’s rich landscapes and dramatic lighting, you’ll want to bring home more than just memories.

But shooting great content while riding an ATV isn’t as simple as snapping a selfie. From choosing the right camera gear to understanding lighting and framing, this guide will help you get the best shots during your ride with Dadi Bali Adventures or any other off-road provider.

Dadi Bali Adventure

Whether you're riding at sunrise, mid-day, or sunset, use these tips to document your ATV tour like a pro and make every moment Instagram-worthy.

Why Capture Content During Your ATV Ride?

Your ATV adventure in Bali is likely to be one of the most adrenaline-pumping and visually striking parts of your trip. By capturing content along the way, you can:

  • Relive the experience after your vacation ends.

  • Share your adventure with friends, family, or followers.

  • Use it as part of your travel blog or YouTube vlog.

  • Capture rare moments in hidden parts of Bali most tourists don’t reach.

To do this right, you’ll need the right strategy, equipment, and timing.

1. Choose the Right Equipment for Action Shots

The first step to great footage is having the right gear. You don't need to be a professional photographer, but choosing the right tools will go a long way.

A. Action Cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, Insta360)

Action cameras are ideal for ATV riding in Bali. They're compact, rugged, and built for motion. Attach them to your helmet, chest harness, or even your ATV for stable, hands-free recording.

Why action cameras are ideal:

  • Shockproof and waterproof

  • Wide-angle lens for capturing the full scene

  • High-resolution video and photo quality

  • Options for slow-motion and time-lapse

If you're booking with Dadi Bali Adventures, be sure to check if they offer mounts or even professional photography services.

2. Secure Your Camera Gear Properly

A major part of shooting content during an off-road ATV adventure is making sure your camera doesn’t fall off or get damaged. Use strong mounts and straps to keep your equipment safe during bumpy rides.

Recommended Mounts:

  • Helmet mount: Great for POV (point of view) shots.

  • Chest harness: Offers a stable center perspective.

  • Handlebar mount: Ideal for dramatic trail footage.

Use safety tethers as a backup in case a mount comes loose.

3. Plan Your Shots Before You Ride

When riding an ATV, it’s not always possible to stop and set up shots spontaneously. That’s why you should plan ahead.

Focus on key moments:

  • Start of the ride: Introduce the route and your excitement.

  • River crossings: High-energy scenes filled with splashes and action.

  • Jungle trails or cave entries: Cinematic locations to highlight the terrain.

  • Group shots: Capture moments with fellow riders.

If you’re traveling with a partner, you may want to choose a tandem ATV, allowing one person to shoot while the other drives. Learn more about that option in Single vs. Tandem ATV Adventure.

4. Leverage the Lighting – Golden Hour is King

Lighting is everything in photography, and Bali’s golden hours provide spectacular natural lighting for your adventure shots.

  • Morning light (sunrise): Soft, warm, and perfect for a dreamy, cinematic feel.

  • Midday: Bright and clear, better for action-heavy footage with vibrant colors.

  • Sunset: Dramatic and romantic, perfect for silhouette shots and reels.

To find the best time slot for riding, check out our guide: The Ultimate Guide to Bali ATV Adventures.

5. Don’t Forget the Candid Moments

While action shots are great, sometimes the best photos are the unposed, spontaneous moments:

  • Laughing after going through a muddy path

  • Helping each other gear up

  • Interacting with local villagers or guides

  • Cleaning up after the ride

These behind-the-scenes shots tell the complete story and often carry more emotional weight than posed pictures.

6. Composition Tips for More Captivating Photos

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to follow some basic rules of composition:

A. Rule of Thirds

Imagine your photo is divided into a 3x3 grid. Place key subjects (like your ATV or the rider) on the intersections of these lines rather than directly in the center.

B. Leading Lines

Use trails, rivers, or tire tracks to lead the viewer’s eye into the shot and create a sense of depth.

C. Foreground Interest

Add depth by including elements in the foreground, such as mud splashes, rocks, or handlebars.

These simple tweaks can turn your snapshots into stunning images.

7. Use Burst Mode for Action Photos

ATV riding is fast and unpredictable. Using burst mode on your camera or smartphone allows you to capture multiple frames per second. You can later pick the perfect shot from the burst series.

This is especially useful for:

  • Jump shots off small ramps

  • High-speed mud trails

  • Splashing through rivers

8. Capture More Than Just the Ride

A complete story includes the full journey—not just the riding moments.

Take shots of:

  • Pre-ride preparation

  • The trail signs

  • Gear setup

  • Your guides and group members

This narrative approach not only adds variety to your photos but also helps you relive the entire experience later.

9. Edit Smart, But Keep It Real

After your ride, spend time editing your photos and videos. Tools like Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, or even Instagram filters can help you enhance lighting, color, and sharpness. But avoid over-editing—authenticity is more appealing.

Highlight the natural beauty of Bali, the rawness of the ride, and the real joy in your expressions.

10. Share Your Adventure Like a Pro

After capturing your best moments, share them with the world! Post on:

  • Instagram Reels or Stories

  • TikTok for action edits

  • YouTube for full vlogs

  • Travel blogs or review platforms

If you're riding with Dadi Bali Adventures, tag them for a chance to be featured. They're known for curating memorable customer stories, and your content could inspire the next rider.

Want to know why they’re one of Bali’s best? Don’t miss Top 5 Reasons to Choose Dadi Bali Adventures.

Make Every Shot Count

Capturing content during an ATV ride in Bali requires a mix of preparation, creativity, and the right tools. But when done right, the results are worth it.

You don’t need expensive gear or film school experience to create a visual story that reflects the thrill, beauty, and emotion of your journey. With the right timing, gear setup, and eye for storytelling, your ATV footage will be just as epic as the ride itself.

So charge your camera, pack your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience in Bali—on and off the screen.