Mountain Bike Photographer for Brands & Campaigns
Ryan Cleek isn’t just a mountain bike photographer—he’s lived the sport his whole life. With decades of riding experience combined with his unique style of shooting, he knows how to capture the raw energy and pure essence of the sport. His photos don’t just show people riding; they highlight the grit, athleticism, and thrill of mountain biking, all set against stunning backdrops. It’s this combination of passion, technical know-how, and insider knowledge that makes Ryan’s mountain biking photography feel so real and authentic.
Commercial MTB Photography Built on Real Riding Experience
Mountain bike photography is about more than freezing a rider at the right moment. The strongest images show the speed, terrain, style and atmosphere of the sport in a single frame. As a mountain bike photographer with decades of experience riding and working inside the sport, I understand where the action is going to happen and what makes an image feel right to riders.
My work spans downhill, freeride and trail photography, from World Cup racing and technical descents to remote backcountry shoots. My riding background matters. It helps me anticipate the line, work efficiently with athletes, and put myself in the right position before the moment happens. The result is mountain bike action photography that feels authentic.
“When I photograph mountain biking, the focus is telling a story in a single frame. It’s all about timing the action perfectly while highlighting the landscapes and terrain that make the sport so special.”
Commercial MTB photography also has to do more than look good. The images need to show the bike, product or athlete clearly while still capturing the energy of the ride. I create photography for bike launches, advertising campaigns, editorial features, social media and other brand marketing, working with athletes and creative teams to produce images that can carry a campaign across multiple platforms.
Based in Reno–Tahoe and available for projects worldwide, I work as an MTB photographer for bike brands, athletes and outdoor companies looking for photography that understands both the sport and the marketing behind it.
