Michael Lichter
Class of 2025
Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award

Michael Lichter: A Legendary Lens on the Biker Lifestyle
For nearly five decades, Michael Lichter has captured the essence of the biker lifestyle through his unparalleled photography. His journey began in 1977 when he merged his passions for custom Harley-Davidsons and photography, setting the foundation for an extraordinary career that has left a lasting impact on motorcycle culture.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Michael developed a thriving commercial photography business, specializing in advertising and corporate photography. Since 1982, he has operated from the same studio, but his true calling took him on the road—traveling across the U.S. and beyond to document the motorcycle scene for Easyriders Magazine, where he was a principal photographer for over 40 years.
With over 1,200 published magazine features and eleven books to his name, Michael’s work tells the story of the people, machines, and spirit that define the biker world. He also curated an annual motorcycle and art-themed exhibition in Sturgis for more than two decades, solidifying his influence on the industry.
Even today, Michael’s passion for photography remains unwavering. He continues to showcase his limited edition prints and has an exciting schedule of upcoming shoots, including locations in Japan, Italy, India, and Bhutan. His legacy is one of dedication, artistry, and an unyielding love for the open road.