I haven't been to the Albuquerque event, but we do have the Reno Balloon festival. There are a variety of situations at these events. Remember, these are big balloons and the ground action takes place across say 20-50 acres. So, try for an elevated spot for a while and get down and close to get the individual character of each balloon and crew. These are engaged and engaging folks, and some what exhibitionists. They LOVE to be photographed, and get cards and send them pictures. Don't forget the ground crews and chase truck drivers. A landing and recovery sequence would make a good essay to summarize the story. Most of these are family edeavors and have stories with forever appeal.

The most impressive is there is a morning "Glow Show" as the propane burners fill the balloons. And in the dark, they also project a very warm as in color temp (as well) glow into the balloons. So to get many of them, a wide angle view works. Since they don't all start at the same time across the field, these glows and inflating balloons are somewhat separated. The actual filling operation of a single balloon is graphically pleasing and is somewhat a ballet like a racing car pit stop so you will want to get tight(er) shots. I've used 150-300mm depending on the distance and 20-35mm up close.

Also, flying balloons:
Right after the glow show is the Mass Ascention and wide angle views are essential. Individual Balloons, especially the character kind like Porky Pig, Darth Vader and many more--Wells Fargo Stage Coach etc. deserve their own isolated shots at 100-300mm. But many appear in formation and a 50-100mm view would isolate them well. Look for juxtapositions. One of the best shots by my favorite local newsie is of a dragon appearing to be munching on the hot dog Balloon. Darth makes an inviting target, too. Juxtapositions with landmarks make very unique photographs, too. It takes the old and "tired and mature" images and icons and gives them a new look. Over water thre are good reflections. And, perhaps over some flat desert, you might even get a mirage reflection. I'd look for it, but not go hunting for such a thing.

Exposures run from low light at pre-dawn to very bright with backlit balloons probably compensated +1-2 stops depending on their positions relative to the sun and clouds, if any.

All mine Balloon photos are still on Ectachrome and not scanned. But it is a fun event. And opportunities last all day. You will turn a corner and see this giant balloon filling the fram--er sky! Or maybe looking light it's tied to the Golden Arches or the Honda Logo. Have fun, bring batteries, Cards and coffee (perhaps mildly fortified). The pre-dawn in the desert is cccooold!

What to bring?? You've got the focal lengths overlapped, so grow 4 hands and bring 'em all. But, the big Nikon will be the star because of the resolution and DR will record the colors that these balloons show. Each of the others will have their place either on the walk about, the mass ascention with a wide on one body and a tele on the other. Bring your tripod because the early action, when they're all together, starts in the DARK and a 30 sec exposure will be likely. Don't forget a falshlight and/or a headlamp.

Orient yourself to get the sunrise as a background, or that early light front lighting the field and early risers. If you're going with others dispatch someone for the sunrise or sweet front light shot from the opposite direction with one of the compact cameras. Bring your smart phone for compass directions and communications because groups get separated in the dark and visibility is cut down when the balloons start to inflate.

Have fun and visit us next time weekend after Labor Day.
C