Hot Air Balloon Rally (Page 3): This was taken In Capadocia, Turkey in September.

jpims

This was taken In Capadocia, Turkey in September.

littlebug Loc: woburn ma

WAITING TO SEE THOSE PHOTOS

Ffej Creations

I have been doing hot air balloons for several years. My best advice is to get there about an hour before launch time and attend the pilot's briefing to get an idea on what is expected to happen; wind direction, launch order, etc.
While there let people know that you are looking to 'crew' (this means helping set-up and pack it away later). A lot of balloonist need crew at these events and may let you go up with them in exchange for your labor, which gives you a totally different vantage point that other photographers.
I have posted a couple of my favorite balloon pictures.
Enjoy the event and good luck!

Kuditzgq

glasskey wrote:

I'm going to a winter balloon rally, my first time, and would like any tips regarding shooting hot air balloons. I'm using a Nikon D7000 with the kit lens (18 - 105). Would love to see any picture posts of this kind of event. Thanks.

Here's some I took a while back

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Hi Glasskey"

You will enjoy your balloon outing a lot. Some ballon events allow the visitors to help set up the balloons and then get rides in that balloon. That is what we did at the Gallup Balloon Festival several years ago. I was using 24-135 and a 100-300 zoom on my then Canon original Rebel. Here are a few photos from the camera without any PP. Enjoy

strobe Loc: Central Iowa

For the most part you'll want to keey your back to the sun. The most interesting picture I took was from the air of another ballonist "Getting his feet wet" which means he touched the balloon to the surface of a pond. The shadow of the balloon was off to the right and of course the reflection of the balloon on the surface of the pond was lovely.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

clixpix wrote:

That is what we did at the Gallup Balloon Festival several years ago. I was using 24-135 and a 100-300 zoom on my then Canon original Rebel. Here are a few photos from the camera without any PP. Enjoy

Well, this is a different camera angle!!
Very nice, to see things from this view.

So, when you are flying over wonderful landscapes that Mother Nature has created as in image #3, how does that conversation go for "Where are we going to land and will anyone ever find us?"

Just asking....I've always wondered about the landing...
I'll bet you have a lot more images of this ride!
Pat

glasskey Loc: Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

Very nice.

jpims wrote:

This was taken In Capadocia, Turkey in September.

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Pat:

I do have lots of images of the Gallup festival. We were doing an article for a magazine about the event so I took lots of photos. Fortunately there was very little wind so when time came to land, the pilot landed us withing 10 feet of where we took off. However, when my wife went up for her ride, the pilot landed in some back yard surrounded by a chain link fence and barbed wire. Everyone was ok but it was thrilling for her and me watching.

glasskey Loc: Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

Good shot. Looks like I'm getting up early. Thanks.

spphoto wrote:

just an example before take off

glasskey Loc: Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

Great idea. Great shots. Thanks.

Ffej Creations wrote:

I have been doing hot air balloons for several yea... (show quote)

glasskey Loc: Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

Great shots. I love #3. Unfortunately my choice of lens is limited to the 18-105 - but that won't limit my creativity. Just hope the weather cooperates. Thanks.

clixpix wrote:

Hi Glasskey"

You will enjoy your balloon outing a lot. Some ballon events allow the visitors to help set up the balloons and then get rides in that balloon. That is what we did at the Gallup Balloon Festival several years ago. I was using 24-135 and a 100-300 zoom on my then Canon original Rebel. Here are a few photos from the camera without any PP. Enjoy

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I shot several rallies during my television photo career and a couple since I retired.

There's a common misconception that they don't want you around - at least not close. I've not found that to be the case. Get in close and personal without getting in the way.
It's a fascinating process to watch so don't be afraid to snap lots of shots of that.

It'll be pretty obvious when you need to back up to get the best shots because, as you know, the balloons get pretty big.

Have fun, it makes for some very colorful photos.

Phoenix

glasskey Loc: Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

Thanks jimmya. Good tips. Great shot.

jimmya wrote:

I shot several rallies during my television photo ... (show quote)

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

glasskey wrote:

I'm going to a winter balloon rally, my first time, and would like any tips regarding shooting hot air balloons. I'm using a Nikon D7000 with the kit lens (18 - 105). Would love to see any picture posts of this kind of event. Thanks.

Went to one years ago in Castle Rock, CO. Get there before the sun comes up. Get to know some of the crews. Most don't mind you hanging out as long as you don't get in the way as they inflate the balloons. Here is what I did for my favorites shots. Shoot inside the balloon as it inflating. Still mostly horizontal. Shoot thru the balloon into the sun . Play with exposure. Try to find really colorful balloons. I have some Kodachromes slides that I wish I could find and scan. If I find them I'll post some. You'll need a good wide angle for shooting inside the balloon. I mean actually INSIDE as I was allowed to do briefly. If you don't get a ride try to get in with a chase crew. Make sure you've got the whole day though. :thumbup: