Edmund, Nik Vivesa is a great application, but it doesn't solve the major problems when you're trying to capture an image with serve lighting challenges. For example if you are shooting from inside your house, and want to capture good details and lighting of your room plus the outside, you will need to do HDR. Click http://www.dubinphotography.net/Events/Camera-Club-of-Brevard/Camera-Club-of-Brevard-Field/19961355_STh5dk#!i=1572005629&k=rr9rS3w on this link to see a good example of what I'm talking about. Arnold

SLR exposure compensation in manual mode
Answer ID
9602
| Published 04/05/2004 01:10 PM | Updated 10/19/2010 10:12 AM
I used exposure compensation for several shots in the manual mode but they all look exactly alike. What's wrong?

If exposure compensation is set when using automatic Digital and Film SLRs in the manual exposure mode, the actual aperture and shutter speed settings do not change as they do if one of the automatic exposure modes is selected. Instead, the metering scale in the camera's LCD readouts will be shifted by the amount of compensation set, and the photographer must then readjust the aperture and/or shutter speed setting to bring the meter back to the "0" indication to actually achieve the compensated exposure.

To illustrate this, assume you have set f/11 and 1/125 second and the meter scale indicates 0 for correct exposure. If you then set +1 EV compensation, the scale will move 1 EV to the negative side (because the current aperture and shutter settings are now one stop below your desired exposure). Therefore, to achieve the compensation in the actual exposure, you will need to open the aperture to f/8 or reduce the shutter speed to 1/60 second to bring the meter scale back to 0.

Although it is possible to use the exposure compensation feature in the manual mode, it is more practical to use it with the P, S, or A modes because the camera will make the exposure adjustment automatically. In the manual mode, it is much easier to simply shift the aperture or shutter speed by the desired amount directly if you wish to deviate from the metered exposure.

SLR exposure compensation in manual mode
Answer ID
9602
| Published 04/05/2004 01:10 PM | Updated 10/19/2010 10:12 AM
I used exposure compensation for several shots in the manual mode but they all look exactly alike. What's wrong?

If exposure compensation is set when using automatic Digital and Film SLRs in the manual exposure mode, the actual aperture and shutter speed settings do not change as they do if one of the automatic exposure modes is selected. Instead, the metering scale in the camera's LCD readouts will be shifted by the amount of compensation set, and the photographer must then readjust the aperture and/or shutter speed setting to bring the meter back to the "0" indication to actually achieve the compensated exposure.

To illustrate this, assume you have set f/11 and 1/125 second and the meter scale indicates 0 for correct exposure. If you then set +1 EV compensation, the scale will move 1 EV to the negative side (because the current aperture and shutter settings are now one stop below your desired exposure). Therefore, to achieve the compensation in the actual exposure, you will need to open the aperture to f/8 or reduce the shutter speed to 1/60 second to bring the meter scale back to 0.

Although it is possible to use the exposure compensation feature in the manual mode, it is more practical to use it with the P, S, or A modes because the camera will make the exposure adjustment automatically. In the manual mode, it is much easier to simply shift the aperture or shutter speed by the desired amount directly if you wish to deviate from the metered exposure.

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.

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!