Sandra Crest is 10,678 feet in elevation (3,255 m). Sections of Aspen trees were beginning to show Fall color.
Posts Tagged: Albuquerque
21
Mar 16
New Mexico—Sandia Crest 2
14
Mar 16
New Mexico—Sandia Crest
New Mexico is very appealing for photography, a wonderful blend of dramatic skies, interesting terrain and different cultures. We returned for a week in October of 2015 to drive back roads and explore some areas we had missed on a previous visit. This is a view of the Albuquerque Basin from the Sandia Crest. The Sandia Mountains are on the eastern edge of the Rio Grande Rift Valley and form a dramatic backdrop for the city of Albuquerque.
29
Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascent
The mass ascension of hundreds of balloons is the most dramatic moment during the event. It is a challenge to capture as things happen so quickly. All in all, it was an exciting event and I was glad to have been there for a few hours. Others must feel the same since up to 750,000 people attend over the course of the festival.
23
Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta 7
The sun had still not risen from behind the Sandia Mountains. The spectators were still cold on the ground while this balloon had finally risen high enough to be in the sunlight.
16
Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta 6
Participants come from all over the world to participate in the Fiesta. There are a variety of shapes and color for the balloons, as well, apparently, as sponsors. As the balloons rise they begin to float away and recede in the distance. I quickly switched to a telephoto lens before the balloons drifted too far away.
9
Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta 5
Once the Dawn Patrol gives the green light, the Mass Ascension of the balloons begin. Things begin to happen quickly as hundreds of balloons begin to rise and float away.
2
Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta 4
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is unique in that spectators are allowed to walk right up to and around the balloons as they inflate and have a chance to talk to the pilots and crews. This shot of partially inflated balloons is only a few yards from the launch site.
25
Nov 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta Dawn Patrol
Before the main body of balloons can ascend, the Dawn Patrol goes up to examine the wind and weather conditions to determine whether it is safe to lift off. Again, these lighted balloons rising against the dark sky are beautiful and dramatic.
18
Nov 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta 2
The Balloon Fiesta, also known as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, is the world’s largest hot air ballooning event. It is said to be the world’s most photographed event. When the propane burners fire up and the balloons are illuminated against the night sky, the effect is dramatic.
11
Nov 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta
I recently spent eight days in New Mexico, photographing in and around Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. My first morning in Albuequerque coincided with the first Sunday of the Balloon Fiesta. I hadn’t planned to shoot hot air balloons, but this was an opportunity not to be missed. I arrived at the grounds two hours before dawn. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I brought 2 cameras and 3 lenses. The first balloons began to inflate in complete darkness. When the burners would start, the balloons would suddenly begin to glow. The bursts of color would last only for a few seconds so it was tricky to get a shot. This shot was 1/50th of a second at f/1.8 and ISO 800.
