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.
Posts Tagged: Balloons
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.
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.