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.
December, 2013
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Dec 13
New Mexico–Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascent
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.