Chasing Color and Light
Chasing a hot air balloon; a study in lighting, angles, exposure, and life long hobbies
I recently had the opportunity to tag along with a friend and her family as they enjoyed their hobby, and it gave me a chance to enjoy mine. They are part of the local ballooning community, and I met up with them at a small local airport as they prepared to launch their hot air balloon. And I was able to photograph the process.
Photographing a balloon on the ground as they set it up is an opportunity for some fun photos. Balloons have lots of color, and they only come out when the light is at its best because they need very good weather to fly. Besides color and light, there is a lot of activity. It all adds up to provide many photo opportunities.
And when the balloons launch, it all comes down to light and color. When airborne, you control the lighting angle by positioning yourself relative to the balloon and the sun. Direct frontal light, side light, and back light or silhouette. It can be a very colorful study on lighting a subject.
Ballooning and photography both offer endless opportunities to learn, explore, and get a little better each time out. They’re reminders that the best hobbies are less about perfection and more about enjoying the chase.
✅ Where to Find Me
You can find more of my work on the web at: Simmons Photography
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Several years ago, I had an opportunity to go to the Albuquerque balloon festival. We got up at around 2:30 in the morning to make it down to the fairgrounds very early while it was still dark and cold. Hot coffee was never so much appreciated as that morning. We lucked out with a perfectly clear and calm day, and the launch of the balloons was spectacular.