Up, Up and Away: Photography from the Sky!

September 11, 2016  •  Leave a Comment

Balloons ascend at the 2016 Labor Day Lift Off. So, I finally got around to working on my website and evidently it includes a blog.  I couldn't think of a better way to start a blog about photography, other than sharing what an amazing experience the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off was!  Let me start by saying that there is a lot about photography that I do not know - A. Lot.  If you've not attended a hot air balloon festival, you simply must in the future.  What better one to go to than one in Colorado Springs, which is already gorgeous. The event is held every Labor Day weekend, and has over 60-70 hot air balloons that ascend together in the morning sky.  There are also sky divers and ballon glows at night that are super fun too.

Balloon Glow - Dale Pattyn and the crew of Hyggelig begin the process of raising the balloon.

I thought what I liked about the Balloon Festival was the colors and shapes floating through the air. They present lots of photographic opportunities.  You just have to react quickly and keep looking around, as things change by the moment. Frankly, it's hard to take it all in at once, there is so much going on.  But I also found out that it's even more amazing if you are in a balloon.  Yes, that is right folks, you can get even more amazing photographs from in the air!

Aerial photographs from aboard the "Hyggelig" balloon.

I was kinda nervous, having never been in a balloon and the whole "let's not do something stupid and fall out or deflate it" thoughts came unbidden to my mind.  But thanks to an amazing pilot, Dale Pattyn of the balloon "Hyggelig", all I did was get in the basket and be amazed. I actually felt very un-deserving to be on that ride. But I will take one anytime, so hit me up if you happen to have a hot air balloon and want some company.  It was simply beautiful and peaceful, with amazing views.  It's pretty tight quarters, so I only took one camera, a Sony a6000 with me.  I brought a few other lenses, but ended up just sticking with the Sony 50mm f1.8.

Aerial photographs from aboard the "Hyggelig" balloon.

I think the pictures speak for themselves as to what you can capture with the Sony mirrorless set-up. I consider myself a recreational enthusiast photographer, whose goal is professional quality results (hey, we all have to have goals).  You can see what you think, but I was pretty impressed. So if you get the chance to go to a balloon festival.....DO IT!

Oh, and by the way, this website includes a guest book too....just sayin'.  It's only polite to leave me a note and let me know you've stopped by :)


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