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How to shoot Hot Air Baloons


I will be attending a Hot Air Baloon Festival. Are there any do's and don'ts that I should know about for shooting the launch of 125 baloons?


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July 19, 2004

 

Andy 		 
 
 
I went to a Hot Air Balloon Festival once two years ago. The suggestion I can give you is bring a lot of saturated films (slide or print). For metering, use the spot meter (or partial meter) on the balloon so the camera sensor not be fooled by the bright sky. I may even add 1/2 stop for the exposure because the fabric of the balloons are reflective.

Are you going to the one in NJ this coming Saturday? If so, I heard that there are fireworks at night. So bring a tripod too. The launching will be in the early morning and evening. I have seen so many wonderful hot air balloon photos which were taken when the balloons were being inflated.

A couple samples of what I took last time. Because of the light rain and cloud, the air show on that day was cancelled. Even the balloons almost got grounded. Eventually it got a green light after almost 3 hours delay. If the weather is nice, I am going again this year.


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July 19, 2004

 
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