1/24/2012 3:26:59 AM

Wonderful shot love the mirror like reflection

Jack

1/24/2012 4:45:39 AM

Fantastic! Only thing that would have made this better is if I was there too!

1/24/2012 5:28:56 AM

Thanks everyone. Have posted more from this shoot on my blog at www.dalehardin.blogspot.com

Jeff, maybe someday we can arrange to go to the grand daddy of hot air balloon festivals in New Mexico.

1/24/2012 8:06:43 AM

This is just incredible Dale... the colours are so bright and crisp, and the reflection only doubles the appeal of this image! I wish there was a tad more space at the top, but that is all...

1/24/2012 10:40:54 AM

Great color and clarity on this one, Dale. I love the reflection and the palm trees in the shot. The only criticism I would have the shot is that it just appears a bit tight. A little wider on the zoom or a little further back might've been a touch better. Despite this, I think it is a great shot and really shows the color and excitement of these festivals.

1/24/2012 1:06:15 PM

beautiful color, beautiful clarity. a very happy shot.

1/24/2012 6:40:44 PM

when I first looked I thought this was debbie's looks like the judges liked it so congratulation and say I really like the reflections a shot well captured

1/24/2012 6:53:04 PM

As has been said, nice color. Unique composition with the palm tress. For myself, I would have preferred a little more distance or a little higher angled down for vertical crop with more reflection and fewer distractions along the sides.

1/24/2012 9:31:00 PM

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments. The concensus seems to be a wider angle but this is 24mm which is as wide as I go. Couldn't retreat with my feet because the pond was so small. Further back and all you would see in the foreground would be grass.

And Stephen, I'd have loved to be higher but didn't bring a ladder. My friend Robert Jensen does carry one and I've seriously considered doing the same.

1/24/2012 11:43:19 PM

Beautiful Dale! I love the bright colors and especially the reflection. Not crazy about the golf cart, but there's probably not much to be done about that.

One of these day's I'd like to shoot some hot air balloons. :)

1/25/2012 5:03:08 PM

thanks Teresa. Just for you, the golf cart can be cropped out. Piece of cake.

1/25/2012 10:00:55 PM

GORGEOUS! When we were considering having the 2012 Phellos' trip in WNY, a balloon festival was on our list! We have one every year, but I have yet to make it to it! lol This has inspired me to try :)

Dale, Phellos' trip 2013 - New Mexico!!! Start planning! :)

1/26/2012 8:23:30 AM

The reflections are amazing Dale! I personally don't mind the golf cart because it is in shadow and acts as a border of sorts on that side. Of course I'll never say I wouldn't like it gone until I see it. Another thing that struck me was the palm trees. I don't get to see those here in PA so I think they are a unique and important topic in this image. :~)

1/26/2012 3:23:28 PM

Aimee, thanks for such nice comments and just for you, here is another palm tree shot.

1/26/2012 5:04:32 PM

Cool POV and the tree makes a nice anchor point! Thanks Dale! :~)

1/26/2012 6:14:17 PM

Now all you have to do is come out here and see them in person.

1/26/2012 9:42:06 PM

I really like your last post dale I agree the palm tree adds a nice touch as well as anchor point

1/27/2012 5:56:21 AM

I too really like this POV

1/27/2012 6:03:48 AM

thank you Rita and thanks Ellen. Will be posting more from the second day on my blog later this afternoon.

www.dalehardin.blogspot.com

1/27/2012 8:46:14 AM

I agree that this last post is a great POV. I also like that you got the flame in the shot and all well exposed.

1/27/2012 12:07:53 PM

thanks Mike. Have lot of similar images because I kept shooting trying to get the flame. It only lasts for a few seconds at a time.

1/27/2012 2:10:07 PM

Love the last post as well.... having the palm tree seems to give location to the shot, rather than simply sky. Great shots both!

1/27/2012 4:39:44 PM

I like them all Dale! I really love the blue skies, I haven't seen a lot of them here lately!! Congratulations on the EP!

1/27/2012 7:13:18 PM

Joan and Beth, thanks so much. You would have had a ball at this event. The people are all so nice. They love to talk about their sport.

1/27/2012 11:05:16 PM

Dale - This looks like a wonderful Hot Air Balloon site. I think it is worthy of much more than an EP and will probably see this later in the month as a winner. In my book, it is already! And I like the other one that looks like it is attached to the palm branch. Haven't been to your blog so will have to get there in the next couple of days and see what you've got going on! Again, these are very eye-catching images.

1/29/2012 11:00:28 PM

Thank you Debbie. I've seen your balloon shots, so your comments mean a lot to me. Your images were out standing.

1/30/2012 9:02:10 AM