Photography Tips

PHOTO TIPS

– Have Fun and Be Unique.

Here are some tips for getting amazing images of this spectacular event!

DAWN PATROL

Rising into the dark skies each morning is the Dawn Patrol. At about 6:00 am every day, Dawn Patrol pilots launch into the sky with only their burners to light the way. PRO TIPS: Try using a tripod and remote. If you use your tripod and have an IS lens, make sure you turn off the IS function while you shoot. Since the balloons lift off while it’s still dark outside, a wide-angle lens is ideal.

MASS ASCENSION

Wherever you look you’ll see 600 brightly colored orbs and shape balloons. Pilots will fi re up their burners, shooting fl ames into the balloons to infl ate them. Pro Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to get photos of the ground activity. Use a telephoto-zoom lens to get detailed shots or portraits of reactions in the crowd. Shooting with the sun rising behind the balloons will provide some beautiful silhouettes and add ambiance to the scene.

SPECIAL SHAPE BALLOONS

The Special Shape Rodeo™ and Special Shape Glowdeo™ are big hits with kids of all ages! Pro Tips: Frame other balloons with the ones in the foreground. Use special shape balloons as fun backdrops for family photos and selfi es.

BALLOONS IN FLIGHT

By this point in the morning, the horizon will be awash with vibrant colors as balloons infl ate and take to the skies to fl y across the valley. Pro Tips: Once the sun is on the rise, try to shoot with the sun to your side or back. At this position you can use it to better show the curve of the balloons and illuminate their colors.

NOW THAT YOU SEE WHAT A PILOT SEES

Going on a balloon ride? Get your camera in either Auto or P (Program) Mode so you can focus on your aerial experience instead of the camera settings. Pro Tips: Now would be a great time to bring a point-and-shoot. Neck straps and wrist straps are your best friend. With your camera properly secured to your person, you can feel more confi dent shooting extreme angles.

BALLOON GLOW™

This sets the mood for a magical evening. Don’t miss the random twinkling lights of balloons just before the order for ”All Glow”, when a warm light illuminates the entire fi eld. Pro Tips: Adjust your angle. Set-up your gear with the main fi eld in front of you and the mountainside behind you, for the best shots. Use a tripod and a wireless remote or cable release to reduce motion blur.

FIREWORKS

Getting your camera set correctly can make or break a fantastic light display. Pro Tips: Fireworks need long exposure times, so use a tripod for this event. A remote or cable release prevents accidental camera shake so you get clear, sharp images. Use a longer shutter speed to increase the trails of the fi reworks.

BE CREATIVE: Whether you’re going for a day or the entire Balloon Fiesta®, there are plenty of chances to grab amazing shots. While we’ve suggested some camera settings here, the ultimate goal is for you to have fun! Find your own style and see what you like best.