Light, Camera, Action - Photographing Balloon Events

[Paul D deBerjeois]

Question: What do you see more of at ballooning events than balloons or balloonists?

Answer: Cameras!

In that spirit, I've compiled a one-hour workshop to help people take better photos at balloon events. Its targeted to the beginning or intermediate snap-shooter or photographer using everything from a cell phone camera to a DSLR. I'm offering to conduct this workshop at your club meeting, flight event or other activity where balloon enthusiasts gather.

To date, the workshop will be offered through the Balloon Society of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs CO) and the Colorado Balloon Club (Denver area). I'm also slated to offer the program as part of the 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic and 2009 Steamboat Springs Balloon Rodeo. Stay tuned for additional venues as I secure more balloon events.

If you'd like more information on the workshop, write me at [e-mail].

One of the topics I cover in the photo composition segment is "What's in the picture?" I want to use the comment feature of my blog to capture your opinions of what the perfect balloon photo is. I'm also posting this on the forum to capture your opinions.

As you write your answer, tell me if you are answering it as a Pilot, Crewmember or Spectator. Naturally, pilots and crew want to see THEIR BALLOON! But how do you like seeing your balloon? Close up or distant? In context with scenery or in an open sky? How about events - what are your favorite subjects when many balloonists come together and launch for a crowd?

I invite everyone to comment. Thanks a bunch, and soft landings!

Paul
ColorBandit Photography
www.ColorBandit.com
www.HotAirPhotos.com
Photos @ ColorBandit.com

[Scoolover]

Hey Paul. Before I answered I checked out the photos on your page. There is some really nice stuff. :) I would consider myself an okay amateur and after about 5000 balloon photos, I think it's getting easier to spot what makes a good picture before I waste my time. Sometimes I get lucky.

For me there is nothing better than a picture from the air of another balloon in the air with nice scenery in the back ground. I am a pilot and unfortunately when I fly I don't like to take many pictures for obvious reasons but when I fly with family at a rally, there is nothing better than having an hour in the balloon to snap away.

Good luck with the seminar. I would love to attend it. Perhaps you could have a tutorial here and maybe a picture critique

[Paul D deBerjeois]

Hello, and thanks for the reply. I think you're right - photos taken from the air are special. Because most people are on the ground, we see so many shots from that perspective. Great mid-air shots are scarce.

I remember my first time aloft. I mounted my Nikon 18-200 zoom on my camera body. After we got up about a thousand feet, I got too scared to let go of the basket with my left hand. All of the remaining photos I took on that flight were at whatever zoom length I left the lens in when I attached my death grip. LOL!

It would be great to come your way and present the class. It went over wonderfully in Colorado Springs last night. I deliver it in Denver tomorrow.

Be safe!

[Brian Critelli]

Paul:

I love the pictures you took at fiesta. I am intersted in one of the pictures you took. Do you sell any of your pictures?

I am interested in some of the gas balloon pictures you took. ABQ09-183.html , ABQ09-185.html

These two are of my balloon 4 bags. Let me know. Thanks.

Brian Critelli

[Paul D deBerjeois]

Hi Brian - Yes, I sell my work (its my full-time profession). Email me at [e-mail] with what you want, sizes, etc, and I give you pricing. Thanks! -Paul

[Dawn Chase]

Paul,

What do you charge to come to a club to present?

Dawn Chase

[Paul D deBerjeois]

Dawn - Email me at [e-mail] or post your email address and we can discuss. -Paul