Rise

You just never know when you may need your camera, so it is best to have it with you at all times. I was on my commute to work this morning when I rounded a curve close to the onramp for the interstate. Out of nowhere to my left, I saw a huge bright colored hot air balloon taking off in a field next to the road. I immediately pulled over and grabbed my camera.

I removed my 30mm prime lens and mounted my 14-54mm standard zoom. I figure the standard zoom at this distance would give me the best selection of focal lengths to create the composition I wanted. I took a few shots when it was just lifting off, but did not like the composition. When the balloon started to head toward me, I saw an opportunity to utilize some trees to add to the composition and also capture a second balloon getting ready on the ground. The resulting shot is below.

Spring Hill, Tennessee – Burwood Community – Olympus E520 / 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

I also grabbed a shot with the rising balloon next to the setting moon.

Spring Hill, Tennessee – Burwood Community – Olympus E520 / 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

When the balloon got a little closer, I took the shot below. I waited for the burners to kick in to capture the flames. I could see the people in the basket shift over to look at me on the ground. I bet they got a shot of me.

Spring Hill, Tennessee – Burwood Community – Olympus E520 / 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

As the balloon floated over me, I saw a chance for another shot. The sun was rising over the hill and the trajectory of the balloon was lining up perfectly for a nice sunrise backdrop. I took some shots, but none of them moved me. The balloon was slowly getting away from the sunrise backdrop from my current vantage point, so I got in my car and drove a short distance to change my perspective. This put the balloon back against sunrise.

Spring Hill, Tennessee – Burwood Community – Olympus E520 / 14-54mm f2.8-3.5

This brief venture took about 10 minutes. If I did not have to work, I would have stayed longer to catch the second balloon. Anyway, I like the images. I’m glad I stopped. Have any of you taken a balloon ride? I would love to hear about your experience. I’m not a fan of flying. I only fly when it is absolutely necessary. However, I don’t think I would ever climb into the basket of a hot air balloon. If interested, here is the link to Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures. Thanks for reading!

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