Peace, Love, and Kilroy

[wunterb]

Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest 2009

July 15th - July 19th, 2009
Scotland Meadows Park,
Union Township, New Castle,PA
20-25 Hot Air Balloons

According to the Balloon Quest web site the launch was to occur between 6-7 AM so, never having been to a hot air balloon launch I arrived at 5. I assumed that the team's would be there bright and early to setup and get ready for take off. I was wrong. The team's arrived around 6:20 and within thirty minutes they were all aloft.

In the early morning light the balloons lifting off was a pretty sight but from a photographer's point of view the photos were difficult. Most of the best viewing areas looked directly into the rising sun and the wind was blowing slightly west to east which meant the rising balloons were back dropped by the rising sun. It's a wonder I didn't go blind.

[windrider86]

One of my favorite things to do is shoot balloon festivals. Too bad they dont happen often enough. I would say, judging by this image that you did a great job!

[Ella1267]

I love balloon festivals....I wish we had some in our area. Beautiful photo.