On Location: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque, NM
May 27th, 2010
Location: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque, NM
Shot list : This is not really a location but it is absolutely a must do. The Balloon Fiesta is typically in early October.
There are a lot of opportunities to get some tremendous shots while down there. Yes, there will be a LOT of people with cameras. Yes, you will have to deal with heads in your shots (unless you get creative). Is it worth is? ABSOLUTELY!
You will want to do AT LEAST 1 Mass Assent in the morning and 1 glow at night. There is also a key grab that will let you get some nice shots of the balloons in flight and low to the ground.
Favorite spot for sunrise: For the Mass Ascent, there will be lots of opportunities for you to make photographs of the balloons taking off (duh) but also the crews working to get the balloons inflated.
Do not just limit yourself to the balloons taking off. Think outside of the box.
Favorite spot for sunset: The evening glow is probably my favorite. For the evening festivities, the balloons are tethered so it is really just an opportunity to see the balloons lit up at night.
Once again, look around. Think outside of the box. There is also a fireworks night which can be fun. Need a strong foreground object(s) to really make this worth while though.
Where to Eat: Sadies of New Mexico
Equipment Suggestions: First off, you need to know your gear inside and out for this. As the light changes you need to adjust so your highlights are not blown out and in some cases how to dial the exposure compensation down to get the desired effect.
Running back to the car is not a viable option for this event. I would say a wide angle and a standard zoom lens will do you just fine. IS/VR is nice to have but never required.
With the exception of the fireworks, I don’t think you need a tripod for this. There are too many people and it can get in the way.
This post was submitted by Theodore Stark.
