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The Pennington Hot Air Balloon event is a terrific venue for photography. The open fields, the lake, and the wide variety of trees provide an excellent background. Not to mention the rainbow balloon colors are spectacular. Here are a few photography tips.
Fast Shutter – 1/250 sec. will capture sharp photos. Alternatively, use a daytime setting.
Framing – Capture shots with the balloons off-center for enhanced balance.
The Big Picture – Set your camera to landscape and capture pictures from a distance.
Next try moving in close...
Close-ups are great – The event allows crowds to enter the balloon field for the Balloon Glow
and the Mass Ascension, so get up close for pictures of the inflation process.
Lighting– Keep the sunlight over your shoulder to see the most vivid balloon colors.
The Balloon Glow is a fantastic time to get night shots when balloon burners provide twilight.
Fireworks – Some cameras have a nighttime setting.
However, using a long exposure and a steady camera will allow you to capture the shot.
If you don't have a tripod readily available, try using a ziploc bag of dried beans or rice.
- No ice chests
- No Pets on the balloon field – Balloon burners produce a high frequency sound that may make pets unruly
- No tents or cabanas
- No motorized vehicles on the balloon field – Visitor safety requires us to limit vehicles to event officials
- No smoking near the balloons – Balloons use propane fuel which is heavier than air causing it to accumulate near the ground. Additionally, the balloon fabric can be burned by cigarettes on the ground.
If you need more information about the Pennington Balloon Championships, please contact George Richard at george@laballooning.com or call (225) 933-2027 or click here to fill out our contact form.
