On a good weather day, the launch field before a balloon rally, is a flurry of activity. Trucks will be positioning themselves either in assigned spots or on a first-come basis. Balloon baskets and their envelopes are positioned downwind from the trucks. Now is the time to get up close and practice some pre-launch balloon photography.
The colors and activity can easily overwhelm a photographer
Besides the opportunity to take sunrise photographs, this is a time to get up close and creative with your photography. A wide angle lens will be the best option for an interchangeable lens system. Smart phones already provide a wide angle perspective.
As baskets are being assembled, the first thing to watch for will be the pilots testing their burners. A low angle can help remove any distracting background elements. Also watch for action shots of the pilots and crew who will be moving around checking for damage. They will also be making sure lines are not tangled and securing them as well as securing the parachute top.
Envelopes will be attached to their baskets and the fabric will be stretched out. Stretched out fabric makes for great leading lines in photographic compositions. Dynamic shot opportunities are created as the inflator fans fill the balloons.
The top of the balloon has a handling line called a crown line. I frequently use this as a leading line to the parachute.
Inside the balloon
There are a number of ways to get interior images of balloons as they are inflating.
The most obvious way to get an inside view is from the basket or the mouth of the balloon. Be aware that the inflator fan will be running and is one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment on a launch field. From the basket you will have full view of the parachute and possibly the crew securing the velcro which holds it in place during inflation.
The second option is to shoot from the parachute towards the basket. If you’re not part of that balloon’s crew, get permission before opening the parachute to put your head and camera through it. This point of view is only available for a short time as it will be out of reach as the balloon fills with cold air. The mouth of the balloon can make a natural framing element for photographic compositions.
The third option to get an interior view of a balloon is only available on some balloons and it is through the turning vents. Pilots frequently use this as an entry point to check pulleys or lines. Again, ask permission and pay attention to how fast the envelope is filling to not get tangled.
While exploring the view inside a balloon, people on the outside will become silhouettes through the fabric. Silhouettes are a great way to get some interesting crew photos while taking advantage of the graphic qualities of the lines and shapes the balloons naturally have.
I hope this has provided some creative ideas for pre-launch balloon photography.
