Hot Air Balloon Festival next weekend - York, PA

06/11/2005 11:07:37 PM · #1

Is anyone planning on attending the Hot Air Balloon Festin York, PA next weekend?

I thought it would be another good opportunity to take the 20D out for a spin. Planning on getting there for the sunrise launch and probably one of the evening, as well.

Anyone have any hints or tips?

06/12/2005 10:24:48 AM · #2

Bump

Flash

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/12/2005 10:53:38 AM · #3

Just remember that this is an EVENT so all rules of event shooting apply. Also this is an event with action and COLOR so plan accordingly. Also, FILL THE FRAME.

have fun.

Flash

06/12/2005 04:08:10 PM · #4

Originally posted by Flash:

Just remember that this is an EVENT so all rules of event shooting apply. Also this is an event with action and COLOR so plan accordingly. Also, FILL THE FRAME.

have fun.

Flash

Those were great - excellent, rich color. Can you elaborate on "event" rules? Thanks!

I am looking forward to it - have always wanted to shoot the balloons - have already ridden one (once was enough).

Message edited by author 2005-06-12 17:38:23.

Flash

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/12/2005 04:38:45 PM · #5

Event shooting is about subject knowledge and a plan to capture the essence of the event. Research your subject, understand the sequence of processes for preparing a balloon for launch. Familiarize yourself with the field or area where the ballonists will be setting up, know directions on the field (N,S,E,W - I carry a small compass) and be aware of the weather forecast including wind directions and speed. Certainly know timetables for the event, open and close times as well as sunrise/sunset. This information simply helps you prepare for where you want to be when and what likely body/lens combinations as well as camera settings you be needing.

Action shots will blur at too low an ISO or too slow a shutter speed. Windy conditions may dictate settings. Depending on the amount of light (dawn, noon, dusk) you may choose different settings depending on what your plan is in capturing the photographs that you have decided are essential, based on your pre-event research.

Good luck. Subject knowledge is the key.

Have fun. Flash

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Canon

06/13/2005 06:58:32 PM · #6

Flash - thanks for the pointers! Much appreciated!

ilwil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/17/2005 01:56:59 PM · #7

I live 20 mins from there and had no idea this was happening this weekend. Thx for the heads-up. Good luck.

06/17/2005 02:22:25 PM · #8

Originally posted by ilwil:

I live 20 mins from there and had no idea this was happening this weekend. Thx for the heads-up. Good luck.

Sure, no problem. I spoke with someone from the event - they said Friday night and Saturday AM launches are iffy due to weather.
Sat eve and Sunday AM look pretty good. Said you can get in around 5am to watch set up and such. I think we are going to watch the weather but will probably end up going Sunday early and come back Sunday evening.

If you go, have fun!

Oh, and what area are you near? We are close to Shrewsbury.

Message edited by author 2005-06-17 14:23:38.

kjennings

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/17/2005 02:50:50 PM · #9

I don't think I'm close to York, I live near Pittsburgh :)

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Canon

06/17/2005 04:29:20 PM · #10

Originally posted by kjennings:

I don't think I'm close to York, I live near Pittsburgh :)

No, you are probably several hours away.

TerryGee

Canon EOS-30D

06/17/2005 05:06:29 PM · #11

too far for me...there will be one in NJ towards the end of July.

ilwil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/17/2005 05:34:11 PM · #12

Im in Lewisberry. We're packing up to lv now. Too bad the clouds rolled in. Won't be as nice. Oh well.

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Canon

06/18/2005 10:15:04 AM · #13

Originally posted by ilwil:

Im in Lewisberry. We're packing up to lv now. Too bad the clouds rolled in. Won't be as nice. Oh well.

So you went last night? We planned on heading out today - got up at 3:30am and got there around 5am. Quite a fun (albeit, tiring) morning. Planning on heading back later for the evening festivities. Today's weather was just grand - no clouds, cool to start (almost too cool).

Here are just a couple of shots I've edited a tad (mostly just re-sized).

Message edited by author 2005-06-18 10:48:20.

ilwil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/18/2005 11:32:43 AM · #14

We went last night but they struggled with the winds. They fell over more than once. They could not get it to stand up straight. They eventually called it quits. We plan on going again tonight.

Flash

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/18/2005 05:39:58 PM · #15

Originally posted by autumncat:

Originally posted by ilwil:
Im in Lewisberry. We're packing up to lv now. Too bad the clouds rolled in. Won't be as nice. Oh well.

So you went last night? We planned on heading out today - got up at 3:30am and got there around 5am. Quite a fun (albeit, tiring) morning. Planning on heading back later for the evening festivities. Today's weather was just grand - no clouds, cool to start (almost too cool).

Here are just a couple of shots I've edited a tad (mostly just re-sized).

Nice work. Good strong colors. Solid framing.

printer4u

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/18/2005 06:13:49 PM · #16

Here are a few of mine. Fun subject to shoot.

And a few links....
First Off
Preparing for Take-off
Morning Flight

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/18/2005 06:56:46 PM · #17

Both sets of photos are great! Were you both at the same balloon event? Left you some comments.

khdoss

Nikon D300

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

06/19/2005 01:04:37 PM · #18

So the pictures inspired us to drive 2 hours to see this wonderful balloon launch. So off we drove at 3am arrived just in time for the 5:45 launch only to discover that it was too windy and they cancelled it until tonight. So we drove around took some shots that may or may not be good and drove home.

edited because of exhaustion...

Message edited by author 2005-06-19 13:19:17.

06/19/2005 01:56:17 PM · #19

Originally posted by jpochard:

Both sets of photos are great! Were you both at the same balloon event? Left you some comments.

My shots were taken yesterday in York, PA. I believe Printers were taken last year - totally wonderful & amazing location but not the same as the one I posted about.

Oh, and thanks so much for the compliments and comments!!

Message edited by author 2005-06-19 13:57:42.

06/19/2005 02:09:53 PM · #20

Originally posted by khdoss:

Ahh, that stinks. We had perfect weather yesterday morning - but last night it was a bit breezy - and many of the balloons waited til the very last minute to inflate for the glow. They are at the mercy of mother nature.

Message edited by author 2005-06-19 17:40:19.