Brenda Fishbaugh, QPSA
About the Image(s)
Canon 5D Mark IV Canon 100-400 handheld in a hot air balloon
ISO 1250 100mm focal length f/8 1/1000 sec.
This summer, I flew in a dawn hot air balloon race. Rides are available at any little festival for $250-$500, but book far in advance on the event website and try to be the only person flying, as there is very little room and its very hard to shoot from both sides, especially with other wiggly riders bumping into you.
I used Topaz AI Adjust to add some more color to a light sky. I painted some purple into the sky, so it would go better in my lavender bedroom, and lightened the balloons. Thoughts? A better title suggestion?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
16 comments posted
(Group 32)
I don't think I am going to get you up in this again, BUT shooting a little earlier would have made the interior light of the balloon flames (especially in the nearest) more noticable. Also, it would have been nice if one other balloon were closer to you (not under your control of course).
Is that the full setting moon? Brilliant!   Posted: 03/02/2020 17:13:55
I will certainly remember your suggestions and also look at some other pix I caught at the same time that might be less "landscape" and more close up. It was the moon, but I agree its a bit awkward and will remove it.
Always appreciate you stopping by and offering assistance!
Brenda   Posted: 03/05/2020 14:01:59
(Group 32)
I don't agree with Stephen about having another balloon nearer, I think it would then be more about the balloon rather than the wide panorama that you've captured.
There is what looks like a sensor mark just below the right hand bottom third, which Stephen has interpreted as the moon, so if it is then it needs more definition (or another moon) or just lose it completely as I don't think it adds anything.
The top is a bit bright and draws your eyes that way, but that may be what you want them to do before they close and you drop off to sleep.   Posted: 03/03/2020 14:19:57
In terms of comments, I think that the biggest balloon is too close to the edge, so I might not highlight it to catch too much attention. Ideally it should be in a better position.
The horizon...if the picture is to be on the bedroom wall or some other formal places, yes, it should be better corrected. However, I do like the dutch angle composition, which brings in more dynamic and break through the tradition. If it is for experiment or creative work, I like to keep the tilt angle.
For the balloon, since there are so many in the sky, if they are all sharp, it will be too busy. As I mentioned previously, I would blur some of the far balloons, which will be simulating what our eyes see (the further, more blurry), and it will also bring in the depth and layers.
Since the sky is brighter in the upper right hand side, I would use the sharp balloons to guide the viewer's eyes going up and far....
Combining those thoughts, I did a quick edit. As the picture is in small size, so not much I can do. The blur of the further balloon has done much more than it should be just to show the idea. I would do it more lightly for a real work.
Thanks for the nice picture, and the experience sharing.   Posted: 03/11/2020 00:15:55
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
  Posted: 03/16/2020 20:38:40
I do find the saturation to be a little too much in this case, more on the green of the landscape than the sky. The landscape also seems over-sharpened. All that could be artifacts from the Topaz AI. This one would probably benefit from more localized edits (like using gradients in lightroom) vs a single filter across the whole image.
FWIW, I think whatever Richard did in his edit gives it a more uniform natural look than the way it is here.   Posted: 03/17/2020 15:51:14