This month's image is from a trip I took with our state photographic organization to the balloon races in Reno. We were there really early for the sunrise show and launch, then stopped at this lake on the University of Nevada at Reno campus. We got a few images of the balloons, but I kind of liked the simplicity of the single balloon. The morning started with a clear sky, then the clouds crept in. It was a great surprise! I shot this with a Nikon D850, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 ED lens. Exposure was ISO 400, 1/320 sec @ f/9. The morning light was wonderful, so I didn't need to do a ton to the exposure. I did make another layer in camera raw to bump the sky and reflection of the sky in the water. I increased the dehaze and texture to enhance the clouds.
I hope everyone has a wonderful new year!
4 comments posted
Lane B Lewis
This is a very colorful image and a a beautiful site. I wish the two people in the front had been looking up at the ballon. The reflection is nice and having said that, I zoomed in so that the ballon and sky were the only things visible. I thought it was more impactful ( I would remove the two people that are in the background) and it would leave you with an image of a ballon floating ontop of the trees. Just a thought. Either way I would remove the people, but it is your image and thus your choice. Posted: 01/09/2025 22:03:11
Bunny Laden
Hi Andrew,
I like the composition. The foliage and reflection add a lot to the photo. My only suggestion is to brighten the balloon a bit more so the colorful stripes are more apparent. Posted: 01/09/2025 22:20:40
Mark McKinney
Well, this is just perfect. Excellent vertical. The ballon coming out of the trees is very exciting and the relection is outstanding. Very clear and colorful! I think someone of the dock is photographing the balloon. Posted: 01/13/2025 22:56:52
Leo Chow
I like the colorful balloon and its reflection. The reflections of the grass and the sky are also very beautiful. Good catch! Posted: 01/17/2025 13:22:55
