About the Image(s)
We visited the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic last month in Santa Rosa, CA. While we were mostly shooting the colorful balloons and the various people and activities that surround a hot air balloon event, I had my IR camera at the ready for any interesting scenes that presented themselves. The organizers put the most interesting balloons in the "front row" (the one nearest the announcer) and we got some interesting interactions between the balloons. Apparently, there is exactly one balloon manufacturer that holds the "Star Wars" franchise and it's based in Belgium. This Yoda balloon was one of their more popular designs. The balloon to its right is a giant Cosmic Crisp apple and the one to its left is the backside of a giant butterfly. Anyway, sometimes color gets in the way so I thought a monochrome IR shot was in order.
Sony A6500 (full spectrum conversion with 720 clip-in filter), Sony 18-135 lens.
ISO 250, 19mm, f/8, 1/60 second. Shot handheld.
Jack Florence Jr
You were in my area, Henry. I've shot this event in the past, but never in IR; very interesting take! The perfectly placed one with the eyes, makes this. But the way the people render, gives this a classic old photo feel. The only thing missing is a more interesting sky, but that's the fog rolling in. Posted: 08/02/2026 16:43:26
Henry Heerschap
Hi Jack,
I don't know if you're familiar with photographer and podcaster Derrick Story but he was the guy leading our workshop. He's an IR guy as well and he was quite taken by this particular image. Anyway, we had a quite a bit of fun at the Balloon Classic and also toured the Russian River Brewery and the Pacific Coast Air Museum. Lovely area. Posted: 08/04/2026 16:41:14
Jack Florence Jr
Yes Henry, paths have crossed with Derrick Story for years, from back in the MacWorld days, then later he was occasionally a guest or judge at the Santa Rosa camera club. Small world! Posted: 08/08/2026 17:49:07
Henry Heerschap
I've been following Derrick's podcast for years and went with him and Rob Knight to Costa Rica last year. Good guy. Posted: 08/08/2026 18:07:56
Arik Gorban
It's interesting to see it in B&W IR. You really get us to focus on the shapes, rather than the colors. We have balloon festivals around here. I never considered IR or B&W. Nicely done in high key. Posted: 08/02/2026 23:13:12
Henry Heerschap
Hi Arik,
I tend to drag my IR camera to pretty much every place I visit just in case it adds to the experience. I was pleased that this worked as well as it did. Posted: 08/04/2026 16:42:22
Steve Long
You have shown us another use of IR. Very sharp image. Yes, focusing on the shape/texture is an interesting way to tell a story. Perhaps a dramatic sky would get in the way. Posted: 08/03/2026 20:43:37
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Steve. Posted: 08/04/2026 16:42:35
Melanie Hurwitz
Hi Henry, You know I am a sucker for high key! I love how you have processed this. The crowds around the base enhance the scene and are needed. Did you consider taking out the person touching the bottom of the image? Not easily achieved naturally though. Posted: 08/04/2026 16:02:57
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Melanie. I left that person in because they are photographing the two people facing him or her. I liked this little "slice of life" as part of the overall composition. Posted: 08/04/2026 16:38:16
Melanie Hurwitz
I really did think that, but wondered about it. That's for the reply Posted: 08/04/2026 16:40:31
Emil Davidzuk
Henry
I think this is the first time I have seen balloons photographed in infrared. The ballon surface texture and design details come through nicely. poor Yoda has an ear jam by the butterfly ballon They will have to work on air traffic control....Nice crowd milling about nicely spaced. It say to me that IR works on almost any subject.
Well done
Emil Posted: 08/06/2026 19:07:26
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Emil. I try just about everything in IR. It doesn't always work, but sometimes I get a pleasant surprise like this one. Posted: 08/06/2026 20:13:45
Jeff Fleisher
This is a very interesting image with all the different shapes and textures. Working with a 720nm filter, it would be interesting to see this as a color image because the 720nm filter would give you a subtle blue sky and with the neutral tones of the ballons, ground and people. If there is any color in areas other than the sky I might try masking the sky and just use b&w in everything else. It could have an interesting look. I gave it a quick try...
Posted: 08/17/2026 02:58:05
