Lauren Heerschap
August 2026 - Bettie Jean Hot Air Balloon
Original
About the Image(s)
My husband and I drove from Seattle to Santa Rosa California for the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Festival. I didn't know that hot air balloons could come in so many different shapes! This one is called Bettie Jean after the owner's mother. We were up at 4 am for the "dawn patrol" where they light up the balloons when it is dark - spectacular sight.
I turned vertical a wide lens on my OM-1; I was sitting in the stands about 5 feet up with the balloon in front of me. ISO 1600, 12 mm, f5.0, .6 sec. This was so exciting!
3 comments posted
Hi Lauren, Hot air balloons are wonderful sights day or night. The folks who make the fantastic shapes are great artists. And the things can actually fly! Beautiful warm tones against the dark blue sky. I took the liberty of local dodging (lightening) of Bettie Jean's head using Photoshop Element's Brightness/Contrast tool. I also toned down the fire. What an exciting event! I wish I was there. Karl Posted: 08/02/2026 22:28:38
I agree with Karl's editing, may add vignette further to let the subject standing out more with layered presentation. -Yan Posted: 08/07/2026 01:44:43
Nice capture. I have never been to a hot air balloon fest. It looks great. I especially love the green monster on the left and might play with bringing more attention to him. Posted: 08/13/2026 01:02:50