Hi

The 33rd edition of the international balloon festival of Chateau-d'Oex started last weekend. As it is not even an hour away from my home, I decided to give it a try.

On Saturday it was unfortunately too windy for the balloons. I used the time to go to the press tent and managed to get a press pass for the event. So I returned on Sunday. The wind was lucky gone, but it was really cold -12°C in the morning.

I took the K-5 with DA14 and DA*60-250 as well as a Nikon D3s with AFS14-24/2.8. As it is not easy to change lens with gloves, after a few photos with the DA14, I finally decided on using the D3s with 14-24 for the balloons on the ground, and the K-5 with DA*60-250 for the balloons in the air.

Here a few photos of Sunday:

1
K-5, DA14, 1/200s, f/5.6, 80iso


2
K-5, DA14, 1/60s, f/6.3, 80iso


3
K-5, DA14, 1/250s, f/8, 80iso


4
K-5, DA*60-250, 180mm, 1/100s, f/9, 80iso


5
K-5, DA*60-250, 60mm, f/7.1, 1/200s, 80iso


6
K-5, DA*60-250, 88mm, f/9, 1/250s, 80iso


7
K-5, DA*60-250, 60mm, f/9, 1/250s, 80iso


8
K-5, DA*60-250, 60mm, f/9, 1/250s, 80iso


9
K-5, DA*60-250, 180mm, f/9, 1/320s, 80iso


These photos and many more (including the D3s photos) are under Festival International de Ballons de Château-d'Oex (33ème édition) Photo Gallery by Dominique Schreckling at pbase.com

[SpecialK]

That is a nice series. I like the difference of the two balloons in #6.

[slowpez]

Thanks for posting these Dominique; they provide a nice glimpse at the balloon festival. The chicken that is trying to get the ear of the viking is really cute.

[dcmsox2004]

some superb captures dominique !! love #8 ! what a comical balloon mated to beautiful countryside.... gotta love your new k-5.... dave m

[tcom]

Thank you for all your comments.

Susan, I guess you might recognize the "viking" from another angle:

10
K-5, DA*60-250, 80mm, 1/250s, f/10.0, iso80


dave: for sure, the K-5 is a superb camera.

[Frogfish]

Thanks for posting Dominique - I always enjoy looking a ballooning shots.

[Bob Harris]

great shots and a fun series of photos, that must be something to view in person. Thanks for taking us to the festival. Bob

[Kammerer]

Great set, Dominique. Obelix looks awesome with his nose up. And the Breitling Orbiter is an interesting sight. Thanks for sharing.

[Sailor]

Wow - I almost missed this. Breathtaking pics, Dominique - beautifully done, as always.

Jer