Taken during the morning of the next to last day of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2011. Everything unusual intersecting to make this photo possible - snow, clouds, sun, and image in focus.

[Alberts]

Hi!

Very nice picture! I like it.
Did you take this picture from a balloon? If it is not a secret, could you reveal the focal length for the photo?

[ljlayne]

Hello Alberts,

Thanks very much for saying so. I didn't take this photo from another balloon, and there are no secrets. The photo was taken from Balloon Fiesta Park where all the balloons launch from. The focal length was 300mm (450mm for 35mm equivalent). I used the stabilization on the lens and the one on the body was turned off. Also, no filter and I think I used fully automatic. I think the balloon was maybe a mile away - perhaps. By the way, I bought the lens from a seller on the Marketplace at this site and it has turned out to be fantastic.

[Alberts]

Hello Larry!

The photo is so sharp that it makes impression of being taken from another balloon. It is unbelievable that the photo was taken from the earth. The lens quality seems very high. Focal length 300 mm and the object a mile away is challenge situation. Not all ultra telelenses can deal with it .

[daacon]

Well done Larry you're right that shot has a lot going for it !

[dcmsox2004]

love this composition... the framing of the balloon against those clouds and mountains, and contrasting colors, excellent... dave m

[ljlayne]

Thank you very much for the compliments everyone. I get similar comments from others who have seen the photo but I consider the comments on this forum to be the real acid test - which is a good thing. :-) I appreciate y'all for taking the time to make comments.