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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-15-2017, 08:06 AM
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Oops! In my earlier post I suggested being on the west side of the field as the sun comes up. You should be on the EAST side (shooting toward the west) to keep the sun at your back.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-02-2017, 07:02 PM
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The lenses you have will work fine. If available, I'd suggest a fast lens. I use a Vivitar f2 28mm and an A 50mm f1.4. The balloons are moving during the Dawn Patrol and the faster lenses will help keep the ISO low. I'd also recommend a tripod for the Glow Show. The show will start with the Glow Show.
 Glow Show Panorama by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 IMGP7804 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
A number of balloons will ignite the burners (sometimes synchronized to music.) You'll want to use a tripod for the Glow Show. And check your exposures frequently. The auto-exposure won't work for this. After the Glow Show and shortly before sunrise will be the Dawn Patrol.
 IMGP0105 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 Dawn Patrol by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 IMGP7087 copy by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 IMGP7227 copy by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
About half a dozen specially equipped balloons will take to the sky. You'll need faster shutter speeds here. (At least 1/60) The balloons are moving. Slowly, but they are moving. By now the other balloons will be starting to set up. This is a good time to catch the burners and you should keep an eye out for people silhouetted on a balloon. After the sun comes up will be the mass ascension. All the balloons will (try) to take to the skies at the same time. You'll want to be on the west side of the field. i e have the sun at your back to capture the colors.
 IMGP4484 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 IMGP7387 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 IMGP7395 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
I'd also suggest practicing your panorama techniques.
 2012_balloon_panorama by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
 2010_balloon_races_pano_2 by Miles Shaylor, on Flickr
All these images were taken at the Great Reno Balloon races
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