Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 10:58 PM
The weekend plans were set after John Mumaw posted about the first balloon festival at Monument Valley. Headed north Thursday afternoon to catch the Mitten Shadow and then the hot air balloons the rest of the wekend. A few launched Friday mornign. Saturday mornig brpought great conditions for the balloonists with clear skies, light breezes and plenty of steerage in the layers. Winds kicked in with gusto Saturday afternoon and never relented, so the Saturday glow and Sunday morning launch never materialized.
#1 At one launch area by the Thumb.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 11:00 PM
#2 Up and Away
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 11:02 PM
#3 Many hovered over and by Rain God Mesa
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 11:03 PM
#4 Against the Wall
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 11:04 PM
#5
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 11:05 PM
What a great place for a balloon launch, eh?
This is a fine set of images, Doug. Hard to pick a favorite, but the closeup you got with #1 is real interesting.
Posted by Jim Bennett on April 4, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Very colorful setting. Nice variety of compositions. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 4, 2011 at 12:36 AM
Nice set, Doug. The Bluff Balloon festival in January (?) sometimes launches and flies in Valley of the Gods, another great opportunity to photograph the colorful balloons against the red rock. Looks like you had fun!
Posted by Joseph Kayne on April 4, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Posted by Rene Pirolt on April 4, 2011 at 10:43 AM
#4 wins my vote too. Great sandstone & desert varnish background! I also like the triple threat of balloons in #3. Looks like a very fun event to attend!
These are Wow shots Doug! Love the colors and perspective shown.
My vote is for #s 1&4
Did you get anything at the mitten show?
I wanted to be there, but it wasn't to be
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 4, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Thanks all for the comments. I am thinking that #4 may need a little warming for the wall, but I kinda like the mauvish tone.
In talking with some of the balloonists, they felt the event was a success for the first year. They had mentioned other events in Telluride and VoG
Richard, I did get some of the shadow, but still have some processing to do for that set.
Discussion
17 replies#1 At one launch area by the Thumb.
This is a fine set of images, Doug. Hard to pick a favorite, but the closeup you got with #1 is real interesting.
My vote is for #s 1&4
Did you get anything at the mitten show?
I wanted to be there, but it wasn't to be
In talking with some of the balloonists, they felt the event was a success for the first year. They had mentioned other events in Telluride and VoG
Richard, I did get some of the shadow, but still have some processing to do for that set.