Capturing Magic: The Frederick, Colorado Balloon Festival Through a Photographer’s Lens

Every year, the town of Frederick, Colorado, becomes a haven for photographers as the Frederick Balloon Festival takes flight. The event, with its vibrant display of hot air balloons, offers a treasure trove of photographic opportunities including an amazing view of the front range mountains.

The Allure of Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons, with their grand scale and colorful designs, present a dynamic subject for photographers. The Frederick Balloon Festival showcases a stunning array of balloons. From classic teardrop shapes to unique character balloons, the visual diversity is awe inspiring. This variety allows photographers to explore different compositions, patterns, and contrasts, making each shot unique.

Sunrise Launch

The morning was bustling with spectators, crew and vendors preparing for a mass balloon launch just after sunrise, a perfect time for capturing the beauty of balloons ascending into the morning sky. The soft, golden light of dawn casts a magical glow, enhancing the vivid colors of the balloons and providing a stunning contrast against the blue sky.

In the future I will plan to arrive early to set up and find an ideal spot. This year I was a bit over optimistic and thought with the very early hour I wouldn’t have much of a crowd to deal with - I was wrong and had to park and walk further than I expected. Because the light changes rapidly during sunrise and golden hour it’s a good idea to be familiar with your gear and the location if possible so you can adjust to the changes and be ready to capture those fleeting moments of perfection.

Candid Moments

Beyond the balloons themselves, the festival atmosphere has plenty of candid moments waiting to be captured. Families, friends, and children anxiously awaiting the launch provide unique scenes. Look for expressions of awe and joy and in some cases the nervous anxiety of a passenger right before launch. The pilots, wranglers and crew also provide unique opportunities for candid captures. Be ready to capture these genuine moments that convey the spirit of the festival.

Creative Compositions

Don’t forget to focus on the details. The intricate designs of the balloons, the textures of the fabric, and the patterns created by the ropes and baskets all make for compelling close-up shots. Contrasting patterns and colors of the various balloons and unique perspectives are sure to spur creativity.  One of my favorite compositions is shooting from directly below the balloon after launch. This gives a unique perspective that allows you to capture the balloon, crew and some surprises if you’re paying attention – for example I wasn’t planning to see bubbles from a passenger during the balloon launch!

Special Thanks to the Squirt Hot Air Balloon Team!

This morning, I was also offered a unique opportunity by the Squirt Hot Air Balloon pilot when he opened a section on side of his balloon and let me create some images from INSIDE his balloon while they were inflating! Don’t forget to talk with people, acknowledge them and start up a conversation. You never know what opportunities it may create!

Best Spots for Photos

Launch Field:

The main area where balloons are inflated and take off provides plenty of action and opportunities for dynamic shots. Unless it is prohibited get out on the field! Most of the people I saw were hanging out at the edge of the field. I chose to get out onto the field for my compositions. This led to my opportunity to shoot from inside the balloon.

Perimeter:

For wider shots that capture the entire scene, find a spot on the perimeter of the launch field. When considering wide angle be sure to pay attention to what is going on outside of the field. There were early morning sky divers and powered paragliders that were at the event as well just off the launch field.

Cameras and Lenses:

My choice for this morning was to take both of my cameras with different uses in mind. I knew I would be moving and shooting so I wanted both easily accessible.

My full frame Sony A7RIV and Sony 70-200 f2.8 GMII gave me the reach and flexibility to capture compositions at a distance and creative close compositions.

My OM System OM-5 Micro Four Thirds with m.Zuiko 12-45 f4 Pro on a neck strap allowed me to capture wide angle compositions, video and have small and fast option for quick captures.

Extra Batteries and Memory Cards:

With so many photo opportunities, you’ll want to ensure you don’t run out of power or storage. Be sure your batteries are charged, and your memory cards are formatted and ready for use.

Camera Bag:

A comfortable and secure camera bag is a must especially when carrying multiple cameras, lenses, batteries and memory cards. My go to for events and anywhere there may be a crowd is the Peak Designs everyday messenger 13L. This bag is compact enough that I can freely move through crowded spaces. It also gives me the flexibility to quickly grab gear, business cards or whatever I need, and the latch system gives me peace of mind that my gear will stay with me.

Post-Processing Magic

After the festival, post-processing can enhance the beauty of your shots. Adjustments to contrast, saturation, and sharpness can bring out the vibrant colors and intricate details of the balloons. For my post processing workflow, I use Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Topaz labs and Nik 6.

A Visual Feast

The Frederick Balloon Festival is a visual feast that offers endless opportunities for photographers. Whether you’re capturing the grand spectacle of dozens of balloons launching into flight or the intimate details of their designs, this festival provides a rich tapestry of scenes to explore through your lens. So, pack your gear, charge your batteries, and get ready to capture the magic of the Frederick Balloon Festival.