A few of us from the photography group went to the launch of the Friday morning local balloon event. The main event, the Helen to the Atlantic race was launched the previous morning, this was just as much fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This being my first ever event of this kind, I had no idea what to expect or what sort of picture opportunities might be available. A few hundred people were waiting as the balloon teams arrived, took their assigned spots on the field and began getting ready to launch. The spectators were allowed to wander freely among the balloons, talk to the crews and poke their noses wherever they wished. So I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One fellow calmly walked over to a partially inflated balloon, lifted up a flap, stuck his head in and began taking pictures. So that’s how I got the first couple of shots. Then is was just a wander ’round to watch as the crews inflated and launched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After about 90 minutes the field was empty but for one balloon which never launched, but stayed so people could have their pictures taken in the basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n