I have been pulling together some images for submission to my stock agent, and have been scanning an assortment of images from a 1998 balloon ride over peak fall colors. One peculiar thing I found was in the shadow of this balloon that either I didn’t notice before, or simply forgot about. The way the shadow is formed is really wild. The tree tops create somewhat of a clipping effect on the shape of the balloon. I am sure this has a lot to do with the angle of light coming in and how the tree is tall enough that the shadow forms this way. (No photoshop trickery here!) Anyway, I thought it was a pretty interesting effect and thought I’d share it.
Michigan autumn colors aerial photo from a hot air balloon, c.1998
Cindy – you have to do it someday! It was such a blast, and so peaceful too. Probably the coolest part was being able to change altitude so precisely – we went from views like this to hovering 5 feet over the water. I forgot to give a plug for the guy who took us… Scott Lorenz from Westwind Balloon. He was very accomodating and involved us through the whole process of inflating the balloon, launch, and touchdown.
that corny song ‘up up and awayyyy in my beautiful, my beautiful balooooon’ just popped in my mind as soon as I viewed this. I’ve GOT to get up in one someday. What a view! I’d love to take one over my own county- with 100 lakes and so much forest, I can only imagine what it looks like from the air.. what a thrill to see the world as a bird does..
I love your leafscape too.. 🙂
Micki – this was shot with Fuji Velvia transparency film (35 mm).
That is a really cool effect and a lovely image. Were you shooting film or digital back then?