2024 RIverton Rendezvouz

August 10, 2024 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

I attended the Riverton Rendezvous on July 19th through the 21st. Andy, the balloon meister had been entreating me to go for the past four years. This year I figured that I should give it a try.

The rally went off well. They got to fly two of three days, and I got to meet more balloon people. What about the pictures? Well, unexpectedly, I became an impromptu crew chief. That position required me to be more hands on with the balloon and I didn’t get many chances to make photos. Now, this wasn’t a bad thing; ballooning is fun. However, I don’t have much to show afterward.

Will I go again next year? Maybe. Just like me going to Driggs, ID for the Teton Valley Balloon Rally, going to Riverton, WY, is a long drive. About 12.5 hours from Albuquerque. Doing these long drives for two events in one month was… tiring. I don’t know if I can do it again. I will have to give this more thought.

Anyway, check out the eight pictures I got.

2022 Teton Valley Balloon Rally

July 05, 2022 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

The Teton Valley Balloon Rally (TVBR) was held this past Fourth of July holiday weekend - wait, hold up, two blog posts within seven day? What happened to the real Elliot? I’m still alive, or, at least I think I am. The fourteen hour drive one-way to and from really does a number on the body.

2021 Red Rock Balloon Rally

January 14, 2022 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

Hello, friends, I finally edited the photos that I made during the 2021 Red Rock Balloon Rally. I met many friends that I hadn’t seen in a long while, and I met another for the first time (we only conversed on Instagram). I really enjoy this balloon festival, and it’s my favorite thus far. The location is beautiful, and the community around the event puts together a great tailgate party.

The Fiesta That Didn't Happen

February 14, 2021 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

Alright, I almost never published these images. This event occurred way back in October, 2020 in place of the well renown Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Damn pandemic… While it was neat that balloons still flew, we all know that it was nothing close to the usual spectacle.

The 2019 Albuquerque Internation Balloon Fiesta

October 28, 2019 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

The Balloon Fiesta began on October 5th, and ended on the 13th - plus one more day for crewing. Ten grueling days of photography, balloon crewing, and work. For those who had been observing my posts on Instagram, the theme was all about fatigue. I just had to make it to the end. Being on my feet for about 14 hours a day; working a 40 hour work week at my full-time job plus more. After the events, my feet were actually hurting for another three days.

The White Sands Balloon Invitational

September 22, 2018 by Elliot Nahm in Balloons

Last weekend I made the drive down to Alamogordo, New Mexico to participate in the White Sands Balloon Invitational (WSBI). In so far as I know, this is the only balloon festival that I’ve encountered that takes place within National Park grounds. I’ve visited White Sands Nat’l Monument once earlier this year, and I was thoroughly impressed by it. So… balloons + white sand dunes should be a winning combination. Well, it sure would be but, I just didn’t get the chance to photograph what I wanted. More on that later.

Tips for photographing your first hot air balloon festival

January 29, 2018 by Elliot Nahm

Ah, you've just received your first camera over the holiday season, and you're itching to us it. Or, perhaps you're just looking for something new to photograph for this new year. Well, might I suggest the following: You should photograph a hot air balloon festival!

The Red Rock Balloon Rally

December 08, 2017 by Elliot Nahm

Last weekend I made the long 8.5 hour drive to Gallup, New Mexico to attend the Red Rock Balloon Rally. Going to these balloon festivals puts me in an interesting situation. I really hate driving but, I want to go to the balloon festivals. So I end up slogging myself through the drive... Self driving cars couldn't come any sooner, I swear.

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Liftoff

September 06, 2017 by Elliot Nahm

If you can't tell already, despite having an entire page dedicated to them, I love hot air balloons! Seeing these balloons in flight with their vibrant colors really strikes a good tone in me. Also being able to get up close to the massive aircraft puts a sense of awe into me. There isn't anything else quite like hot air balloons to me.