2024 RIverton Rendezvouz
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.
Read More2022 Teton Valley Balloon Rally
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.
Read More2021 Red Rock Balloon Rally
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.
Read MoreThe Fiesta That Didn't Happen
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.
Read MoreThe 2019 Albuquerque Internation Balloon Fiesta
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.
Read MoreThe White Sands Balloon Invitational
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.
Read MoreTips for photographing your first hot air balloon festival
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!
Read MoreThe Red Rock Balloon Rally
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.
Read MoreThe Colorado Springs Labor Day Liftoff
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.
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