Up, Up, and Away!

The King Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival is upcoming (9-11 June 2018), and it is certainly something to look forward to. Aside from the excitement of the festivities and watching the giant balloons fly up high, there will be numerous photo ops - what with a mass hot air balloons of different shapes and colours aloft - making this June long weekend a photographer’s dream set come true.

Photographing hot air balloons can be a rewarding experience, both psychologically and professionally. Hot air balloons are extremely photogenic subjects and can produce terrific results for your portfolio or even just #forthegram. They’re bright, they’re colourful, and they arise against a beautiful, natural backdrop that you’d think you can’t go wrong when photographing them. However, things happen very quickly in these kinds of events, and since hot air balloons are usually ascended during sunrise (when lighting is still low), you’ll want to have a few tricks up your sleeve to produce great shots on the day.

To help you get the most out of the event, expert local photographer Penny Koukoulas has organised a workshop on June 9th, where photographers will be taught about lighting and composition to produce stunning photographs of these magnificent balloons. Smartphone camera owners are also welcome, although you’re encouraged to bring phones that are no more than 3 years old.