Pamela Liu, PPSA, EFIAP
October 2022 - Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival
About the Image(s)
Gear: Canon 5DSR, 24-70mm, 1/13, F2.8, ISO 400
Date: 8/1/2020
Place: Tatung, Taiwan
it's one of Taiwan's most anticipated summer events and this was taken in 2020 summer before the lockdown of the country. In addition to taking a ride in a balloon, visitors can also enjoy activities such as light sculpture concerts. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the wonderful shapes and colors of the balloons.
I don’t know if this image fits the PD definition, as this could be seen in many different places. It will be easy to be recognized by people in Taiwan, but I am not sure if this is as universal.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
Pamela, This image is well composed- with the mountains and spectators acting as a frame as they encircle all the balloons. The lighting is wonderful- the sky, mountains and people are lit just enough, which helps the brightly colored balloons really pop. And the people help add scale, so the viewer can appreciate how large the balloons are. Did you shoot this photo from a balloon? Posted: 10/05/2022 18:44:42
Susan, thanks a lot for the comment. I regret not bringing a lens with a wider angle. This was taken with 1/15 on a tripod, it was not in a balloon. Posted: 10/05/2022 20:37:26
Pamela, your POV or vantage point was high enough to allow you to create a really wide image to cover a lot of the hot air balloon's and the spectators. The image is sharp and not overexposed specially in the very bright colors. It must have been very thrilling awaiting for the take off of the balloons.
Where were you with respect to the image ?? Posted: 10/06/2022 14:27:22
Where were you with respect to the image ?? Posted: 10/06/2022 14:27:22
Dr. Vaismam, There was a platform for photographers to shoot the event. It was very amazing when all the air balloons took off together. Posted: 10/10/2022 06:37:00
I really recommend everyone to go to a balloon festival to get pictures like this one. In the US, the biggest one is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in late September/early October. Going on a balloon ride in the early morning is unforgettable. The reds, yellows and oranges in this image are great. I would tone down the blues a little using the channel adjustment in Photoshop. Since you questioned whether this image meets the PT definition, I would say that it is a bit too non-specific as to its environment. You may have seen images of balloons in Cappadocia in Turkey, for instances, where the landscape with its hoodoos is unique and easily identifiable. That would meet the definition to a higher degree. No matter, it's a great image. Posted: 10/11/2022 16:21:33
Hi Pamela -- What a grand sight! I guess the only thing I would say is I find the sky a little bright. Perhaps the brightest part of the sky could be cropped for a closer view of the balloons. What a neat opportunity to see these beautiful things. Posted: 10/12/2022 15:46:18
(Group 2)
Great image Pamela... I do have a similar photo from a balloon festival in Toledo, Ohio. The mountains here give it a sense of place, that is definitely not Toledo. These balloons are so cool. Posted: 10/31/2022 21:34:31