Hot air balloons are fascinating to watch especially during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  I am struck by the beauty and the grace as I stand on the field taking photographs of the balloons.  It is breathtaking to walk among the 700 balloons as they inflate and take off during the mass ascensions.

My balloon photographs are taken with a sense of playfulness and beauty.  I try to capture the interesting balloon groupings in the sky, the essence of individual balloons and the spirit of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta itself.  My website offers a sampling of the balloon photographs I have taken. If you have a favorite balloon or are the pilot of a balloon and don't see it on my site let me know.  I have large inventory of balloon photographys.

I had my first ride in a hot air balloon on the second day of the 2005 Balloon Fiesta.  A pilot offered to take me up after seeing all of my balloon photographs in the art tent on the balloon grounds.  The flight was amazing as we took off and I looked back to see all the balloons on the ground.  It is peaceful to be in the air and to be floating along with the wind.

The day I went up many of the pilots were able to do what they call "splash and dash" along the Rio Grande River.  This is when they touch the bottom of the gondola (basket) into the river and take off again.  I took several photographs of balloons over the river that day.

The other exciting time during the balloon fiesta is at night when they have balloon glows.  Duuring this time the balloons are inflated, but tethered to the ground.  As they light them up with the burners the envelope glows in the darkness. It is a magical time.

I will be inthe Artists of New Mexico Art Show again this year (2009).  The art tent is located at the extreme north end of the field. Mainstreet deadends into the tent.  I am in booth numbers 60-61.

I can mat and frame photographs or I can make a triptych with 3 -- 4x6 photographs of your choosing in one 8x20 frame.  If you are a pilot or owner, I can make note-cards, bookmarks and magnets with your balloon on it.  Let me know if you are interested in any of these items.

Enjoy the balloons!  For more information on hot air balloons visit eballoon.org