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 Balloon Spectator Tips  #1 Rule - No Smoking on the Field

from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta web site with some modifications for the MVBR

  1. Dress in layers. It's sometimes very cool in the morning, but after the sun comes up it will warm up noticeably. 
  2. Bring sunscreen to put on after the sun is up. You're at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn. 
  3. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a bright, sunny or windy day. 
  4. Don't smoke anywhere near the balloons! A lit cigarette could possibly ignite a balloon's fuel tank and an ash can melt the balloon envelope. 
  5. Decide among your group where you could meet in case someone gets separated or lost.
    Make sure your children have some identification on them.  (added MVBR note: A lost child site will be set up at the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally at the Emergency Medical Station, however, this is not meant to be a "babysitting" station, so please, do not even consider using it as such)
  6. Watch where you're going!  It is easy to trip over other people and balloons
    Don't "drive and watch" at the same time. The balloons are a magnificent but distracting sight. Move completely off to the side of the road to watch. 
  7. Beware of vehicles moving around the field, especially emergency vehicles needing to get through the crowd. 
  8. For evening events, bring a flashlight.
    Also, take note of where you have parked your car. It's more difficult to find in the dark.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Watch the Background:
Look for simple backgrounds to minimize distraction from the subject. Explore the variety of viewpoints available for your subject. A low angle, looking into the blue sky can produce a simple and pleasant background. Try a low angle when posing friends near a balloon.

Front Lighting:
When the sun shines over your shoulder you'll capture the brightest and most saturated colors.

Side Lighting:
When the light shines across the scene, the mix of light and shadow creates a realistic, 3D looking photograph with an excellent feeling for depth and texture.

The magic hour of twilight:
Dawn or dusk create beautiful lighting opportunities where the warmth of "Balloon Glow" blends with velvet blue of muted skylight. Photographers call this "the jewel box effect". Twilight and night are low levels of light which require high speed films, like Kodacolor Royal Gold 1000 to Twilight and night are low levels of light which require high speed films, such as 800 or 1000 speeds.

Subject Placement in the Frame:
Off-center placement of your subject creates a dynamic balance.

Lens Choice:
Normal (50 mm) or wide angle (24, 28 or 35mm) allows moving close to the balloons to avoid people. Telephoto, or telephoto zoom (70-210mm) for details out of reach.

Keep Your Camera Steady!
Gently squeeze the shutter release for sharper photos.

Keep Shutter Speeds Fast!
Faster shutter speeds, such as a 1/250 of a second generally provide sharper pictures when using telephoto lenses and hand-holding your camera.