Eyes to the Skies - Lisle, Illinois

[chicagojohn]

So, after traveling all week and going to photography class last night, I dragged myself out of bed at 3:30 am this morning and drove to Lisle, IL, for the first of three (hopefully) early morning balloon lift offs as part of their annual balloon festival.

I got there before anyone else, even the officials. The really weird thing was that this one official, Pat, he said he was the head official, came up to me and we started talking, and he says, "You know, why don't you come beyond the barriers so you can get some close up shots?" I said OK.

About 50 or so photographers showed up, and I was the only one allowed beyond the barriers. They asked me why that was, I told them I didn't know. But this allowed me to go to a pov that put the rising sun in the background instead of a boring, blank sky (until the thunderstorm and tornado, but I'll get to that in the Morton Aboretum thread later).

But the main thing was that the balloons actually lifted off. Folks who had been there many times before said there was a 50/50 chance. We lucked out today. I took a huge number of photos of which this is only a sample, and many of a special balloon used to give handicapped people rides which I will cover separately.


three inflating by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr


rising giants by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr


lift off by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr


above the treetops by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr


one man above the clouds in color by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr


Godspeed by ChicagoJohn, on Flickr

[Kiasmum]

What a lovely series John. Apart from the noise of the burners which I know there would have been,the peace and tranquility just oozes from the shots. The last shot is my favourite.

[chicagojohn]

Thanks for looking at them and commenting, Kiasmum. Definitely a fun filled day

[nitewolf26]

This was in Lisle? I can't believe i missed it. Excellent shots! Hopefully next year i won't miss it. My favorite one is the last one. I love how you can see the sunrise behind the balloons.

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[mishlove]

I love the strong colors in these, well captured.

[Bushhed]

One of my favorite subject John. All excellent images. I really like 2, 5 & 6.

[chicagojohn]

thank you so much nitewolf26, mishlove, and bushhed. I am so sorry for the late response.

[BobR]

Cool series! Never saw a balloon launch let alone photograph one! 3,5 and 6 are my favorites. Bob

[Pixels]

Nice series, John. Hot Air balloons are one of my favorite subjects and you've done a great job. The international HAB show is in Battle Creek, MI this year. I'm hoping to be able to attend. (and that isn't too far from you either)

[chicagojohn]

When is the HAB, Pixsls?

Thanks Pixels and BobR

[Pixels]

The Holiday Balloon Fest will be hosting the the 2012 FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship in the Battle Creek and Calhoun County area.

The championship will in the Battle Creek, Michigan, USA area from August 17th through the 25th, 2012. This should be a great opportunity for people to see Hot Air Balloons from all over the world.

[JimL]

My favorite is the "Lift Off" shot because of the back lighting.

Next time someone asks you why you got to do something just tell them your "Great Uncle Ned" is a sponsor. (Or just mention the "Early Bird" and its' worm .

Jim

[chicagojohn]

Thanks for the info, Pixels; I'm going to look into it; I'm not all that far away and have a home base in Ohio too.

Thanks for your comment, JimL The Great Uncle Ned line might have worked had I not been obviously older than he was Hell, I don't have a clue why that happened, but when magical things happen who am I to argue