Arizona Balloon Classic 2011

This last weekend phoenix had a balloon festival, kinda like the new mexico one but on a smaller scale. Since we couldn't make it to new mexico this year, we decided to head out to this one since it was only 30 minutes away and I ended up going on Saturday night and then again on Sunday morning.

I've always wondered how they get them in the air without melting starting their balloon on fire. It turns out a big gas powered fan has enough power to mostly inflate a balloon, then they direct the propane burners into the balloon and let loose with the flame. There's enough room in there, that the flame is well away from the sides of the balloon, even when the balloon is on its side.

Anyway, here's the pictures.

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_9891es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=532]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0062es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0376es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=355]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0370_risecopys.jpg[/img]

[img width=533 height=800]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0415es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0459es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0478es.jpg[/img]

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_0492es.jpg[/img]

Here's the rest of the pictures:

http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/...lassic%202011/

As always, photography tips and criticisms are always welcome.

Very cool pictures! Thanks for sharing!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Robinhood4x4

[img width=800 height=533]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/Arizona%20Balloon%20Classic%202011/IMG_9891es.jpg[/img]

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This is a great shot! Very cool!