Hot air balloon photography
Comments Off on Hot air balloon photographyPhotographing your hot air balloon flight
Tips from Someone Who’s Taken “More Than a Few” Hot Air Balloon Photos
There’s nothing quite like soaring over Custer and the Black Hills in a hot air balloon. In addition to the National Parks and Monuments, South Dakota’s rolling prairies, rugged peaks, and golden light make for some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to capture it with a few brag-worthy shots. But photographing a hot air balloon ride isn’t like snapping pics on solid ground, it comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Here are our top tips for getting the best shots of your flight with us at Black Hills Balloons.
If you know our story, you’ll know I have been around hot air balloons (and taking photos of them) since I was 7 years old. Which means, I’ve taken a photo or “few” over the years. Below are some tips and tricks to ensure you walk away from your flight with more than just memories to last a lifetime – you’ll have a few insta-worthy shots to share too.
Below is an photo of myself (age 8 ish) along with my balloon pilot Mother. Evidence that I have been doing this for a very long time. Also, can we just assume she was the inventor of the first-ever selfie stick…?
- Timing is Everything
We know it’s early. Hot air balloon flights happen at sunrise for a reason and while I could go on and on about weather and why it’s the safest time to fly, in the interest of photography you only need to know one thing: it’s golden hour. Sunrise aka “golden hour” can bring out the best colors in the landscape, creating dreamy, soft images. It’s also when wildlife is most active, so your chances of capturing a few locals is high. Make sure your lens is clean so it can perfectly capture sunspots and flares as the sun peeks over the horizon. Some of the most stunning shots of the hills from a balloon include a beautiful Black Hills sunrise.
- Use a Wide Angle
A wide-angle lens can be your best friend in a balloon basket. It allows you to capture the vastness of the Black Hills landscape without missing a thing. Or go vertical to include the balloon above, and the landscape ahead. If you’re using a smartphone, switch to the widest setting to get more of that sweeping view in the frame.
- Swap Shots with Fellow Passengers
One of the best ways to ensure you get a great variety of photos is to trade shots with your fellow passengers. While you’re focused on capturing the scenery, they might catch incredible candid moments of you enjoying the ride. Offer to take pictures of each other so everyone gets a few frame-worthy shots of themselves floating above the Black Hills. It’s one of the perks of sharing the flight – making new friends.
- Capture the Experience
Don’t just focus on the landscape – photograph the balloon, the flame firing up, your fellow passengers, and even your own reactions! The best photos tell a story, and that means capturing the entire adventure, from takeoff to touchdown.
Don’t forget to experiment with angles, too. Shoot straight down over the edge of the basket for an epic, point of view. Get a colorful shot inside the balloon. And mix up your compositions to make your photos stand out.
- Adjust Your Exposure for the Sky
The bright sky and the darker landscape can trick your camera’s settings. Tap on the sky (if using a phone) to balance the exposure and avoid overexposing the highlights. If you’re using a camera, try slightly underexposing your shots to preserve the details in the sky.
- Capture our other balloons
On a typical day with Black Hills Balloons, we’ll have two to three balloons flying at the same time. So, take advantage of the opportunity and capture them! The sight of colorful balloons floating above the Black Hills adds depth and scale to your photos, making them even more dynamic and breathtaking. Try framing another balloon against the rising sun or with the rugged landscape below for a truly postcard-worthy image. And don’t forget to share! It’s likely the passengers from the other balloons took photos of you too.
- Enjoy the Moment
While it’s tempting to spend the entire flight snapping pictures, don’t forget to put the camera down and just take it all in. Some of the best memories can’t be captured—just felt.
Ready to Capture the Sky?
A hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills is an unforgettable experience, and with these tips, you’ll have photos that do it justice. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just want incredible vacation memories, your flight is the perfect opportunity to capture something truly special.
Book your flight today and get ready for the adventure—and the photos—of a lifetime!
SMALL BIZ BONUS: if you have a few shots you’d love to share – we’d love to see them. Not only do we cherish recaps from passengers that include photos, but we thrive off it. Our small business truly benefits from kindness and “small business support”, so if you’re willing to share (along with usage rights), so we can use online OR share alongside a review, our little business would really appreciate it. Small acts of kindness are huge when it comes to supporting small.
Please feel free to share via email with me at keely@blackhillsballoons.com or by leaving a review on Google or TripAdvisor.
