This is something I like to do --- turn my camera somewhat sideways and get shots like this.

The officials are at the bottom right corner with the yellow vests & red jacket...watching for the pilots to drop their bean bags -- without touching the ground.

Those eyes, they just made me laugh... watching him rise over the other balloon with that suspicious expression.... hilarious! And I am completely aware that this is most likely way funnier to me than anyone else!!! But I know there are a few others who understand my bizarre sense of humor.

The sun was starting to go down, it was just over the trees giving enough back light for this wonderfully colored balloon, but put the spectators in silhouette. Hot Air Affair piloted by Ray Smith

Sunny Boy has a different face on each side, the reverse has sunglasses.

The POW*MIA flag that hangs from the Freedom Flyer.

I LOVE hot air balloons because to me they represent that you could just float away and be free... but as the Freedom Flyer moves through the sky, its a reminder that Freedom is NOT free! In case you missed it, this is on of my favorite balloons to photograph, The Freedom Flyer. In this picture they were standing it up so its still in a tilt.

The Freedom Flyer is one of my most favorite balloons to photograph. This was taken while it was still being inflated while lying on the ground.

Is there any need to say anymore? I love hot air balloons!

This little effect is something I like to do with hot air balloons, I tilt my camera kind of sideways. The Yellow Express and Astro Racer flying among the boring blue sky.

I just LOVE hot air balloons!! It never gets old. I hope to eventually go to the festivals in Albuquerque and Montreal.... It will happen one day!!

I love the patriotic balloons!

Because I love random numbers on stuff and I love hot air balloons... its a combination of love!

Darth Vader was one of the shape balloons at Carolina Balloonfest this year... pretty cool! They played Star Wars/Vader music or something when he flew over.

This is also another way I love to frame up the balloons.