Balloon over monument valley

[Ian Cassell]

"The Thumb" and Camel Butte
Canon 7D
Tamron 17-50mm/2.8 @ 34mm HH
ISO 400 1/400 sec @ f/10

[Jess Lee]

Nice image I like the shadow of the gondola on the rock.
I always wish these guys would start a little earlier in the morning so the shadows on the rocks were not as sharp. During my workshop in MV the baloon captain put the basket down on the ledge just below the thumb in you photo. I must be a little chicken because I thought that was a little risky with clients.
I hope you share more form this magical place. I go there a couple of times a year and between the awesome land and the native residents I can't get enough.

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Jess. I went for the balloon festival the weekend of 2/25 and was sick as a dog all weekend. I was able to get some good images on Saturday morning, but the flights were cancelled Sunday due to wind. I agree, an earlier launch would have been ideal (they didn't start going up 'till about 7:45 am - well after sunrise). I will post some more. I also stopped at Horseshoe Bend on the way home, but my severe acrophobia got me and I couldn't bring myself to go right to the edge to get the good image :( . I was alone and there was no one anywhere nearby. I probably could have done it if I had someone talking me through it ... I'll try that again next time when I get a chance to check out Antelope Canyon.

I love it up there. I've lived in Arizona for almost 13 years now and am still exploring.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Ian, Interesting image! If this were mine I would crop to just to the left of the space between the rocks.(small v notch)

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Dave. I'm not sure which space you mean.

[Robert Amoruso]

Ian,

Dave is suggestion a crop on the right to the fist deep V as you move left. He is suggesting cropping just to the left of the deep V on the right. I agree with that suggestion.

That will balance the image better. I like the sharp shadow on the butte.

[Ian Cassell]

Ah, I understand now :) I agree -- that does improve things!

[Ian Cassell]

Sorta like this?

[Dave Mills]

Hi Ian, Thats it!...looks good!

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Dave. Yes, I agree with you. That right side clump of rock weighted down that side of the image.

[Robert Amoruso]

That's it Ian.

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Robert

[Rachel Hollander]

Ian -repost rocks, pun intended!

TFS,
Rachel