Eagle's Eye Photo Imaging has been the aerial photographer of choice by the Balloon Fiesta organizers, for the Balloon Glow and Special Shapes Rodeo events held annually at the Fiesta since 1984.  Lee Morgan is responsible for organizing the aircraft permitted into the restricted airspace during these special events. This year was different as a result of September 11th attack on America. The airspace for the balloon fiesta did not allow for any type of fixed wing and or helicopter. The restricted area extended 4 nautical miles from the center of the field and up to 3000' above ground. For the first Ballon Glow, we did take some images from 3000' above the event, however only about 85 of the 150 ballon showed up in the photo. We will post the results of the event soon.

The past Balloon Glow photographic images were created on Kodak Pro 1000 color negative film. (ASA 1000)  This year the Ballon Glow images were done on Kodak 800 ASA film. The images are taken with a Hasselblad, ELM, using an 80mm f2.8 aperture setting at a 1/60th of a second.  Bear in mind Lee creates these images while hand-holding the camera and moving through the air at 80 mph, 1,300 feet above the ground, in the dark, from a fixed-wing airplane.

The Special Shapes Rodeo images are created on Kodak Pro 400 color negative film.  The images are taken immediately following sunset to eliminate the long shadows created by the huge balloons.  Again, Lee, normally is at 1,300 feet above the field, moving at 70 mph.  As mentioned above about the restricted area, the same altitude was required for all events. This year, 2001, the special shapes inflation time was delayed by the wind, and therefore we were unable to get a group photo. When the group photo's are taken, the camera is also hand-held.

For those of you wondering how Lee flies and shoots at the same time--safely--he always utilizes a safety pilot to operate the controls and watch for any unauthorized aircraft in the area.  During the photography time of these events, Lee is in constant contact with Approach Control, who is responsible for the air space.  There is one controller assigned to monitor the restricted airspace from Approach Control.  We also are in constant contact by aircraft radio with the Balloon Meister who is on the same frequency.  This is done to facilitate being able to call the "All Burns" of the balloons.  We have to plan to be at the north or south end at the moment the balloons all burn, to get the best photo vantage point of the field.

These photographic images are a unique view of the fabulous event and are only available through the Balloon Fiesta Official Souvenir Tent during the Fiesta, or from Eagle's Eye Photo Imaging after the event.  The images are available in 8 x 10 ($20.00 each) or 16 x 20 ($45.00 each) sizes for the current year, plus shipping and handling.  Images from prior years are also available.  All prints are custom-crafted and are suitable for framing.  They make great gifts! View several other special Balloon Fiesta images on our STOCK PHOTO page.

To place your order, either send us an e-mail or call (505) 888-0246 or 1-800-987-0246. We also accept your credit card payments--or try our new Order Form.

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eagleseyephoto@qwest.net
This page last modified on Jan 16, 2005