The story behind the Balloon Shot
I went to the 15th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta to try out my new 11-16mm f/2.8 Tokina UWA. I didn’t plan hope to ride a balloon and I haven’t event thought of joining the DPP-Caltex photo competition. I only there to shoot and see things to shoot.
It was only in the afternoon when I got access to the field where they set-up the hot air balloons. Since I wasn’t able to get up-close shots in the morning, I took the liberty of shooting anything that goes into my lenses. The most interesting part of the shoot is when the “balloon people” are filling up the balloon with hot air. When the balloon pilot starts to fire the torch, several of his assistants will start pulling the balloon downwards to keep it from moving away from the ground. It was a good subject to shoot. I didn’t bother that around two dozens of photographers (most of them are wearing DPP and Caltex shirts) were shooting the same subject I was shooting.
After I got tired, I decided to leave the field and head out to look for my group. They waited for me in the Caltex booth were several computers were set-up for the photo competition. I didn’t know about the competition. I didn’t even know there was a competition. Fritz suggested that we inquire about the photo contest. I was hesitant to join the competition for two reasons: 1.) I got intimidated with the other photographers’ gears 2.) I didn’t prepare/intend to join the contest in the first place.
Anyway, the guy at the Caltex booth told us that the theme of the photo contest is “Bayanihan”. Cool! I immediately browsed my shots and found three of my best “Bayanihan” shots. After choosing my entries, I went back to the booth and gave the guy my camera’s card. The thing is, I have always been insecure of my non-post-processed shots. But this time, I submitted photos straight from my camera without undergoing any minor post processing. Pretty scary I must say.
I wasn’t expecting that my photo will be chosen as one of the best five photos for the Day 3 of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. This afternoon, I received an ego-centric Google Alert in my mail. The alert was pointed into this page. Weeeee! That made my day. Bow!
Here are the other two images I submitted:
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Tagged with: Balloon, Caltex, clark, Clark Field, Digital Photographer Philippines, DPP, hot air balloon, Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, pampanga, Photography, Ultra Wide Angle Lens
Originally sharing his experiences of being a "yagit" in Davao, he now tries to find his luck in the busy district of Makati. He still finds time to blog and go on weekend trips despite his hectic schedule. Join Batang Yagit, now that he has developed from "rags" to a more abundant supply of rags.
You deserve to win a slot. You are good in capturing moments
Ganda nung first photo talaga. Galing mo Winston!
We couldn’t expect anything less
I lurv the first photo!
Good job Wins!
wooot! may story pa pala tong picture na to.. wooot
panalo na!!! 
oo meron dapat. hehehe
wow, great shot Wins! Winning shots…galing.
Awesome. Ang galing naman talaga ng shots.
Congrats dude!
yan! panalo na! WACOM + EPSON PRINTER + 20K CASH CARD + DPP Magazine Feature + DPP Subscription + Bragging Rights! WohoOOo!
Woot! Winner naman pala tlaga! Congrats, Winston! Anong settings gnamit mo sa first shot, if I may ask?
[...] I never thought that I’d be doing this post. I waited for updates regarding the DPP-Caltex Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Photo Competition that I joined three weeks ago but it was only earlier this week that I learned that they’re [...]
Winning shot talaga. Ganda ng composition. Hats off to you
frontierville is the fastest growing facebook application and has surpassed 24 Million users in less than 2 months.. the game is full of challenges and takes my whole time in tending animals and planting crops…
Wow ang galing ni Idol!
Ang ganda angle mo…^_^
oppsss…Ang ganda ng Angle mo pala…He he he….
I am forever thought about this, appreciate it for posting.