This year’s Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic was fantastic. The weather was perfect and all balloons got to launch. There were balloons everywhere.
We got there early so that we could capture the dawn patrol launch. It an awesome sight to see the flame light up the balloons against the dark early morning sky. There are 3 balloons for the dawn patrol but I went in close to the foremost balloon when I saw the gentleman’s face light up with the flames. The heat waves tell you all you need to know about the temperature of the surrounding air. This is my favorite of the day. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Camera specs: Canon 1-Ds Mark II with Canons EF 70 – 200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens @ 200mm, 1/200sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800