Tips for Capturing Hot Air Balloons at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta

Every fall, Albuquerque comes alive with the color and magic of the International Balloon Fiesta! Whether you’re a local or traveling in for the event, it’s truly a bucket-list experience — and one you’ll want to capture with your camera or even just your cell phone.

Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of those incredible photo opportunities:

1. Get There Early 🌅

The Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension are some of the most breathtaking moments of the Fiesta. Arriving early not only gets you a good spot, but also allows you to capture balloons inflating and glowing against the early morning light.

2. Use the Sky as Your Backdrop 🌤

Clear skies, soft clouds, or even the Sandia Mountains can frame your balloon shots beautifully. Try different angles — shooting from the ground up makes the balloons look especially grand.

3. Focus on the Details 🎨

Don’t just capture the big picture — zoom in on the patterns, colors, and shapes. The close-up details of a balloon can be just as stunning as the wide shots.

4. Include People for Scale 👨‍👩‍👧

Adding people in your shot (whether your kids gazing up in awe, or a crowd looking skyward) can make the balloons look even larger and help tell the story of the day.

5. Take Advantage of Golden Hour ✨

Sunrise and sunset light will give your photos that warm, magical glow. Balloons glowing in the morning light are unforgettable — and your photos will reflect that.

6. Use Burst Mode on Your Phone 📱

With so many balloons rising at once, things move quickly. Burst mode will help you capture a sequence so you don’t miss the perfect moment.

7. Play with Composition 📸

Try framing balloons between trees, capturing their reflections in water, or photographing them as they float over the mountains. Little creative touches make your photos stand out.

The Balloon Fiesta is one of the most photographed events in the world — but the best photos are always the ones that mean something to you. Capture the colors, the joy, and the wonder of the moment, and you’ll have memories to look back on forever.

We occasionally do photos at the Balloon Fiesta if it works in our schedule! Look HERE to book! (Additonal fee applies!)