How to get that Insta-worthy shot at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular
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Looking for that ‘gram-worthy shot of hot air balloons drifting gracefully across the lake?
We don’t blame you. From this weekend, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular will turn the skyline into a sea of colour and movement until Sunday 23 March, and it’s the perfect excuse to whip out your phone (or camera) and get snapping.
Luckily, Canberra photographer Snaps by Sal has six key tips that will make the early rise absolutely worth it (because she is NOT a morning person).
Set an alarm for 6.15 am
The first point-of-call for any photographers wanting to catch a sight of the fleet of balloons taking to the skies is heading to the EventsACT website and socials to see the notification on whether balloons are flying or tethering. This is posted at 6.15 am.
If flying the balloons will normally head out over the lake towards the Arboretum from 7 am. If the weather is strange, updates on altered flight paths can be found on the same sites as the initial flying information. If tethering, some balloons will stay at the launch zone near the National Library.
Be equipped
The best camera is the one you have with you. Phone cameras are fabulous bits of technology nowadays, or alternatively taking a DSLR is great– so long as your batteries are charged and SD cards are at the ready the night before (so it isn’t an early morning rush).
There is also something magical about the grain of Polaroid or film, giving a vintage tone to the balloons. Don’t be scared to experiment with your tech.
A warm coat, good shoes, a coffee in a flask and a tripod are all handy options that can make the morning more comfortable, especially when you need to move with the wind to capture good angles.
Do the loading zone at least once
Seeing the balloons inflate and take off is a must, at least once, for photographers and the whole family alike. The rush of hot flame, the colourful fabric turning into shapes, and gasps of littlies as everything starts to come alive, it is a beautiful experience and worth heading down to the grounds just between the galleries and Questacon, with 2025 heading back to the launch site of old. Get there in the dark to see the flames clearly and be ready for the sunrise take-off. You can grab some brekkie afterwards and really make a morning of the location.
A waterfront view
Time to row, row, row your boat under the balloons. Canberra has some great watercraft options available, including taking your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard or relaxing in comfort and style with Loveboats Canberra.
You truly cannot beat being on Lake Burley Grifin when the aircraft dip into the water with their baskets, waving at you, and showing off with their flames. The reflections are also spectacular.
Location, location, location
The best location really is dictated by the winds and the flight path of the balloons. Some options to consider are:
- Regatta Point
- The National Museum
- Black Mountain Peninsula
- Yarralumla Bay/ Lennox Gardens.
- National Arboretum
- Red Hill or Mount Ainslie
I normally get to one location a morning, maybe two if I am lucky. Don’t be scared to try a new spot or disappointed if you don’t get to everywhere all at once!
What to look out for – and snap!
Kids and animals are at their best in balloon photos when they are looking anywhere other than at the camera. Get the smiles and the “wooooow”. Even snap the head tilt from your pup, who might be confused about some funky felines who will be gracing the skies this year.
There are lots of framing options for balloons; silhouettes of onlookers are great, it give perspective to the shot. You can also look for closeups of the flame, a bird flying high with the fleet, or try to fit as many balloons as possible into a single frame. A wide angle is worthwhile due to the size of balloons and wanting to fit as many humans/balloons/landscape components as possible into a shot.
Be careful to make sure you are focusing on the balloons; this gets trickier the further away they are in the sky. A touch focus from your phone or newer DSLRs can be a safe option. Otherwise, have fun snapping, and revel in the early morning Canberra autumn glow!
Photography: @snapsbysal
