Re: [Leica] metering hot air balloons at dusk

[Eric Welch <eric@jphotog.com>]

Adam,

In tough situations, i often use manual and the "spot" meter on the R8 
and then hold up my hand palm facing the light source and meter off 
that and open up a stop. Poor man's gray card. :-)

When you meter the lit up balloons, use the spot meter on the brightest 
part and open up a stop and a half or two stops. Bracket. Your film is 
pretty forgiving. The main thing is to have fun! I love photographing 
balloons.

Also, when they're setting up the balloons, stand near the basket and 
shoot into the balloon if they let you. Sometimes people outside the 
balloon are backlit and they shadow shows up on on the envelope and it 
makes a cool silhouette. If they flame up when you are standing there 
to get the balloon inflated and upright, make sure to open up a couple 
stops.

Most balloon people are very accommodating to photographers. Someone 
might even offer you a ride!

On Thursday, September 11, 2003, at 05:17  PM, Adam Bridge wrote:

> I'm headed up to Northern California where there will be a hot air 
> balloon event
> in the evening where they will rise on tethers of various lengths. It 
> should be
> striking.
>
> But I'm a bit worried about how to meter it. I'll be shooting with my 
> R8 and
> M6-TTL. Shooting Porta 400VC and the new super version. Taking a 
> tripod.
>
> But I'm not sure how to meter these puppies - esp with the sky which 
> may occupy
> a goodly chunk of the frame.
>
> I'm sure this is trival and old-hat to  you gods of photography but in 
> case
> someone will stoop to suggest something useful I'd be greatful for an
> understanding of the problems involved.
>
> Adam
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>

Eric Welch
Carlsbad, CA
http://www.jphotog.com

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad 
judgment. - Will Rogers

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