Dawn Patrol

Before the hundreds of balloonists can take flight at the International Balloon Fiesta here in Albuquerque, a dozen or so intrepid aviators first take to the sky to judge the winds, directions and conditions...then notify the ground about the safety of flights that morning. It is dark when they take off, and that makes for some incredible lighting when the propane burners are fired to add heat (and light) to the envelope and make the balloon rise.

It is one of my favorite parts of the Fiesta, probably because of the intense colors and contrast between the dark and the light. This shot was one of my favorites for today. More later, I'm sure.