Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
This sequence of images was shot exactly a fortnight ago, on Friday 26 June. They are part of a series that was shot between 7.30am and 7.34 am, looking out over the city towards the blue silhouette of the Dandenong Ranges that girdle the city's south-east.
I shot a few frames, using a 300mm lens and took this random shot of cranes against the pre-dawn sky. I was just putting the lens cap on and preparing to walk away when I noticed another facet emerging on the scene.
Hot-air balloons are a great Melbourne staple, taking passengers up on clear skies on summer flights as well as on frosty winter mornings.
I waited there, because I could see the balloons would pass over the MCG, the giant bowl of a stadium called the Melbourne Cricket Ground, that is such a part of the city's proud sporting heritage.
For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.
Now you understand why I'm an AERIAL armadillo! Wonderful shots, David. And it just goes to show....a great deal can happen in just four short minutes.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, as always, David.
ReplyDeleteI just love the shots of the balloons - so serene!
What a wonderful stroke of luck ..
ReplyDeleteI love it when the balloons are flying.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shot David so evocative of a lovely evening!Reminded me of the song we sung...Oh how lovely is the evening!
ReplyDeleteWow. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAll are really nice but I love the one just above the bottom picture.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably my second favorite time of day, with only sunset topping it. You caught that magical moment when the light is just pitch perfect... and how fortunate that the balloonists came along just then!
ReplyDeleteStill, it must've been pretty cold in those gondolas!
Wicked cool shots!
Great shots, David, not the usual perspective, either. I'm curious: how do you catalogue all your work, by cities, by subject, by date?
ReplyDeleteMarvelous shots, David, as always! Beautiful colors and I LOVE the balloon! I had a wonderful balloon ride over the wine country in California several years ago and it was wonderful to be able to look an eagle in the eye as he flew beside us for a moment.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I only had one experience of flying in a hot air balloon but was spoiled by my constant thought that I was only standing in a basket that at any point I could fall through. Photos of them are better ;0)
ReplyDeletelovely balloon shots. something i have not done, but hope to do soon!
ReplyDeletewonder-full..this so evokes a new day. the stillness. the calm. the hope. and the ballons. such great joy to see in the new morn.
ReplyDeleteOf course, one could be nasty and say that it was all just hot air, but I know you won't be offended...
ReplyDeleteMarvellous photography!
Amazing shots.
ReplyDeleteI love the blue landscape and the balloons are majestic in that setting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love these sky pictures.
ReplyDeleteOh so peaceful.
ReplyDelete;^)
Gorgeous shots David!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the first one and the serie of the ballon is terrific too :)
Have a great weekend!
Anna
Wow! And do I see a big spatula in the photo as well? (:
ReplyDeleteDavid, your middle name is Serendipity! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images all.
Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteInstantly they reminded me of my life in Camden, south of Sydney! There was a small airport there and often it was used at weekends to launch hot air balloons. My home was not far away, so I would see the balloons very low. Quite often, it was a worry if they would clear the rroftops! But also they were fascinating to watch! Wish I had a digitial camera in those days!
Wonderful series. My favorite is the one with two balloons... the second to the last one. It is gorgeous. That sky!
ReplyDeleteThanks sir!
Beautiful skies, and the last one is a great depiction of the city's recreational essence.
ReplyDeleteI saw a hot air ballon out earlier this week. They are kind of magical.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what those things are sticking up - banks of lights? - but they look like they're batting the balloons around!
ReplyDeleteOh, fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSheila :-)
Great shots!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Dawn David.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteI particular like the fourth picture, the muted color of the sky against the silhouette of the ballon, very beautiful. I imaging that the view from the ballon must be even more impressive.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. My favourite is the second last. Really must go up in a balloon one day.
ReplyDeleteI love this time of day, how lucky you were in the right place at the right time, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThese give me the blues, and I feel great!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful dawn sky shots! It is amazing to watch the hot air balloons float silently by on a cool, crisp day.
ReplyDeleteLove these David, the stark architectural shapes and spheres against the soft colours.
ReplyDeleteLooks like freedom.
ReplyDeleteThis reinforces that we can never underestimate the luck factor in a great shot. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos David!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful photos, David! And how I love that you said "fortnight" :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat dawn shots David. Nice silhouettes too.
ReplyDeleteBalloons! I love them.
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