Friday, July 10, 2009

Silently, Across A Blue Landscape

You Never Know What Will Appear At Dawn

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.

44 comments:

Tessa said...

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.

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Wonderful photos, as always, David.
I just love the shots of the balloons - so serene!

Daryl said...

What a wonderful stroke of luck ..

Nessa said...

I love it when the balloons are flying.

mrsnesbitt said...

Wonderful shot David so evocative of a lovely evening!Reminded me of the song we sung...Oh how lovely is the evening!

Janet said...

Wow. Gorgeous!

James said...

All are really nice but I love the one just above the bottom picture.

Mojo said...

This 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!

Still, it must've been pretty cold in those gondolas!

Wicked cool shots!

Rosaria Williams said...

Great shots, David, not the usual perspective, either. I'm curious: how do you catalogue all your work, by cities, by subject, by date?

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous 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.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful 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)

Brian Miller said...

lovely balloon shots. something i have not done, but hope to do soon!

Saz said...

wonder-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.

Rune Eide said...

Of course, one could be nasty and say that it was all just hot air, but I know you won't be offended...

Marvellous photography!

Regina said...

Amazing shots.

Maggie May said...

I love the blue landscape and the balloons are majestic in that setting.

Jazz said...

Beautiful. I love these sky pictures.

Cynthia L. H. said...

Oh so peaceful.
;^)

annalarssonphotography said...

Gorgeous shots David!!!

I love the first one and the serie of the ballon is terrific too :)

Have a great weekend!
Anna

Cheffie-Mom said...

Wow! And do I see a big spatula in the photo as well? (:

Merisi said...

David, your middle name is Serendipity! :-)

Beautiful images all.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Beautiful photos!
Instantly 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!

Ananda girl said...

Wonderful series. My favorite is the one with two balloons... the second to the last one. It is gorgeous. That sky!

Thanks sir!

Janie said...

Beautiful skies, and the last one is a great depiction of the city's recreational essence.

secret agent woman said...

I saw a hot air ballon out earlier this week. They are kind of magical.

Deborah Godin said...

I don't know what those things are sticking up - banks of lights? - but they look like they're batting the balloons around!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, fabulous!

Sheila :-)

Jenn Jilks said...

Great shots!

imac said...

Beautiful Dawn David.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! ♥

Bradley Hsi said...

I 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.

Gennasus said...

Great shots. My favourite is the second last. Really must go up in a balloon one day.

Lori ann said...

I love this time of day, how lucky you were in the right place at the right time, so beautiful!

SandyCarlson said...

These give me the blues, and I feel great!

Lew said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lew said...

Beautiful dawn sky shots! It is amazing to watch the hot air balloons float silently by on a cool, crisp day.

Unknown said...

Love these David, the stark architectural shapes and spheres against the soft colours.

Charles Gramlich said...

Looks like freedom.

Hilary said...

This reinforces that we can never underestimate the luck factor in a great shot. Wonderful!

Shadow said...

absolutely gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Stunning photos David!

TBM said...

These are beautiful photos, David! And how I love that you said "fortnight" :-)

Arija said...

Great dawn shots David. Nice silhouettes too.

spacedlaw said...

Balloons! I love them.