Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
Photographing events like the Bristol Balloon Fiesta can be quite a challenge. The above image was taken back in 2008 when rain cancelled the main evening show we really went to photograph. This put me off to the point where I ended up not going this summer, when by all accounts the weather was fantastic! Still at least we did capture a few balloons getting off the ground. Here you can just about make out five balloons ready for lift off.
One of my favourite rally cars to see coming around the corners has to be the Ford Escort Mark II. The first rally photo I ever published was taken of a similar car, but the above image was taken at this years (2009) Malcolm Wilson Rally up in Cumbria. It was the second year in a row I have been stood on this particular corner.
This strange almost “boy racer” looking Metro Car is actually known in rally circles as the 6R4 and is a very successful (20-25 years ago) and still popular rally car. Compared to the traditional Metro that I grew up hating, this looks heavily modified with a seemingly excessive bodykit. However after a little research, this is how the MG Metro 6R4 looked out of the factory, which really surprises me! The water splash here at the Malcolm Wilson 2009 really adds to the dynamic look of the photograph.
A closer view of the Hot Air Balloons at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2008. The weather was a huge let down in the end and so it is doubtful that we will return this year. However, it was fascinating to watch this house shape balloon slowly inflate. As you can see the chimney was the last part of the shape to fill with air. This balloon is sponsored by the Stroud and Swindon Building Society – hence the Mortgages and Savings on the side.