The Great Reno Balloon Races

Hot Air Balloons ascend in the early morning sky. 

Around the second weekend in September in Reno, Nevada colorful hot air balloons fill the morning skies starting on Friday and culminating on Sunday. 

Held at Rancho San Rafael Park just west of the University of Nevada, Reno, The Great Reno Balloon Races have evolved into the largest free event of its kind in the world.

Using information on wind speed and currents along with elevation measurements, the pilots test their skill for a chance to win an $11,000 prize purse.

Beginning in 1982 with just 20 balloons, presently this event has evolved to at least 100 balloons filling the sky across the city of Reno.

 

Lighting up the early morning dark sky at 05:00, the Glow Show kick-starts the day.  

Next and equally thrilling, the Dawn Patrol is a trademark of The Great Reno Balloon Races.

Hot air balloons that are qualified to fly in the dark ascend and glow in sync to choreographed music.

A T-6 formation fly-over is performed by the National Championship Air Race during the singing of the National Anthem.

The Mass Ascension Launch follows the Dawn Patrol and begins at 06:45 as the balloons launch in the early morning light.

Up to 100 balloons take to the air and fill the sky with a multitude of colors and shapes.

During the day there are many exciting activities at Rancho San Rafael Park including balloon rides, demonstrations, art exhibits and concession stands.

 

With so many exciting outdoor events in Reno,  The Great Reno Balloon  Races are my favorite.  There is so much action and colorful balloons, I hardly know which way to point my camera.

Follow my Blog and subscribe to my photo-adventures to see where or what I will be focusing on next. 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Reno Open Studios 2013 Preview Exhibit

Truckee Meadows Community College Main Art Gallery 

Opening May 13th. Reno's 2013 art season  is being launched with the Reno Open Studios preview exhibit at Truckee Meadows Community College Main Art Gallery. I am honored to be among the talented artists who represent art touring in the Reno area. 

For this year's preview, I will exhibit my Photography  Trilogy:  "Squirrel Gathers Nuts", "Female Grosbeak” and "Aspen Trail".    The trilogy consist of three giclee photographic prints framed in natural cottonwood tree knots.

The closing reception will be on June 19th. and the public is invited to join our celebration of unique and diversified art. 

  For additional information:

http://www.tmcc.edu/artgalleries/

www.RenoOpenStudios.com

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Reno Elks Craft and Products Fair

 Shopping for the Holidays

To kick off the 2011 Holiday Season, I've been invited to participate and exhibit at the Reno Elks # 597 Craft and Products Fair this Saturday, November 12th. 

 The Craft and Products Fair is a fund raising project by The Elks, a national non profit organization that responds to community needs and events.  The funds from Saturday's event will go to benefit needy families, abused children and to finance Christmas food baskets.

 This should be a very nice event since it is also on Veteran’s Day weekend.  Reno Elks #597 Lodge is located on 597 Kumle Lane and the hours are from 10am till 4pm.

If you live in the Reno area, please come out and support this wonderful event and buy local!

For additional information on The Elks please visit:
http://www.elks.org/

 Photographs Make Great Gifts

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Reno River Festival

 Kayaking, Music and Festivities in Wingfield Park

On the second weekend in May for the past eight years the Reno River Festival is held at the beautiful Wingfield Park on the Truckee River.

Wingfield Park lies in the heart of downtown Reno where people can come to relax and stroll by the water along the Riverwalk.

In the hot summer months, the Truckee River Whitewater Park provides a water playground for people of all ages to cool off by taking a dip or floating along on tubes.

For the more adventuresome there is kayaking on the class II or III rapids.

   

The River Festival has become America's premier whitewater event, attracting around 40,000 people who come out to enjoy the festivities.  Included with the paddle sports industry's top whitewater events are vendors with goods and services of food, drinks and the latest outdoor products, to bands performing at the Wingfield Park Amphitheater.  And best of all, admission is free!

The action packed events over the three days include the Open Competition, the Slalom Competition, Run Amuck Relay Race, Whitewater Clinics, Stand-Up Paddleboard and Boatercross.

All during the River Festival in downtown Reno, bars, casinos and nightclubs will be open to welcome in the revelers.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Clouds, Moon and Sky

 

Clouds, Moon and Sky Opening at Never Ender

 Wassuk Moon

On April 1st., at the Never Ender Gallery on 26 Cheney Street in Reno, was the opening of my Clouds, Moon and Sky exhibit that will hang through the month of April. The reception was on Friday evening and I would like to give Melanie Crane, owner of the Never Ender, a big thank you for the lovely event.  I also would like to thank all the people for coming out and showing their support.  

Melanie and I decided on the theme of Clouds, Moon and Sky from the photos that I have been posting on Facebook that reveal my passion for photography through Nature's artistry.  I believe there is nothing quite as inspiring as a sunrise, sunset, or huge full moon lighting the night sky.

If you are in the Reno area, please drop by the Never Ender, check out my exhibit and the huge of selection of artistic gifts that are available for purchase.

Joshua Tree and Moon

"My passion for photography is revealed in scenes of Clouds, Moon and Sky. The inspiration of Nature's artistry, ever changing from moment to moment, never remaining the same".

 

Again, a very big thank you to Melanie and the Never Ender Gallery! 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Photographing New Year's Eve Fireworks

Bringing in the New Year

On New Year's Eve many places will celebrate with traditional fireworks so I thought it might be fun in this week's post to give some tips on how I photograph them. When I am going out for a specific photo shoot, I get my equipment ready and packed the day before. To photograph fireworks in late December when it is dark and cold, I will err on the safe side and have extra batteries, the cold weather and longer exposures will drain batteries fast. Also included are additional memory cards, a cable release and a small flash light. The cable release will prevent camera shake and allows me to watch the display while I press the shutter. A flash light will come in handy if you need to change any camera setting.

Arriving early is important for scouting out a location with a clear view, up wind of the fireworks, away from tree branches and artificial lighting which could all interfere with the exposures. Since a tripod is a must, I will stay away from crowds where someone could trip over the legs. If you are not able to use a tripod, you can place the camera on the top of a car or some other stationary object. The wind direction can cause problems when the smoke and haze obscures the clarity of fireworks.

I will pre-set my camera before hand so I do not have to be fumbling around in the dark. With my D90, I use a low ISO of 200 and shoot in the manual setting with the shutter speed on bulb. With the cable release, I hold the shutter open for 1-4 seconds without overexposing the image. The aperture that I prefer to use is f/8, which is in the midrange. I always use the RAW setting for picture quality. And with fireworks, you should use the highest quality setting possible to reduce the amount of compression on your photos. JPEG compression degrades image quality. My preferred lens for fireworks is the Nikon 35-70mm 2.8 which gives me a pretty good range. A wider angle lens, without getting too wide, is better for catching more of the action.

Auto focus doesn't work well for fireworks, so I pre-focus on an object close to where the fireworks will be exploding and use manual focus. I will check the camera's monitor often to see if I am getting the desired results.

Catching the fireworks at the beginning of the exhibition is important, when there is less smoke and haze.





A trick of the trade, place a black velvet scarf or non-shiny object in front of the lens while the shutter is being held open between bursts, then quickly move it away to catch the next one. This allows you to get multiple fireworks in one exposure.






If you are using a point and shoot camera that does not have a fireworks setting, you can set it to Landscape mode (it is the small mountain range). With many point and shoot cameras, the Landscape setting works like setting the lens to Infinity.

I wish every one a happy and safe New Year's. I will see you back the following week of 2011!

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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FANTASY IN FLIGHT

HUMMINGBIRDS IN FLIGHT

I’ve been fortunate in getting hummingbirds to stop in mid-flight and pose for my camera.

Well, I'll let the secret out, I use a fast lens, a Nikon 2.8mm, a steady tripod, and stand patiently near a hummingbird feeder with my finger glued to the shutter.

Hummingbirds are native only to North and South America, and many species fly as many as 500 miles non-stop during their migration period.

Unlike other birds, hummingbirds have wings that rotate in a figure-8 motion.

This unique wing rotation allows the hummingbird to fly forward, backwards, up, down and sideways. The most exceptional flying skill that the hummingbird possesses is hovering.

The wings of the hummingbird move at a rate of 80 times a second, and during courtship may increase to 200 times a second. In normal flight a hummingbird flies between 20 and 30mph, but when diving can reach speeds as fast as 60mph.

With a heart beat as fast as 1,260 beats per minute, the hummingbird will feed at 45 second intervals, up to 8 times an hours.

A wing beat speed of 60-80 times a second requires a fast shutter speed.

To get the faster shutter speed, I increase the ISO and try to keep the aperture at f/8 for the depth of field. I always pre-focus the lens to an area before the action starts. Shooting in bright sunlight also helps with the shutter speed and brings out the highlights in the feathers. I’ve never used a flash, although some photographers highly recommend it with hummingbirds. My favorite lens for this type of photography is the Nikon 80-200mm 2.8, mounted on a tripod. Getting a clear, sharp photo of a hummingbird sometimes seems a stroke of luck. One of the times when they were putting on the best show was at dusk, when I didn't have my Quantum flash, so I just sat and enjoyed the entertainment.

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With my Nikon and tripod, my goal is to recreate the scene as it appears in nature, to preserve in a photographic image the awesome, yet simplistic beauty of the scene that waits around a bend or over a hill. Sometimes it's a colorful landscape, and many times I'm allowed in the presence of the numerous creatures that adapt to life in the wild.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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National Weather Service Weather Balloon

WEATHER BALLOON RELEASE

Weather is one of my favorite subjects, as I have mentioned on previous posts. It defines my style of photography where interesting weather patterns accent the landscape. Furthermore, I rely on accurate forecasts to stay out of danger and be safe on my journeys. On August 14, 2009, I experienced first hand how our weather is observed and predicted. I was invited by Jane Hollingsworth, the Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service in Reno, Nevada to tour the facility.

The highlight of the tour was the weather balloon release that takes place twice a day in the AM and PM hours, every day of the year. Weather balloons are released from around 900 locations worldwide, simultaneously. The time is set to coincide with Greenwich Mean Time or Universal Time, which in Reno would be at 4Am and again at 4PM. This weather balloon was released at 4 PM.

Weather Balloons are made of latex rubber and when filled with hydrogen measure about 6 feet in diameter. Due to the flammability of hydrogen, the weather balloon was filled in a chamber next to the National Weather Service building.

A radiosonde, or instrument package, hangs below the balloon. It is equipped with battery-powered sensors to record measurements of pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction aloft.

Before the balloon is released into the atmosphere, a call must be made to the local airport control tower, requesting permission so that it will not interfere with any approaching aircraft.

The balloon is then taken out to an open area and released where it will ascend at approximately 1,000 feet per minute. The sensors in the radiosonde are linked to a battery powered radio transmitter that sends measurements to a sensitive ground-tracking antenna. The radio signals are converted to meteorological values and then transmitted to the NOAA National Climatic Data Center.

A weather balloon may rise to over 100,000 feet in the atmosphere and drift more than 180 miles. The journey can last for over two hours where it reaches temperatures as low as –130F and air pressure that is a few thousandths of our surface level. If it enters a strong jet stream, it may travel at speeds in excess of 250 mph. As the balloon rises, it also expands. When the diameter reaches over 20 feet, it will burst. An orange parachute attached to the end of the balloon helps to slow the fall and allows the radiosonde to get safely back to Earth. Each radiosonde comes with a mailing bag and directions on how it should be returned when found. When the radiosonde is returned, it will be repaired and reused, which assists our National Weather Service do their job more efficiently.

Weather balloons play a vital role in providing the data for accurate up-dated forecasts and storm predictions that we rely on for work and play. Thanks to our meteorologists from the National Weather Service, who are ever vigilant, and work 365 days a year, around the clock.

For more information visit these links:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/educate/balloon.html

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tae/tour-ua.php

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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