Rising Heat

2023 New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning

I had to wake up at 3:30am and be on the road by 4am to make it to the field before sunrise. It was already warm and incredible humid. Arriving at the field at 5:30 AM, I was greeted by a captivating sight—a blanket of fog enveloping the surroundings. Amidst the mist, an event tent stood, with clouds above painted in hues of purple and pink as the sunrise peeked through the fog.

The morning bustle began as teams prepared their majestic balloons for flight. In this photo, a team worked together, holding up the mouth of the balloon while another ignited the flame to fill it with hot air.

A single team member took on the role of an anchor, skillfully guiding the hot air balloon as it inflated. The balloon glowed orange, basking in the warmth of the flame.

A team of adventurers standing outside the basket, their faces lit up as they looked up at the dancing flame. The orange glow enveloped the surroundings, heightening the sense of anticipation.

The sun gradually rose, casting a warm light over the foggy field. In this wide shot, two team members anchored the balloon, as it prepared to ascend into the sky.

Two hot air balloons took flight side by side, an awe-inspiring display of colors soaring together into the heavens.

A close-up shot showcases a team of women taking flight in a vibrant, colorful balloon, painting the sky with their dreams and aspirations.

Underneath a floating balloon, a man gazed out at the horizon, a symbol of freedom and adventure as the world unfolded beneath the balloon’s path.

The final shot captured the essence of the festival—numerous balloons dotting the sky, gracefully floating away as if taking their dreams to the far reaches of the universe.