HOT AIR OVER LUXOR, a photo from Luxor, Inland

Photographer's Note

HOT AIR BALLOON OVER LUXOR

Five hundred years ago Leonardo da Vinci expressed an abiding aspiration to achieve manned flight, “… in the manner of birds.” In a photo, Leonardo’s Dream, that I posted on the great artist-scientist-engineer’s 555th birthday, a pair of Canadian Geese were seen in midair, and 10,000 meters above them the contrail of a commercial jet. That image was emblematic of heavier-than-air flight. Four hundred years after Leonardo’s prescient musings, the Wright brothers fulfilled his dream, constructing a ‘manned kite’ powered by a gasoline-powered engine, and managed to stay aloft for 59 seconds and traveling 300 meters. This first ever heavier-than-air flight took place in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The dizzyingly swift progress of flight technology culminated just sixty-six years later (on July 20, 1969), when three NASA astronauts were launched from Florida on a multi-stage Apollo rocket, they reached the moon; one of them stayed in a lunar orbit, while two of them descended, walked on the moon; then all three returned safely to the earth.

Lighter-than-air flight, however, was achieved in France late in the 18th century. It started with experimentation made by the Montgolfier Brothers, Joseph Michel (1740-1810) and Jacques Йtienne (1745-1799). When air is heated, it expands, and in the process, its density falls below the density of cool air. Accordingly it rises. From conception to implementation, the hot air balloon came to fruition in the two years, 1782-1783. Two of the Montgolfiers’ experiments were especially memorable: on September 19, 1783 a balloon, carrying a number of farm animals (a sheep, a duck and a rooster) rose from the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, to an elevation of 1.6 miles. (This fact is most likely familiar to my good friend, Jean Charles Guegan (JCG) who lives in the area of Versailles, and has been posting compelling photos from his world.)

Then just two months later, on November 21, 1783, the first manned flight of a hot air balloon took place, when the Marquis d'Arlandes and Jean Pilвtre de Rozier, a physicist, flew over Paris, becoming the first test pilots as well as the first passengers of human flight. They achieved a height of 900 meters (3,000 ft) and traveled approximately 14 km (9 miles) during a 23-minute flight. Their balloon was constructed of linen, lined with paper, and coated with alum-potash, in order to reduce the risk of fire. The lift came from air heated by a pile of burning straw resting on a wire mesh. For the science-minded among TE members, a salutary effect of the hot-air balloon experiments was the discovery by an associate of the Montgolfiers, Jacques Charles. Charles Law, formulated in the early 19th century, shows that the pressure multiplied by the volume of a gas varies directly with the temperature, PV=nRT. In modern hot air balloons, air is heated with propane or natural gas that is carried in special tanks.

The present photo represents a view from the gondola of a hot air balloon of another balloon just taking flight. The vantage point from the higher elevation reveals a bird’s eve view of the balloon, attractive spiral patterns created by the colored patches comprising its surface. Meanwhile, the virtually monochromatic background seen below the balloon is the endless sand in the vicinity of Luxor, Egypt. Since none of the great temples of Luxor, or of nearby Karnak, are visible, it made more sense to write about hot air balloons than the history of the land below. That history came with a note accompanying my earlier post, the “Feluccas on the Nile.” I centered the balloon in the frame, since there was no other landmark to serve as a counterpoint. It would have appeared artificial to have the balloon 1/3 of the way from one side for no other reason than the "rule of thirds."

Hand held Nikon D-70, 18-70 mm lens.

thea0211, cbrman, Bluejeans, Didi, snunney, drago, jwmunro, xkolba, Marcelo_Almeida, dokadak, AROBN54, pablominto, kdialyna, xavshot, puzzle, teutza, jaywalker, Sekhmet73, lilimih33, suhan, feather, amazon, vincz, cherryripe, wilkinsonsg, Photo65Net, Tue, norenastramus06, MLINES, singuanti, salvator, imago_lux, berseph, ahmetgedikli, balatrek, sayan, Cricri, sabyasachi1212, temmel, vagabondtravels, sabanuluca, happypoppeye, vonp, Angshu, rigoletto, JCG, Brian, AiresSantos, nivaldo, banyanman, bpelvan, doubay, maltese, giorgimer, aimee, cerenguven, brevbrev14, xramm, bruce_wayne, pebbles, ilhanucar, aznegrao, Vagabond, touristdidi, keribar, daddo, Matthew-Watt, danos, jvachon, aphro, edytungkal, macjake, Island, kennyblack, mcmtanyel, fritzi007, COSTANTINO, ikeharel, ikeharel, lucasgalodoido has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

thea0211 (1365) 2007-05-20 9:38

well, this is something i haven't done yet but am planning to :) - love its vivid colors against the sand dunes of Luxor - nice one - thanks, bulent :)!

dora

erel (11890) 2007-05-20 9:38

merhaba bьlent,
bugьn gцrdьğьm en gьzel kare:)renklerle arka planla harika bir fotoğraf
eline sağlık
iyi hafta sonları dilerim
erel

cbrman (21685) 2007-05-20 9:43

Hello Bulent,

L'image de cette montgolfiиre colorйe dans cet environnement de sable est une bonne idйe ! Le contrast important de couleurs donne un trиs bon rйsultat !
Bravo !

A+

Dominique

pat0500 (21561) 2007-05-20 9:52

Hi Bulent,
Very nice picture and very nice point of view of the beautiful montgolfier.
Very nice perspective and wonderful colours, very good framing and good presentation..!
Good shot and very good note too..!
Best regards,
Patrick

Bluejeans (64251) 2007-05-20 9:54

Ola amigo Bulent fantastico balгo , muito bonitas as cores , faz um belo contraste com as cores da areia do deserto , bonito ponto de vista!!!Parabens!!
Um abraзo Gonзalo

snunney (130967) 2007-05-20 9:58

Hello Bulent,
An excellent composition; the colours of the balloon really stand out against the sand. Some lovely geometrics both in the balloon envelope and in the sand dunes. Great clarity. TFS.

honeto (651) 2007-05-20 10:00

Nice POV Bulent and center positioning looks good. Nicely focused and those colors look great with the sandy background. The compound on the upper left was probably left for a good reason, it gives the scale to the subject.
Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Hasan

drago (4832) 2007-05-20 10:05

Bulent hi,excellent choise to put the colourfull baloon in the middle,it atracts the eye in the highest level!An oasis in the desert!
Regards
Panagiotis

jwmunro (286) 2007-05-20 10:24

Hello Bulent -

A very different perspective. This a well crafted composition and a well executed image. Having just the bit of the workers village in the corner of the image was a brilliant touch as it adds a perspective element that would have been lost without it. Bravo, well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

xkolba (596) 2007-05-20 10:40

Hi Bulent,
Great shot! I like the POV from your balloon. Wonderful colours, sharpness and great composition. Thanks for show this excellent image.
Congratulations and best regards.
Maciek

atlantida (2323) 2007-05-20 10:42

Amazing shot, really unseen before, the baloon contrasting the send looks gorgeous, well centered also. It must have been a hell of a journey. Well done.
Regards,
Gordana

Marcelo_Almeida (1044) 2007-05-20 10:55

Hi Bulente,
O contraste do colorido do balгo com a cor da areia ficou уtimo, boa nitidez, cores e dof.
TFS,
Marcelo Almeida

paprika-jancsi (2349) 2007-05-20 11:21

Another masterful picture from Professor Atalay. I envy you. Janos

meltemi (0) 2007-05-20 11:34

Hello Bulent,
you have done it again. Stunning. What an eye you have. It is a joy to see your thoughts in your pictures. The placement and the size of the ballon, the colour everything makes me just stop and look at this picture for some time. Then reading your scientific and very exhausting note (that is really a pleasure for mind to read), it really makes me think.
Thanks for putting this picture up to stimulate us.
Warm Regards.
Stella

jhm (211738) 2007-05-20 11:36

Hello my friend Bulent,

I think that must a very lovely experience above these warm air ballon, attractive spiral pattern with different colours gives absolutely a very lovely view about the earth beneath. Very well picture as quality and sharpness.
I flyed never with a air balloon.
Thanks for sharing and your note.

Greetings,
John.
PS: I read your book............

dokadak (11518) 2007-05-20 12:12

Hi Bulent,

Its a nice sharing, color, detail and sharpness are perfect... ellerine saglik hocam...

selamlar
hasan

AROBN54 (11475) 2007-05-20 12:28

Hello, dear Bulent,
What a wonderful image! I love the swirling color pattern of the balloon in contrast to the sameness of the ground's color and the POV of looking down at it. Beautifully lit and perfect contrast. And as always, an excellent and informative note. My warmest regards,
Shelly

jonathan_hart (21276) 2007-05-20 12:46

hello Bulent
nice contrast of the vivid colours and the colour of the ground, unusual POV (higher than a balloon, need to be yourself in a balloon :))
interesting note, nice frame add to the photo, good job
regards
jo

carper (96) 2007-05-20 13:14

a very nice one, nice let I tell you take I like it a lot. great point of view, good position with the balloon in the middle, it give more perspective. good details and yes you did do a v ery goodphotojob here, I like it Bulent, thanks for showing.
gr. jaap

pablominto (53746) 2007-05-20 13:22

Hello Bulent,
Impressive point of view!
Myself I'm not so happy for heights so handshake would probably be a fact, while this is pin sharp!
Excellent textures and attractive colour palette!
Greetings,
Pablo -

kdialyna (3148) 2007-05-20 14:14

Good evening Bulent.
This is nice. Very nice.
You made me to feel like a bird which look the world from high.
Splendid photo with excellent colours which look even better on the monochrome background.
My regards
Kostas

xavshot (69835) 2007-05-20 14:35

Bonsoir Bulent
originaire de la ville d'Annonay (ville des frиres Montgolfier que tu cites dans ta note) j'apprйcie les photos de montgolfiиres et notamment celle-ci qui est originale puisque prise depuis le dessus. Trиs belles couleurs йgalement et superbe dйcor.
amicalement
Xavier

leo61 (0) 2007-05-20 14:44

Hi Bulent!
Your POV is excellent and the centered position of the balloon works well here.Good sharpness and amazing contrast.
Regards,Leo

delic (6735) 2007-05-20 15:00

Merhaba,
Great colors and focus. Perhaps the balloon could be decentered for more interesting composition. Wonderful perspective.
Best wishes,
Hakan

teutza (10590) 2007-05-20 15:12

woow...love it!!it is such a perfect and unusuall image!!!i belive you had a great time in that balloooon:)i've always liked the balloon photos..but this one is one of the best:)
teo

puzzle (700) 2007-05-20 15:13

hocam merhaba,

cok ''eye-catching'' bir fotograf! Balonun renkleriyle, kumun rengi mukemmel bir zitlik olusturmus.
Bakis acisi da alisilmamis bir aci,bu balonlari hep alttan cekilenlerini gormustum bugune kadar..
gercekten cok guzel bir fotograf,guzel bir macera olmali..

ellerinize saglik,

leyla

stego (24132) 2007-05-20 15:49

Hello Bьlent,
The colour of the balloon on its own would give a great photo. Add to it the contrast with the sand and those lines on the it that combine so well with the balloon, and we have a fabulous photo.
Very eye catching!
And an interesting note, as usual.
Regards, Josй.

jaywalker (16105) 2007-05-20 16:47

Hi Bulent, I always love these shots from above the balloon looking down, they are one of the most colourful forms of transport around, against the sandy background it highlights the colours even better, superbly framed & beautifully photographed, kind regards Wilson.

Sekhmet73 (4189) 2007-05-20 17:41

Visitin Egypt is one of my greatest desire. Adding to a special trip such special sight wouтd be an enormous gift!
Great view!
Sabrina

lilimih33 (9918) 2007-05-20 19:07

Hello Bulent!
Very nice point of view and beautiful colours in your picture!
Good clarity!
Excellent done!
Lili

kensimage (8563) 2007-05-20 19:14

This is a great view--having a balloon below really gives the feel that I am in a balloon as I view it. The round mounds found on the ground (!) make a nice rhythm with the similarly-shaped balloon. I think it's fine to break the rule of thirds, but putting the balloon slightly left of center might make the image less static by implying that it's entering the frame. Just a thought. Regards, Ken.

jjcordier (79299) 2007-05-21 1:32

La montgolfiиre est superbe et se dйtache magnifiquement de ce sol aride. survoler ainsi les pyramides doit кtre une expйrience fascinante.
Amicalement
JJ

marianita (3455) 2007-05-21 3:43

Bulent
excellent composiiton! beautiful colours adn contrastof the balloon with teh sand
marianna

suhan (3552) 2007-05-21 4:17

grafik цgeleri, renkleri ve fonu bьyьleyici. belki ufak bir цneri, sol ьstteki evlerin croplandığı bir kare: sadece kum zemin ve balon... nasıl olurdu?
tebrikler hocam
m-suhan

atilgone (0) 2007-05-21 4:51

Merhaba Bьlent Bey,

Rengarenk balon aşağıdaki kummlardan oluşan fon ьzerinde зok gьzel gцrьnьyor. Balonlarla gezi yapmak gerзekten зok gьzel. Ben Kapadokya'da bцyle bir gezi yapmıştım.
Paylaşımınız iзin teşekkьrler
selamlar
atilgan

Didi (61589) 2007-05-21 6:11

Hi Bulent
It's a great adventure for you to fly into a ballon.
Very majestic POV and very nice colours.
I appreciate the good shape of your composition.
Cheers

feather (51130) 2007-05-21 6:20

I've seen plenty of hot air balloon photos but never one from above. It provides wonderful colour against a plain background. I like how it "sits" between the rounded shapes below. Hot air ballooning is definitely on my list of "things to do before I die".
Good work
Kath

amazon (12112) 2007-05-21 7:34

sanırım oralarda balon turu insanın uyanmak istemediği bir rьya gibi olağanьstьdьr...ve bu karelerin mutlaka devamı vardır...gцrmek iзin sabırsızlanıyorum,
selamlar,
iffet

psychache (1843) 2007-05-21 8:08

Merhaba Bьlent,
kompozisyonu, ışığı ve bakış aзısıyla зok hoş bir fotoğraf Yalın ve etkileyici. Tebrikler

vapours (8264) 2007-05-21 8:31

Great piece of work here Bulent. The lack of colour on the ground places all the emphasis on the balloon and its colour, and love the unique perspective.

vincz (19113) 2007-05-21 8:48

Beautiful! i like how the sand formations on the ground contribute to this excellent compsotion. Spirals and colours on the balloon are also stunning. Congratulations!

cherryripe (21033) 2007-05-21 8:55

Hi Bulent
I've been hesitating as to whether to do a hot air balloon ride in Central Australia or not this year and keep thinking "no it's too expensive" especially as I was lucky many years ago to go up in one for free with my cousin who did it as his job in Victoria. But when I see photos like yours, it makes me think that the cost is definitely worth it. The colours stand out so well against the sand and it was a good choice to centre it because, as you say, there is nothing to counterbalance it.
Regards
Nikki

wilkinsonsg (8662) 2007-05-21 12:55

Again, the note and the image are excellent - I particularly like the way the balloon and the patterns in the sand(top) seem to 'echo' each other...

Photo65Net (43144) 2007-05-21 13:09

Hello Bulent,
Very nice one, with amazing colors and of course impressive POV.
Framing is the perfect bamance between tight and landscape, bringing lots of details from the sand texture.
Regards,
JB.

Tue (93504) 2007-05-21 16:17

Hej Bulent,
Beautiful view! The many vivid colours of the balloon make a great contrast with the sand coloured background and also make the balloon stand out well against it. The shapes of the sand dunes look also interesting. Well captured and thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

norenastramus06 (1226) 2007-05-21 17:03

Merhaba Bьlent,
Aзı renk ve kontrast зok gьzel.sevimli bir komposizyon.tebrikler.
selamlar.
H.Ayhan

MLINES (12516) 2007-05-21 21:47

Hi Bulent. This is a true classic. Taking a photo of a hot air baloon is marvellous to see! This is a superb clear colourful shot. TFS. Murray.

singuanti (15250) 2007-05-21 22:35

Hello Bulent. You know one of these days I will take a hot air balloon ride since it looks like so much fun. I love your high up POV yet we can still see the balloon in it’s entirely. I don't think I've ever seen a balloon in this sort of environment. Again the note is excellent. Very nice one Bulent.

evanrizo (462) 2007-05-22 1:35

Hi Bulent, what a stunning composition!
Really wonderful image so good framed!
Very clear with nice lightness, contrasts, sharpness and colors.
Have a nice time.
Evan

anesugur (18789) 2007-05-22 14:43

Merhaba Hocam,
Kumlar ьzerinde canlı renkler,yle balon harika gцrьnьyor.
Herhalde siz de başka bir balondaydınız.
Bu yerleri balondan seyretmek зok gьzel olmalı.
Selamlar. Uğur

imago_lux (249) 2007-05-22 18:49

Superb! I wish I was there! Great contrast of colours, poetry, adventure, simplicity, History, you catched everything.
Muito bem!
Regards from Djack Bramble

berseph (1758) 2007-05-22 19:04

Thanks for the link Bulent. This is a fantastic shot. Love the bright colors of the balloon against the sand down below. What a view! I will be going up in one myself in a few days if the weather cooperates. I'm very excited and hopefully I'll get some good shots from the air.

salvator (19110) 2007-05-23 3:32

Hello Bulent Bey,
Really impressive composition. Simple yet impressive. The view, the colors, the background (which is the ground) are all superb. Sharpness is very very nice. Best personal regards. Salvator.

devimeuxbe (58557) 2007-05-23 3:42

Hi Bulent
interesting vision on the baloon.
The contrast with the sand is nice.
Excxellent POV
Bertrand

Tezic (17867) 2007-05-23 13:09

Merhaba,
renkler ve kompozisyon ve tabii ki bakış aзısı enfes... tebrikler..

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2007-05-23 13:23

Merhaba,
Rengi, netliği, aзısı, зerзevesi enfes bir kompozisyon. İyi iş зıkarmışsınız. Elinize sağlık, selamlar.
Ahmet

balatrek (7455) 2007-05-23 16:03

Hi Bulent,

Fantastic aerial perspective, I like the contrast that exerts balloon with the Earth, I had liked plus a composition with balloon in a lateral one, anyway I like, it is a great work with good colours and a perfect illumination.

Regards
Josй

tober (8797) 2007-05-24 8:01

Balondaki muhteşem renkler зцlьn o kendine цzgь sarısıyla зok gьzel bir tezat oluşturmuş. Heryerde rastlayamayacağımız olağanьstь gьzellikte bir fotoğraf.

Aзıklayıcı notlarınız da zaman ve emek harcanarak kaleme alınmış, aydınlatıcı yazılar. Tebrikler, saygılar.

jrj (34843) 2007-05-24 10:23

An interesting graphic setting in this one Bulent. And what a pov..
For this one the centered placement works well and is essential for the overall result. And of course the contrast between the colourful and the background landscape makes for a top effect.

Cricri (176) 2007-05-25 13:19

Hi Bulent,
Une jolie faзon de visiter les coins secrets de louxor, la vue doit кtre magnifique, belle prise de cette 'boule' de couleurs sous le sable chaud, belle rйalisation
frendly greetings
cricri

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2007-05-25 22:51

Hello Professor 'A',
The hot air balloons make for nice colourful images, no doubt about that, but most of these are taken from ground. What sets this apart is the higher POV, its s like a bird looking down at the balloon. Excellent work ofcourse.
With Greetings from India
"P"

sayan (2617) 2007-05-26 3:29

Hello Prof. Atalay,

It is a wonderful photo. I like the composition very much. The colourful balloon amidst the dull sands looks wonderful. Your pov is great here. Very nice work.

regards,

Sayan

temmel (2496) 2007-05-26 6:37

Merhaba Bulent,
what a beautiful photo!
Very nice perspective and wonderful colours!
I love it:)
Thank you!
Regards,
Linda

dorte_s_t (2287) 2007-05-26 7:17

Hello , Bulent .
Amazing colours and patterns of the balloon !
Great colour and texture of the sand below , which sets out the balloon so well.
Very interesting and informative note . A pleasure to read !
The perspective is something special .Perhaps I can explain what I mean by saying :
it makes me close my eyes , spread my arms and imagine I can flyyyyyyyy......!
Warm greetings
Dorte.

Tango7174 (0) 2007-05-26 7:18

Incredible image. The contrast both in colours and texture between the balloon and the empty sandscape below is just amazing. And ABOVE ALL, nice POV which few of us photographers have the privilege to enjoy.
Congratulations Bulent!

Thаnh.

vagabondtravels (6511) 2007-05-27 3:09

Hi Bulent

What an amzing pov. Great colors and very sharp. The balloon really pops off the neutral brown bg. Good note. Really well done.
Ben

sabanuluca (5176) 2007-05-27 17:02

Bulent bey merhaba,
harika bir gцruntu. tebrik ederim
selamlar
şaban

sothy81 (9646) 2007-05-27 23:09

Hi Bulent,

Beautiful beautiful. Very nice pov. Very colorful and great detail of the ballon. Very nice backgound too. Well done

Greeting from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Sothy

vonp (2235) 2007-05-28 6:10

Ciao Bulent,
I really don't have words to comment this picture... Thanks a lot!
Have a nice week
Paolo

happypoppeye (4819) 2007-05-28 8:44

Great photo. Really sharp and detailed. Great color and really a composition that can't go wrong. The note...well...maybe the best note writer on the site. The framing with the yellow lines really compliments the photo also. Great work. (Smiley tomorrow)

John

Angshu (56760) 2007-05-28 8:58

Dear Professor "A"
What a sense of height, what a sense of freedom...I wish I was there, high up soaring over the magnificient pyramids, for a change, making them look small. I do not want to go into small details, colour, compo. POV etc, etc...because this photo is beyond all that
With warm Regards
Angshuman "B"

rigoletto (34279) 2007-05-28 11:47

Merhaba Dear Professor,
Yьksekten daha yьkseği de var tabii :)
Havada sьzьlen bir balona tepeden bakmak gerзekten de hayattaki bьyьk zevklerden birisi olmalı. Kumulların boz rengi ьzerinde balonun yarattığı gцkkuşağı зok hoş duruyor. Detayların netliği (цzellikle kumlardaki dalgalanmaların bile gцrьnьr olması) gцz kamaştırıcı. Elinize sağlık,
Deniz

tavara (0) 2007-05-28 14:32

bu зok gьzel olmuş. tebrikler...

JCG (35153) 2007-05-29 1:11

Hi Bulent,

Ideal means of transport to fly over the Valley of the Kings. Superb photograph, the montgolfier contrasts ideally with sand and the colors burst. I have the impression that there are many people in the nacelle. Thank you very much for the note always interesting and thank you for the dedication too.

With all my friendships and a very good day,

Jean-Charles

missninja (497) 2007-05-29 6:15

Hello Bulent!
A great photo! I love the contrast between the colorful baloon and the desert. Iґd love to be in this baloon, i think itґs a great feeling, floating over this historical area. I just flew with an airplane over it but it was very impressing to see the pyramids from about 8.000 feet.

Warm regards,
Nina

Brian (3) 2007-05-29 23:31

Hi Bulent,

Very nice geometric patterns. Such a colorful balloon against the drab sands of Luxor, makes it just pop right out. I love your PoV, and your interesting notes to go along with this wonderful picture.

Thank you for sharing this one,
Brian

AiresSantos (56155) 2007-05-30 3:38

Hi Bulent,
Magnificent picture with great POV and colours. Excellent sharpness and details
Very well done
Aires

axiotea (21651) 2007-06-01 14:06

Hi Bulent
Excellent high POV showing the montgolfier with its colored pattern creating a spiral, the people inside the (wicker?) basket
giving a sense of distance. The balloon stands out nicely against the sandy ground with good DOF.
Cheers
Marilyn

nivaldo (15417) 2007-06-01 23:28

Hello Bulent !
A very interesting note. Leonardo da Vinci would love to be there!
Very nice picture, good POV, sharpness and colors.
Have you ever been at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
I lived for 6 months in ABQ in 1971 but I left there in July and the Fiesta happens every October, yearly... It might be interesting.
Um abraзo, TFS !
Nivaldo

capthaddock (28790) 2007-06-03 21:49

Hello Bьlent - fascinating POV over the desert, and good light, the central position of the colorful balloon makes eye catching symmetry, with a hint of village arcj=hitecture at the upper left corner.

Polonaise (5802) 2007-06-06 17:00

Unusual photo !
Immense note !
Weird photographer (:-)))
Dumb folded critic ! (me!)

…That's a nice combination on TE…Isn't it ?

-----------------------------
All the best Prof. Atalay…
Stay forever passionately weird…
Oh, Gosh…We need these people

G.

marietom (34611) 2007-06-08 13:39

excellente, cette vue d'en haut, plutфt inhabituelle d'une montgolfiиre. Belles couleurs.
Marie

banyanman (7797) 2007-06-09 13:27

Hi Bulent. Colourful balloons like this always make such a fabulous contrast against a blue sky, but here you have taken advantage of your higher POV to provide such a contrast against the almost monochromatic desert. As a regular balloonist I found your note very interesting. As far as the composition is concerned, personally I would have preferred to see the balloon a little more to the right, and more of the village in the top LH corner in frame (I think that would have created a nicely balanced image), but centering it does create quite a lot of impact - and as you've already alluded in your note, it is a matter of personal taste. Cheers . . . David

bpelvan (3798) 2007-06-10 2:04

Merhaba Bulent Bey,

Tam 2.5 yıl yasadigim bir ьlkeye geri goturdunuz beni... Enfes bir gцrьntь almissiniz...

Balonu renkleri ve geometrisi geri plandaki kumların rengi ьzerinde oldukca carpici gorunuyor... Kiyisindan kosesinden gorolen tipik yapılar ise yeknesakligi kirmis...

Kutluyorum...

Selamlar
Bulent

(Umarim tapinaklarin da gorundugu bir kareniz vardir)

Jgirl (31) 2007-06-11 22:53

A wonderful shot with great colour contrast... I like it!

SelenE (1276) 2007-06-14 4:00

Hello Bulent,
This is a very nice aerial photo. I liked the contrast and the colors the balloon adds to your photo. Well done and TFS.
Selen

mesutilgim (0) 2007-06-16 13:49

Selam sevgili Bьlent,
Bu kare daha evvel gцzьmden kaзmış. Muhteşem bir kare, harika renkler.
Ellerine sağlık, tebrikler.

Sevgilerle
MESUT ILGIM

PS.Bu arada Web sayfanı gezdim. Зok gьzel, portrenin arka planında yer alan ion başlıkların her kıvrımı hafızamda !

doubay (674) 2007-06-19 8:01

Hello Bulent,
you took advantage of your balloon flight very well and captured a very nice photo with great colours and lighting. Isn’t it dangerous when balloons fly so close to each other? The same question I ask to myself every time I see pics of the famous Kappadokian balloons.
Btw: Some friends of mine visited in Egypt a few weeks ago and the came back very much enthused by Egyptian antiquities.
Regards
Andreas

maltese (22909) 2007-06-20 12:27

Hello Bulent
A nice view of this hot air ballon. A good contrast of colors with the sand in the back ground. Surely, a very interresting and good flight
take a look at Suivre sa route
Best regards
Hervй

jasmis (58653) 2007-06-21 14:32

I discover your portfolio day by day. Now - this shot. Really impressive point of view. Quite extraordinary, no doubt.
And important, detailed note.
Well done!
Regards.

carmia (5482) 2007-07-03 9:03

Nice colours and wonderful composition. Good work!
I like it. Carme.

giorgimer (35017) 2007-07-05 5:41

Hi Bulent,

great view with wonderful colors and sharpness.

TFS!

Giorgio

aimee (941) 2007-07-09 13:26

Hi Bulent,

after be a long time absent from TE (because of my university exams), I've the pleasure to see the beautiful pictures you took. I like this one very much... The color of the hot air balloon contasts very well with this amount of sand. The subject is quite simple but attracts the eye on it... I don't know excatly why but this is something very attractive in your picture, perhaps the roundness of the balloon or its colors...

Very good picture, thanks for sharing.
Have a nice week

Aimйe

cerenguven (204) 2007-07-31 3:55

Very good photo and note. Thanks hocam:)

brevbrev14 (140) 2007-08-05 6:13

Hello Bulent!
i likea lot this composition...there is a great contrast of colours with the background and the coloured hor air balloon...
The view of a bird!
bravo!
ciao!
Valeria

amstel (2388) 2007-08-07 13:39

Hi Bulent,
Stunning shot mainly due to the point of view. The balloon stands out from the background very well.

cheers

xramm (1831) 2007-08-10 6:56

Merhaba bulent bey
Bu tur fotograflari oldum olasi cok severim. Bu gercekten tek kelimeyle cok basarili.Tebrikler
Tьrkiye den selamlar,saygilar.

Hakki

pbernardon (593) 2007-08-14 18:21

Hi Bulant,

Very nice shot too, in a wonderfull place

Many thanks for sharing

Pascal

bruce_wayne (1507) 2007-08-15 15:20

Hi Bulent
very nice shot! I like these colors and contrast with desertic soil. Mice frame too, well done!

Alessandro

fayeulle (27827) 2007-08-31 23:57

Hi Bulent
Speaking about the thermodynamic laws in TE is not common. About the third rule we can discus how and when transgress it. The most important in a shot is the light and the visual impact at first glance. This one is a good one. When I visited Luxor I don't seen any air-balloon in the sky.
Cheers
JP

ilhanucar (477) 2007-09-17 8:08

Merhaba Bьlent Bey,
Harika bir fotograf. Paylaşımınız iзin teşekkьrler.
Tebrikler.
ilhan Uзar

aznegrao (10316) 2007-09-18 4:38

Fantastic view Bulent, nice colors and composition. Thanks for sharing.

aznegrao.

baba_flies (8829) 2007-09-20 7:22

Hello Bulent! This is really funny that you have a similar intro on your starter page, searching for something else and staying ... maybe forever :) I "travelled" through your gallery and I found this that - as so many others before me - has fascinated me right away. You had a brilliant position for making this photo and I like that there is just the pale sand and the vivid colors of the fabric. This is truly an impressive view and a perfect photo. Thanks for going up for us ... this is great. Barbara.

Vagabond (5848) 2007-09-23 14:52

Exceptional picture with great composition and very high definition and strong colours. A piece of ART ..
Superb point of view ..

Rui

vero07 (1781) 2007-10-02 11:45

Hi Bulent,
Amazing shot! wonderful colours those of the balloon and great contrast with the colour of the sand surrounded it. Perfect POV.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for your useful information also.
Well done!

tmx (1324) 2007-10-10 9:49

fantastic perspective and colors, Bulent. I think, the other told everything, but I could just look at that picture all the time. best work!

touristdidi (8583) 2007-10-11 19:33 [Comment]

Show Comment

keribar (43841) 2007-10-23 22:51

Hello Bulent,
A balloon flight OK, but so different of whet we see all the time: Nowadays these hot air balloon flights have become routine in Turkey, and we see a lot of pictures, but here I am impressed by the desert below: Perhaps I would have cropped the edge of the village, I am not sure , I would have tried to look. Your story, very professional and comprehensive, is also pure delight.
Take care , and hope to finally see you soon. - Izzet

daddo (28748) 2007-11-12 17:54

Merhaba Bulent. An exquisitely crafted shot.The harmony of the colours is the strong feature here.The balloon is perfectly placed and finds small echoes of its shape in the roundish mounds.Beautiful work, a joy to behold. Regards. Klaudio.

danos (110407) 2008-01-05 12:50

Hello Batalay,
absolutely impressive this shot of the hot air balloon over Luxor.You were of course, in the other balloon to shot this photo.The colours are contrasted perfect with the sand and create a memorable capture.Fabulous photo,as your very educational note.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

Matthew-Watt (5934) 2008-01-10 18:44

Hello Bulent,

In only one generation of human life, we have gone from the events at Kittyhawke to the Mars Rover! It has not been without its struggles and disasters, but it has revolutionized the planet. My great great grandfather, the inventor James Watt achieved this in a different way, by improving the steam engine and sparking the industrial revolution. But none can rival Leonardo da Vinci, whom if alive today would be overwhelmed with the technology 'descended' from his brilliance, the helicopter to name just one!

Now to your photo, it certainly deserves its popularity as the perspective is unbeatable and the colours are vibrant and enjoyable. I also like the undulation of the landscape and the tracks in the sand. The image is sharp, well defined and the clarity is wonderful. It was also good to include that small slither of village in the top left corner. It really is a wondrous sight.

Matt

Valerka (8171) 2008-05-04 9:56

Hi,Master,
It is a shot I don't know why I've passed by unseeing.
Now I find it so intriguing and nice with the contrast between the desert colour and the lively cheerful colours of the hot air balloon.
Amazing!
I bet the man is happy not being dropped in the desert though:)
TFS
Valerka:)

jvachon (548) 2008-10-27 5:32

hello Bulent,
Thank you firstly for this beautiful image of the balloon and then also of the very informative notes.
A very good POV of a very impressive balloon. I love the geometric patterns and colours.
My compliments!
I have more balloons shots in TL. I shall have to peruse your gallery.
TFS,
Joni

edytungkal (4551) 2008-12-01 21:47

This absolutely a fantastic point of view with perfect composition, i think it could not be better. Really like it Bullent and i'm lucky found it on your galeries.
Bravo !!!

daniel

claud26point2 (1418) 2009-12-13 19:52

Hi Bulent-
This is a beautiful shot of the hot air balloon in Egypt. I like the detail in the patterns of the sand against the brightly colored balloon. Were you in a balloon when you took this photo? I did this in Cappadocia, Turkey last year - a thrill of a lifetime!
-Claudia

agjika (3177) 2010-03-12 15:26

Hi Bulent

This photo needs no comment it is just awsome.

Thank you for sharing

Aleks

tiagoalmeida (1475) 2010-08-01 5:13

hello,
nice colours and a great effect
congratulations
tiago

kiasari (62) 2010-12-19 12:19

Hello Bluent,

You chose a good POV to take this shot. A nice photo with a well managed framing and superb colors. Well done!

Regards,
Abbas

lakshmip1949 (19081) 2011-04-11 7:12

Hi Bulent,

Stunning image. Everything is good about this image. Great geometry, colors, sharpness and pov.

Lakshmi

gmg (4202) 2011-05-09 9:44

Hi Bulent

I like the multicoloured hot air balloon floating over the ochre desert. Nice composition (good POV!) and good tones.
TFS

gmg

macjake (98544) 2011-07-16 2:46

Hi Bulent
this one cannot be missed!
at first glance, i'm thinking to myself that a less centred approache would have better suited the scene.
but the more i view it, it doesn't matter because of the overall beauty of it! the strong color contrasts, and high quality of the image itself.
the mounds on the ground also compliment the rounded balloon.
great shot
cheers
craig

ricochet (9716) 2011-10-15 13:48

Hello Bulent
Great image with excellent views in height, lovely colors and I like the minimalist composition!
Great work
Best regards
Eric

Island (654) 2011-12-18 14:22

Hi Bulent,
this is a beautiful picture. The colours are wonderful and the contrast too!Details and sharpness are perfect!
Thanks for sharing.
Best regards :)
Marie-Anne

nikkitta (17070) 2012-01-23 12:49

Hola Bulent

What more to say about this capture?
Like the POV
Also the contrast with the desert and great not to include some ruins of Luxor

Great composition TFS

Note
Thanks a lot for the WS and the note explaining it, First time I saw the 2 tower in a right position
My Nikon is p7000 not a D700o, , lots of limitations but easy to manage and very light

i9l2y1m8a8t3 (4814) 2012-01-30 18:16

Hi Bulent!

Wow! The POV is breathtaking! a topshot indeed! Fantastic colors! I bet the moment was wonderful! Well said note!

best regards,
Matt

kennyblack (4207) 2012-09-01 12:32

Hello Bulent
Great optical frame effects. The color contrast of the balloon on the light brown background are strong and attracts' s eye to admire an unusual view of the balloon below the viewer. Very beautiful diagonals created by the underlying soil. Very very explanatory note. Thank you for having shared with us all.
Warm Regard's .... Marino

Susus7 (100) 2013-03-02 8:50

Just beautiful! MANY years ago, I almost got to go to Egypt with my track team in High School, but I was not fast enough..I ranked #9 when only 7 were picked to go! Oh well, maybe some day. When attending hot air balloon festivals ( never had the privilege yet to fly up in one), one can not help but take 100's of photos of the sights and colors seen floating up together!
Bulent, now that I have read up on your website about your lectures and art, when will you be presenting next in the Va. and DC area? I would love to hear one of your talks with my husband ( who loves math,history and physics) and children ( who love to learn all they can).
Thanks! Susu

kato (11630) 2013-05-29 5:08

Hello Bulent,

You're capturing well this by a good angle and excellent tone/clarity, so it's interesting and impressive to see colorful air balloon and the desert under one's view. The whole is harmonized beautifully.

Kind regards,
mikio

No_One (4) 2013-12-20 3:16

Hi Bulent,
I came back to admire once again your amazing shot of the monument before the HUGE moon, and spotted this beauty as well. I love the fact that you captured this colorful balloon from such a unique viewpoint, its rare that we look down on a balloon, and the swirling pattern of its design is really beautiful, especially in such contrast to the dry barren land below. Beautiful!
Thanks again
Noel

mcmtanyel (69284) 2014-03-19 20:44

Selamlar Bьlent Bey,
I still hope we can catch up somewhere. The family was talking about going to Washington D.C. this summer, maybe then?

So you were on a hot air balloon, I am envious. Excellent composition, great colors.

Why are you going to Istanbul with trepidation?

Regards,
MT

miumiu (6117) 2014-06-09 2:49

Hi Bulent,

Fantastic view!
The composition is really exceptional.
Stunning photo!

Have a nice day
Agnes

fritzi007 (14698) 2015-04-27 1:56

Hello Bulent,
very beautiful aerial view of hot air balloon over Lьxor, excellent image sharpness and color combination, congratulations!

many Greetings
Wolfgang

COSTANTINO (117850) 2015-05-21 6:21

Hello dear Bulent
original version and artistic photo taken
perfectly right timing for this photo
and perfectly placed in the middle
of the capture
greetings
regards
Costantino

ikeharel (114659) 2015-06-25 7:38

Good afternoon Bulebt,
The colors of the hot-balloon contrast superbly against the desert brown soil. Fntastic clear details, and a view from even higher perspective.
Best regards,
Ike

Matyas (0) 2015-12-19 1:22

Hello Bulent! Amazing point of view. Marvelous perspective. Fine balloon. Superb colours. Good exposure and capture. Nice cut and frame. Well done!

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2016-06-29 11:05

Olб Bulent,
muito bonita mesmo essa captura dess balгo, suas cores chamam a atenзгo, e a qualidade ficou excelente. Belo trabalho.
Parabйns e Abraзo,
Lucas