Up and about early today to go check out the Canberra Balloon Festival 2026.

Six am. A cold,crisp, clear morning, perfect for hot air flight.

The great thing about watching these things launch is that you are allowed to get right up close to see…and feel… the inflation process (and talk to the pilots). Perfect for photography.

Last year I shot this festival in color (which is the obvious and aesthetically sensible thing to do, right?)…but this year I wanted to try to capture things in monochrome. A challenge to get something that still captures the moment. Perhaps a fool’s errand…what do you think?

Here are a few of my attempts…more to follow.