Inside the Envelope: Hot Air Balloon Inflation at Dawn
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 1:12:30 PM · 2026/Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
This photograph captures the fascinating process of hot air balloon inflation at the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, shot from inside the basket looking up into the partially inflated envelope. A female volunteer crew member in a maroon shirt and jeans stands at the mouth of the balloon, assisting with the inflation process while a large fan and burner assembly are visible in the foreground. The interior of the balloon reveals a spectacular array of yellow, gray, blue, pink, and dark burgundy panels, while another fully inflated balloon in red, yellow, and orange is visible in the background to the right. The wide-angle RF15-35mm lens emphasizes the dramatic scale of the envelope and creates a sense of being enveloped by color and fabric. The overcast sky provides soft, diffuse lighting that renders the balloon colors richly and evenly.
Chronologically Adjacent
