Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Wordless Wednesday - Push the envelope


99 red balloons...minus 98
London, ON, August 2007 [Click to embiggen]


I've been fascinated by flight for as long as I can remember. The fact that something can leave the planet's surface for a while is, despite our understanding of the physics involved, nothing short of magic. Click here, here, here and here for other flight-related photography.

Your turn: How flight inspires us in all sorts of surprising ways. Please discuss.

150 comments:

Shelia said...

Me too. I often dream about flying, I always feel free when I do. Interesting. Happy WW! :)

Diana said...

Gorgeous picture!

Natalie said...

Wow! That's vivid! I like it.

My Wordless Wednesday post is up too! :)

Robin said...

How does flight inspire me? VERY differently from you, my friend. It renders me helpless, out of control, maybe not outwardly, but in my mind, curled into a fetal position sucking my thumb.

I do not like to fly :/.

(A bit of an exaggeration, but not much ;) ).

GREAT angle on this photo...the color and contrast and movement and limited view leave me wanting more. Isn't that the objective of good photography?

Robin @ PENSIEVE

Gattina said...

I wished I could go up in one, once in my life !

Ann said...

Nice shot! I like the red against the blue sky! Happy WW!

Anonymous said...

Someday I would love to fly:) Skydiving has been one of my top most must do;) Thanks for hopping and for your wonderful comments! You have amazing photos too!

Mommy Yen

Amazing Gracie said...

You have an amazing eye, my friend! I hate flying but it's not going to stop me from going anywhere. I want to do the parachute thing before I die...
I really loved the photos of the wing - made me think of the Twilight Zone episode with William Shatner!
~~~Blessings~~~

**"Liza"** said...

ohh i like to try the air balloon sometimes but I'm to chicken to do it..;)

Jim said...

Hi Carmi -- Guess I've been fasinated by it too! I worked at NASA for 14 years as an aerospace engineer and another three in New Hampshire at a ground station servicing a USAF spy satellite.

A friend wanted me to buddy up with him, each of us would tie helium ballons to lawn chairs, back in the 60's. Now forty years later it has been done in California.
Also new is the wing suit where people jump out of airplanes and glide on attached wings.
..

carrie said...

I think if I could get over my fear of heights it would be quite a rush to be up that high.

You know when you have those dreams that you can fly? Those are pretty cool.

Shannon @ Gabi's World said...

Great contrasting colors!

tammi said...

Hot air ballooning is SO on my list of things to do before I die. Flying is amazing. I went parasailing in Mexico once and it was the most free-feeling thing I've ever experienced. (well, except for the harness pinching my thighs!!!) I love the colours in this pic.

Thanks so much for your compliments on my WW post. You're making me blush.

Corey~living and loving said...

Cool Photo. Love the color and the shape.
Happy WW!

Candi said...

That is an awesome shot!!

I've never been in a hot air balloon, but I'd love to try it!!

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys said...

spectacular photo and so were the others I checked the links.
I too am fascinated by the idea of flying in the atmosphere and the physics of such a heavy object not falling ..eeekkk.
It is magic,so it your skill and eye for taking intriguing photos.

Lotus (Sarcastic Mom) said...

The color in that photo is dazzling. Love it!

Sassyfrazz said...

I think it would be fun to be a bird for a day or a fish for a day! Great pic!

Happy WW, and thanks for stopping!

Harlekwin said...

This is an amazing picture! That has to be the most stunning red I have ever seen. The white lines between the sections seem to make the color even stronger.

I have a new friend who has recently gotten her pilot's license. She has offered to take me up so I can get some pictures.

Flying is one of my favorite things! I love take-off and how it forces my body back against the seat holding it there until the moment the plane becomes airborne. And even though it can be dangerous, turbulence gives me a thrill too.

Up, up and away! Happy WW!! Thank you for visiting and explaining the mystery of the curb to me.

Unknown said...

That is very eye catching! Beautiful red - someday I will go up in one.

Lil Knitter said...

Okay, so I tried it once when I was little..not flying exactly but jumping from a very high spot. I sprained my ankle and have since not had the urge to fly again. lol
Your photos are always a surprise...I would probably have focused on the balloon as a whole rather than a part of the balloon. Really nice photo.
Happy WW!

Haley said...

Neat! What an awesome perspective!

Happy WW! :-)

Kate said...

Great balloon picture. I was puzzled fgor a while til I found the caption!
Thanks for visiting me.
Happy WW.

P.s. my parent's are flying from England today, first meeting for almost six months - I'm glad about planes. And I live in what is practically an Airbus town - village of 11,000 with even more workers at the plant. The company provides a lot for the village and employs P.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this shot! what kind of camera do you have? I want it! ; )

My WW is @:
http://projectmommy.wordpress.com

Amy said...

I love the contrast of colors in this photo.

MaR said...

It's a spectacular shot but then again, I expect no different whenever I drop by!
Happy WW, Carmi!

letha said...

You can tell it's a hot air balloon straight away, I love watching them.

A Free Man said...

99 red balloons
Floating in the summer sky
Panic bells, it's red alert
There's something here
From somewhere else

Coach Paulette said...

I love the vivid color! I've never been in a hot air balloon, but back in my career days, I traveled for work 4-5 days a week via plane for 7 years! Highlights: hitting a million miles on my frequent flyer and getting the chance to see so much of the U.S.

Anonymous said...

I knew I should have gone with Nikon! I looked at some of your other pics and they are great as well (I am still learning!) I use a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I like it, but I want some more variety in my lenses. I'll have to add you to my blogroll so I know where to find you when I want to see your site! Hope you don't mind!

MeL said...

Love the angle! :) I also wish I could fly, probably the best way for me to fly is by traveling.

smarmoofus said...

I clicked your other flight-related photos links and call me weird, but your Embraer wing was my favorite. As someone above me said, you have an amazing eye. Lovely photos.

Thanks for visiting my Wordless Wednesday post earlier. Cheers!

Tina said...

You really have an eye for appealing sceneries! The light blue beside the bright red is fantastic!

Happy WW! Tina (Gaining insights)

TR Ryan said...

Great image! Love the contrast. Great blog, too.

Shannon said...

I am often inspired by watching birds in flight, The effortless ease with which the accomplish that which is impossible for us is amazing. On the other hand when I actually have to board a plane and fly myself I am terrified. If I was supposed to fly I would have been a bird.

D. Renee Bagby said...

I don't even want to know where the cameraman had to be to get that angle. Can we say nerves of steel?

Happy WW!

Dallas Meow said...

nive little clip of that pis - I DO love to fly.
I've said, I am not much of a traveler, but love being up there in that plane - even better, helo!

Thess said...

ah, wonderful feeling ..freedom up there!

happy WW

http://www.thesserie.com/?p=729

poor man's nicole richie said...

great take on that one!
i loved how you played with the angle and colors.

November Rain said...

Tag your it!

I know I am bad but with your pictures I thought it might be fun to see your twist

Jodi Cleghorn said...

I love the ultimate moment of freedom when you dream that you are flying - bliss!!

Hot air balloons remind me of an ill fated trip I took with a couple - he was South African and she was from Uzbekistan, and their small baby into the Atherton Tablelands. They had intended to go up for a morning flight and I was stay on terra firma with the baby. Conditions were not ripe for flying, so after being up at 4am to do this - it was back down the Range and we all went off for a lovely board walk breakfast! Thank you for bringing back that memory

And my contribution http://jodicleghorn.blogspot.com/2007/12/wordless-wednesday-irony.html

jennwa said...

That is Beautiful !!!

Cathi said...

I love to fly...in an airplane. You couldn't pay me enough to get in a hot air balloon. We have them fly over us a bit an I enjoy watching but from underneath. :)

Lisa Wheeler Milton said...

Nothing cheerier than a big red balloon.

Happy ww.

Suzy said...

Beautiful color shot!

Junebug said...

I have always wanted to go up in a balloon ride. I used to dream of flying when I was a child, I mean me physically flying with my arms stretched out. I would have a flowing gown on that would catch the wind. Did I get this from Peter Pan or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Maybe...

janet copenhaver said...

Our blues match, just a different subject matter. Thanks for stopping by.

Laurie said...

Love the red against the blue.

There is a big balloon festival that is great fun to go to every year near here. Lots of colorful photos to be had and it is really cool to see about 100 balloons aloft at one time.

Secret Agent Mama said...

I've always wanted to go up in a balloon, too! Great shot!

www.secretagentmama.com

Anonymous said...

I love hot air balloons! We used to have annual balloon races in my hometown! I loved it!

Ray Family said...

Beautiful photo!! But I could never go in a Hot Air Balloon. I am way to chicken.

Qtpies7 said...

I guess I don't think much about flying. I've been doing it since I was 7, but my kids think its the coolest thing ever, since they rarely ever fly.
But I would love to go up in a balloon one day.

Stacie said...

What great color. Such an interesting shot.

Autumn said...

Wonderful perspective in this shot. I love it. Despite being afraid of hights I like flying in a plane, I'm not so sure how well I would do in a balloon.

HartofDixie said...

It's beautiful indeed!

Heidi Hyde said...

Beautiful-- it's a dream of mine to ride in a hot air balloon one day.

-HH

ellen b. said...

The idea of moving in the air suspended is an amazing thought. I can't wrap my brain around how it all works...
Beautiful shot

Anonymous said...

Nice shot!

Great colour and leading lines - well done.

Becca said...

I remember crying the first time I flew. I wasn't scared. I was in awe of the experience.

Alix said...

Great shot, I like how you focused on part of the balloon rather than all of it. I'd love to go up in one but am just to scared.
Thanks for visiting me and for your kind comments!

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

Very nice choice. Happy WW to you. :)
<3, Amy in AZ

Anonymous said...

Very cool picture! Thank you so much for stoppy by to visit me today.

Blessings,
Theresa
www.tresureinearthenvessels.typepad.com

~Tyra~ said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love your picture and thanks for praying for my father.

Alicia said...

I love the photo. The idea of flying makes me think of freedom - except in regards to commercial flights, those make me think of sardine cans.

Happy WW :)

MommyMommy said...

beautiful!!!

MommyMommyLand

Anna said...

wow! I love that red! And the angle! Thanks for stopping by my WW!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

WOW! Totally amazing! Far out! That's a great composition! SUPER!

Holly Schwendiman said...

That just speaks volumes of explosive fun doesn't it? :)

Hugs,
Holly

Kara said...

Cool picture! Thanks for stopping by

Vixen of Vixensden.com said...

That is a great shot! Did you zoom in or were you in another balloon?

Happy WW

http://vixensden.wordpress.com

Linda said...

I can grasp the concept of a hot air balloon, but not a heavy piece of metal flying in the sky. Great choice for today.

Country Dawn said...

Amazing!

MammaMayMiller said...

What a gorgeous gorgeous shot!! Love the contrasting colours!
Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving such an encouraging comment :D
Happy WW!

Beckaboo said...

Wow! That is a fantastic shot!!

I, too, have been fascinated by flight. As my sister and I were flying out of state I was in awe that someone even imagined flight as a possibility for man. Who would think like that?? Me, I prefer my feet on the ground...however, I appreciate the quick travel of flight.

Thanks for visiting me today. And thanks for the invite to visit you. It's been great "meeting" you.

Blessings, Beckie :o)

AutoSysGene said...

Very cool, interesting shot!! Happy WW!

M the Mommy said...

Thanks for checking out my WW post. Yours is truly gorgeous. What beautiful color and great framing. Happy WW to you!

Mr Lady said...

Beautiful!

I loev my flying dreams. I used to fly airplanes in my previous-pre-kids-life. I really miss it.

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous!

Janet said...

A remarkable photo! The hot air balloons around here used to launch from the park across the street and almost brush the roof of our house as they ascended. I miss that.

Happy WW.

Rachel said...

Thanks so much for stopping in and commenting!!
I love all things flight related!
I used to love going and seeing the hot air balloons take off and watching the guys do their tricks at the air shows.
Beautiful perspective and angle on this shot! Thanks for sharing!!

Emily said...

Beautiful photo! Thanks for stopping by and commenting over at my place! Happy WW.

Kelly said...

Very cool photo. every year there is a hot air balloon festival-type-thing near us and it is soo neat to watch all of the balloons go up and fly every so gracefully.

Marilyn said...

That'll warm me up today. Very nice.

Anonymous said...

Nice!

Thanks for stopping by my WW.

Aline de Chevigny said...

I like, but did you use a zoom lens or were you really close LOL

Aline

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is one cool shots! Curious how you got up there and took that top shot.
Just Say These Words

Pat said...

What a wonderful capture, Carmi!

I've so missed checking out your blog! How's London doing? It's very dreary here in Guelph today!

Pat


Pat's Photos
Guelph Daily Photo
Photography Cafe

Marla said...

Very cool!

Lynette3boys said...

Beautiful - love the bold colors. Simplistic yet with such depth! You've got this photography thing down.

Anonymous said...

Landing and taking of excites me the most! I'did ask for a window seat while booking and take videos of it while flying!

Happy WW :)

Anonymous said...

What a great, stunning shot - and I like your other photographs too. Beautiful work! :)

Thanks for visiting my blog, and for leaving such a nice comment!

Anonymous said...

It's a great picture. I like the red!

I have to confess that I have never flown...:( Plus, I live 15 minutes from a large airport; and 4-5 hours from 3 other larger airports.

http://jendisjournal.wordpress.com

Kristin said...

Hi Carmi, my secret is taking a TON of photos and hoping for a decent one! LOL.

Beautiful photo of the balloon, interesting perspective and love the color.

Anonymous said...

I love the vivid red. We've helped at 2 balloon fests in so. cal, what a neat thing. Here's an older post of mine, related to flying :)
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/curiouscat/298839/

Thanks for stopping by,
Denise @ CuriousCat

Karen Putz said...

I once dreamed of going skydiving, but then I had kids. :)

Anonymous said...

What an amazing photo! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I'm not sure which I like better: the capture, or the title!

:)

BEAUTIFUL!

Andrea said...

cool photo.
thanks for stopping by my site

Danielle said...

OOOOh, I love it! It reminds me of going to the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico every year, growing up. My dad would photograph them and my mother would ride in them. My brother and I just stood in awe.

Beautiful picture!

Anonymous said...

Very nice. Flight has always fascinated me also. I think it's mankind's greatest technical achievement. It's always seems like a miracle to me.

Carrie said...

Vivid indeed!
Do tell where you were when you took this ok?

Unknown said...

I love the contrast in color. What a beautiful shot!

Head Gaggler said...

Wow, great shot!!

QuietMom said...

Lovely picture. Thank you for commenting on my ww at quiet-mom.com

Anonymous said...

thanks for dropping by my blog.

there's freedom and adventure in flying. being up there so high is thrilling but i don't think i have the courage to ride a on that one.

Toni said...

Wow! That is on my to do before I die list for sure.

Happy WW!

Killlashandra said...

Reminds me of Balloon Fiesta here in New Mexico. Nice shot. :)

poopie said...

What a fun pic! Thanks for the drop-in at my place and the kind words.

AGK said...

Great colors!

Sharon said...

What a vibrant picture! Thanks for sharing. :)

I used to be completely fine w/ flying, but since college (ok, 9/11), I've developed some anxiety w/ flying. I have flown since then, even alone w/ my son, but it's no longer my preferred mode of transportation.

Anonymous said...

Just stopping by to say Happy Hanukkah! (I'm always running a little behind.)

Great photo, Carmi.


www.surcie.typepad.com

Gypsy at heart said...

WOW!!! What a GREAT shot! Thanks for inviting me in....and stopping by my blog. Come again.

Momisodes said...

Beautiful! Simply beautiful :)

I lived in San Diego for several years, and always saw these in the sky. I'm terrified of heights, but think these are spectacular :)

Robin ~ PENSIEVE said...

110+ comments? Good gracious, Carmi, have you visited EVERYONE'S WW between midnight and today?

Robin @ PENSIEVE

Momisodes said...

Beautiful! Simply beautiful :)

I lived in San Diego for several years, and always saw these in the sky. I'm terrified of heights, but think these are spectacular :)

Momisodes said...

Beautiful! Simply beautiful :)

I lived in San Diego for several years, and always saw these in the sky. I'm terrified of heights, but think these are spectacular :)

KW said...

That's beautiful! The red just pops right out. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

http://katskrackerbox.wordpress.com/2007/12/12/wordless-wednesday-8-wreath-contest/

Melanie said...

What a great picture!!

Our Happy Happenings

dishywinnie said...

great picture - but the thought of going up in one terrifies me

Allison said...

ThX for stopping by!

Do you and your friends shorten Tim Horton's too? We call it Timmy Ho's, Timmy's---I write it down in the checkbook just as TH (my husband goes there SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!)

BTW, not a big fan of flying, but I have to, to get to Colorado. I like to watch the hot air balloons, but we don't often get to the shows in our area. :-| My sister and her husband do though!

Patti said...

Beautiful picture. The red balloon really pops against the blue sky. I've always been fascinated by hot air balloons but haven't had the opportunity to go up in one. We have a trip planned for next year! Can't wait! :)

jeannie said...

I like the color RED. I did one of the kidos nursey in Hot Air Ballons. I really like them.
Happy WW..

jeannie

Stephanie said...

beautiful...just beautiful

Michelle Miles said...

Awesome picture! I haven't flown since before 9/11 - not that I'm afraid I just haven't had an opportunity. Flying is the only way to travel, IMO.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Happy WW!

Thumper said...

Flight typically inspires me to panic...

CHIKAI ♥ said...

wow! you have an eye for beauty!

btw, the Isaw or Grilled Chicken Intestines that you saw on my blog is really yummy. you should try it. hehe.

Check Out My WW Entries:
BLOGSILOG
Thinking Out Loud

SimplyBillie said...

Wonderful picture and such brilliant colors too!

kenju said...

I have always wanted to go up in a hot-air-balloon, Carmi. A red one would be so special!

Anonymous said...

I've often wondered how you steer a balloon. How often to people in them end up in oz?

Andrea said...

Great shot...and like you I am also fascinated by flight - which was purely fueled by my dad who used to own a small airplane and take us for rides all the time!! I miss it!!

Nesting Momma said...

love the picture. I have never been fearful of flying. My husband is intrigued as well. he flys helicopters. That's his passion!
Happy WW

Lylah Ledner said...

hi carmi . . .thanks for you nice comment about my post-vignette over at lylahledner.blogpsot.com. i just posted some follow up pics.

you say you're a journalist...my husband is a philosopher/artist. you might enjoy his latest at:http://michaelledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/these-are-glory-days.html and his music at http://myspace.com/michaelledner
blessings! lylah

Mamarazzi said...

FANTASTIC!! thanks for stopping by my blog tooooooooo~

Gellianne said...

Hi! At long last, I was able to view your blog!Thanks for dropping by at mine! Great shot!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful, bright study in colour! Thanks so much for visiting my WW. :)

http://www.ravensroads.com

Melody said...

Cool piccie! Vivid colours.

Flight is amazing. We have planes going over us all the time where we live and I still *wonder* how they get off the ground.

I'm here via Michele today...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I came by yesterday to comment and there were only 12 now you have 135! WOW! (I'm having some problems commenting on blogspot blogs because they are blocked in China.) Thanks for stopping by my blog.

I work in aviation as a ground instructor. My hubby is a pilot. I love flight! If you think flying is amazing, you may enjoy this documentary, which has spectacular photography, One Six Right. http://www.onesixright.com I really cannot recommend it enough! I always show it to my students. It makes me cry!

Forgetfulone said...

Wow! Lots of comments. I love that picture. The colors are vivid, and it makes me want to see more of it.

Robert said...

Great shot. I love the color. Thanks for visiting my first ever WW entry and leaving a comment.

Unknown said...

I love that photo!! Very striking!

Rudy said...

You comment, I follow!

Nice curves! I used to live in San Diego, so I get to see those hot air balloons go up. They're magnificent.

BNS said...

Hi Carmi - It's a beautiful and evocative photo -- and how nice of you to include links to the others, too. Thanks very much for your complimentary comments on my blog.

Bobbie

Heather said...

Wow... great photos! And a thought provoking post... I'm fascinated with flight, too. I guess its in the blood. My dad was a pilot, so I grew up flying.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog yesterday. ;o)

Unknown said...

143 comments! Ya' Allah! This is a wonderful picture, and I love the reference to "99 red Balloons". And if you're tired of the snow you can always send some my way. I'd love to have it.

Michele sent me.

Andi said...

I love the song...99 Red Balloons. That just reminded me that I have been meaning to do a search for balloons that are better for the environment. I am a great admirer of balloon releases to show a person how special they are or to send messages around. :-)

Michelle sent me....again. Nice to see you. :-)

Robin said...

Hey...Carmi...pop in on my blog again and see the uber-cool trick I did with my photography on my "Not Wordless, Still Wednesday" shots...

I t h i n k you might appreciate (as you have time...I know how THAT goes, so it's fine if you can't...if you can, however, it's pretty fun) ;).

Robin @ PENSIEVE

Sophie said...

I've always been afraid of heights. But I'd like to conquer that fear one day by riding a hot air balloon. :-)

lissa said...

Wow! love it. It's kind of abstract, the way the photo is taken.

Thanks for visiting my blog.
lissa

Camera Totin' Idiot said...

Been meaning to get around to your WW post for a couple of days now. Love the shot of the balloon. I can alomst hear Nina singing...99 luft balloons....

Anonymous said...

Wonderful balloon photo, Carmi. In my professional life, I've been working for years with people in the aviation industry. As a result, I must say that what fascinates me most about flight is the people who fly for a living.