This was an interesting challenge. I had several ideas, but decided to try this one after seeing how clear the sky was on Sunday morning. So I got a helium balloon and headed outside. Lessons learned - don't try outside balloon shots on days with wind gusts to 25mph and expect the unexpected.
I must have taken 50 shots at various shutter speeds and aperature settings, half of which missed the ballon entirely due to the strong winds. The wind moderated for a second and I knew I was going to get the shot I wanted and this hawk flew into the picture.
After going through all my other shots, I decided to keep the bird. It seemed to add another element to the shot.
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Something about the composition just seems out of place. Maybe it is because the ballon and bird look like they have been accidently placed where they are. 5
like the yellow/blue combination... not sure what the dark thing is (bird??) but it weakens the image a bit (a bit too small and not as interesting as the bold blue and yellow (IMHO)
Still trying to figure out if I think two subjects make the photo twice as good or half as good. I love the yellow balloon on the blue background. And I like the soaring bird on the empty sky. But I think I find that corner of the photo a little crowded with both of them.
The bird alone: good. The ballon alone: good. The bird and the balloon: not as good. 2 competing subjects. I see how you tie them together in the title, but it just doesn't work for me. Definitely meets the challenge though. Good luck.
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