Purple People Eater

The cool thing about going to new events is the surprise factor.  It's great when you find something unexpected that makes an unusual shot.  At the Balloon Festival in Statesville, the Purple People Eater was my favorite.  I have no idea who thought this up or why, but it was awesome. 

I didn't bother with the 'conventional' shots, though in hindsight I probably should have done a more complete record.  The horizontal shots were done with the Nex-6 and Zeiss 35mm Biogon.  The portrait framing with the A77 and Sigma 70-200 @70mm.  Lesson learned here is that when going to something new, better to have to much equipment than to little.  It's easy to get fixed in your mind that the day will be full of long distance shots with plenty of sky.  When you get home it turns out your favorite shots are about the people and other things you didn't anticipate at all.

For me a good part of the enjoyment at an event like this is just walking around and experiencing the atmosphere.  There is so much cool stuff going on it's not necessary to spend a lot of time concentrating on getting the ultimate shot.  On the first visit to a new venue you're probably not going to get a museum piece in any event.  I consider these to be scouting trips.  Learn what's going on, get a feel for the people as well as the visuals and have fun.  The more serious study can take place afterward.  That will help with the planning for next year's trip.   Of course you can always get lucky.