Photographers are amazed by the futuristic buildings, empty deserts and golden sunsets of Dubai from above. Riding a hot air balloon during the early morning is one of the most memorable experiences. No matter if you are an expert or a beginner with a smartphone, taking photos of Dubai from up high is impossible to replicate. When you go on a hot air balloon ride in Dubai, you not only take a ride, but also see and capture the beauty of the desert, the sun rising and peaceful skies.
A lot of those who book a hot air balloon trip in Dubai do so to have both an exciting experience and amazing photos to remember it by. Still, to get amazing pictures from a balloon flight, you must plan, be patient and use some technical skills. Having the right setup and knowing the perfect lighting will help you take good photos, but being quick to react helps too. Following this guide will help you get amazing photos while you are in the skies.
Here are some tips for capturing stunning photos during a hot air balloon ride in Dubai.
1. Choose the right car for the perfect lighting.
The experience of a hot air balloon ride is mostly about the timing. Launching early in the morning, just as the sun is rising, will let you shoot in the “golden hour” with soft, golden light. The desert’s look is enhanced, shadows become gentler and the scenery has strong silhouettes because of the natural light. While buying your hot air balloon Dubai ticket, make sure the flight is scheduled for sunrise. They are made to give you the chance to enjoy the most beautiful sights of the dunes, camels and city skyline glowing in orange and gold.
Dubai’s sunny skies mean that light is always bright which can turn a regular photo into a brilliant shot. Avoid choosing sessions for midday or evening hours since the lighting might not be good for beautiful pictures.
2. Choose the Correct Camera and Adjust the Settings
You can still take excellent photos with any camera, though a camera with manual controls lets you have more creative freedom. If you are taking photos with a smartphone, look for a lens with good quality and try to save the pictures in RAW format. If you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) will help you show how big the desert is.
Suggested camera settings are:
To prevent noise, you should start the ISO at 100 or 200.
If you’re using your camera without a tripod, use a shutter speed of 1/500 or faster to avoid your pictures from being blurry.
Get familiar with the camera’s settings before you go on your hot air balloon trip so you’re set when you see the perfect shot.
3. Frame the scenery in a way that looks beautiful.
The quality of a photo depends on how you organize and arrange the elements in the frame. Following the Rule of Thirds, put the horizon in the middle of the top or bottom third which adds more interest and depth to your shot. Take pictures of lines made by the wind in the sand, shadows of the balloon or friends and family looking out the window. You can add a storyline to your shot by including the edge of the balloon or the basket in the image.
Try to photograph both the wider scenery and individual details, for example, a falcon in the basket, the balloon’s unique features or the sand dunes. Be on the lookout for camels, animals or other balloons in the background, since they can make your image more interesting.
4. Get the Balloon and Appreciate the Event
Ensure you take photos that show the whole experience, not only the scenery. Ask someone who is with you or a guide, to take a picture of you with the sunrise behind you. Photos of the balloon as it is being inflated, as this process is colorful, exciting and full of action.
Remember to show emotions such as joy, wonder or peace in your artwork. These moments reveal the true emotions of a hot air balloon ride in Dubai and make your viewers feel the same way. If you can, carry a small tripod or stabilizer to help you take smooth video clips and time-lapse photos.
5. Be Prepared for Rapid Changes in the Light and the Way You Look at the Scene
While the balloon travels, the light quickly changes—this is most noticeable during sunrise. Be ready to change your camera settings at any moment. As your balloon goes higher, your photos will include different things such as mountain ridges, oases or the Burj Khalifa in the distance.
Store your equipment so that you can access it quickly and leave the lens caps off. If you are using a DSLR, it’s better to use a camera strap for safety. Be ready for surprises from the wind and changing heights and make sure your equipment is in place as you look for new ways to capture the views below.
6. Use Shadows and Silhouettes in Your Pictures
The early morning sun makes long shadows in the desert that you can use to your advantage. Look for ways to take pictures of the balloon’s shadow on the dunes or the basket against the backdrop of a rising sun. Scale and mood are highlighted in these shots which helps give your photos a dramatic touch.
Meter the light in the sky to make the subject appear as a dark and clear shape.
7. You can take photos after the flight as well.
When you arrive at your destination, the photography fun isn’t finished. A lot of balloon rides are accompanied by a desert breakfast set up that looks great in any photo. Don’t forget to take pictures of how the balloon loses air and the large desert landscape below.
It’s a good opportunity to take detailed pictures of your companions, the guides and the people from the balloon team. Because you are comfortable, try using slower shutter speeds or switching to portrait mode to create more touching pictures.
8. Edit the Photos to Make Them Stand Out
Even the best photos can use a bit of editing afterwards. Try using Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed to change the contrast, saturation and sharpness of your photos. Remember not to change the moment too much; try to improve it naturally instead.
Make sure to keep the soft colours of the sunrise and the small but important details in the desert in your photos. Crop your pictures with care, make sure the horizons are straight and use gentle filters to preserve their genuine feel.
Conclusion
When you take a hot air balloon Dubai ride, you get to see the scenery from a place that few people have the chance to visit. Using photography, you can remember the special moments and pass them on to those around you. If a person is well-prepared, has the necessary equipment and pays attention to details, they can take amazing shots that share an adventure, peace and wonder. As you organize your ride and secure your Dubai hot air balloon ticket, keep in mind other aspects too.
Consider it as a film that moves, capturing pictures from above. Give attention to when you take photos, practice your camera techniques and don’t miss what’s happening around you. You’ll see that the pictures you take will show the beautiful scenery and the dreamy atmosphere of being on the beach.
Whenever you plan a trip to the desert or to Dubai, make sure you bring your camera, your questions and your sense of awe. Watching the world come alive as you fly high up is truly rewarding and taking pictures of it makes it even more memorable for years to come.
