Client wanted a quintessential Napa lifestyle image for the cover of their annual report. We had professional models, numerous marketing/PR folk, stylists, model wranglers, and a team of hot air balloon people. Before sunrise, we set up the table and got the balloon in the air. The balloon was actually tethered to two pickups and a third group who tried to maneuver the balloon in to place. This final image has been retouched to remove the ropes. Afterward, the client changed their mind about the wine bottle, so I had to replace the bottle. Client never used the image because the attorneys said it looked unsafe.
Shot with a Nikon Z7II and 35 f/1.8 with an external umbrella for fill.
wow... I would have just composited a balloon shot in with the foreground people. It wouldn't have been that hard to blend two shots. But your saying they actually had hot-air balloon people paid to do this? wow. The other issue, is the balloon people almost look like they are surprised, or not posing. So it would have been better to take the time to shoot them separately.
You're right. I was concentrating on the people at the table while looking at the flame. The people in the basket were not a consideration.