Photo Contest 2012

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A crowd watches a vibrant fireworks display at night, silhouetted against the bright sky. Celebration atmosphere with lights and smoke.

Congratulations to the winners of the
2012 Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest

Grand Prize Winner

Jeff A Stamer

Longwood, FL

Kids Winners

Click each thumbnail to see a greater detail photo

1st place
Michèle Bennavail

New Mexico State Police mobile command post with hot air balloons reflected on its side, set against a clear sky backdrop at sunset.

2nd place
Terry Iliff

Silhouetted figures stand inside an illuminated hot air balloon at night, creating an intriguing, shadowy scene against the glowing canopy.

3rd place
Ashley Smith

Colorful hot air balloons glow at night, displaying vibrant designs. A crowd of people observes, creating a festive atmosphere under the dark sky.

Mass Ascension Winners

1st place
Adah Zhang

Dozens of colorful hot air balloons rise into a clear blue sky, with people observing from the ground at a lively festival.

2nd place
Laura Hedien

Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky with people and vehicles on the ground. A clear day enhances the vibrant spectacle.

3rd place
Joel Holland

People inflate a colorful hot air balloon, casting playful shadows on its vibrant surface.

Dawn Patrol/Balloon Glow Winners

1st place
Alan Wintz

Colorful hot air balloons illuminated at dusk, with a crowd of people gathered below. The glowing balloons create a striking silhouette against the twilight sky.

2nd place
Tomo Wiggans

A person stands silhouetted against an illuminated, colorful hot air balloon at night, showcasing a striking geometric design of red, orange, and yellow panels.

3rd place
Graham Allen

Hot air balloons are being inflated at dusk, illuminating the scene. Crowds of people gather, enjoying the vibrant display against a darkening sky.

Special Shape Rodeo Winners

1st place
Randy Waln

A vibrant display of large, colorful hot air balloons shaped like animals dominates the scene, with a clear sky and mountains as a backdrop.

2nd place
Doreen Lawrence

Hot air balloons with cartoon designs float over a river with people kayaking and trees lining the banks under a clear blue sky.

3rd place
Wen Wu

Colorful view inside an inflated hot air balloon with vibrant patterns and designs, showcasing an abstract array of swirling colors and light effects.

AfterGlow Fireworks Winners

1st place
Charles McCall

A colorful hot air balloon floats among vibrant, bursting fireworks against a black night sky, creating a dazzling and festive visual display.

2nd place
Byongkoo Kim

A large Canon hot air balloon is illuminated at night, surrounded by people with beams of light enhancing the dark sky backdrop.

3rd place
Joshua Crepeau

Colorful fireworks illuminate the night sky over a crowd, creating vibrant patterns and lighting up numerous silhouettes against the darkness.

About Cindy Petrehn

Cindy Petrehn was born in Clinton, Iowa, and grew up surrounded by her sister and nine brothers in Kansas City. Cindy obtained a fine arts degree at Pittsburgh State University and it was there her passion for photography began. To her, photography was “capturing the light in a moment of time and space. We may never pass this way again … or so the song goes. It is a passion and an obsession.”

In 1978, Cindy moved to Vail, Colorado and spent many years capturing intriguing images of people, events, nature and anything that caught her creative eye. She climbed mountains and traveled the world to find her next great shot.

Cindy was also licensed hot air balloon pilot, the official photographer for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and a member of Women in Aviation and The Balloon Federation of America. Cindy was a beloved member and integral part of the Hot Air Ballooning community.

Through her photography, Cindy shared the beauty of the world, ballooning and the open skies with all. Cindy passed away on February 10, 2013 unexpectedly. She has finally found the great adventure she has been searching for and is in the most beautiful hot air balloon, taking the most amazing photographs.

Cindy Petrehn