Photo Contest 2015

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Click each thumbnail to see a greater detail photo. See the photo contest rules here

Judging by Ken Sklute with Canon’s Explorers of Light.

Two people prepare a colorful hot air balloon for flight at sunrise, with another balloon in the sky and a crowd nearby.

Congratulations to the winners of the
2015 Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest

Grand Prize Winner

Andrew J Wong

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Dawn Patrol Winners

1st place
Ellen Vandruff

Kirtland, NM

A glowing hot air balloon is illuminating the night sky, with visible clouds and the moon in the background, viewed from below.

2nd place
Jose Chavez

Austin, TX

Hot air balloons float against a twilight sky at a festival, with Sandia Mountains in the background and a crescent moon visible.

3rd place
Barbara Mohon

Santa Fe, NM

A colorful hot air balloon with wildlife illustrations glows in the dark sky, highlighting birds and a crocodile on its fabric.

Mass Ascension Winners

1st place
Robert Beall

Annapolis, MD

Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky at a festival, with a crowd of people gathered on the ground, enjoying the spectacle.

2nd place
Pavla Hora

Baden-Wurttemberg, GER

Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky, while several people handle an inflated balloon on the ground, creating a vibrant festival scene.

3rd place
Siwakorn Champhiw

Albuquerque, NM

Vibrant hot air balloons with various geometric patterns in close proximity, filling the frame with bright colors and intricate designs against a clear sky.

Balloon Glow Winners

1st place
Joyce Montag

Orangevale, CA

Colorful hot air balloons glow at night, silhouetted by two people adjusting the burner. A festival atmosphere with illuminated designs and vibrant colors.

2nd place
Kimberley Sachs

Rio Rancho, NM

A person stands silhouetted against a glowing red hot air balloon with visible flames, creating a dramatic night scene.

3rd place
Matthew Galindro

Albuquerque, NM

A zebra-themed hot air balloon illuminates the night sky, reflecting on a nearby water surface, surrounded by other colorful balloons.

Special Shape Rodeo Winners

1st place
Benedict Savio

Chennai, IND

Colorful, character-shaped hot air balloons inflate at a festival. Spectators, including many people, gather below, enjoying the vibrant display under a clear blue sky.

2nd place
Jeffrey W Vaughan

Placitas, NM

Colorful hot air balloons with a playful bear design peek above others against a soft sky. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings are visible.

3rd place
Bill Bahmer

Tuscon, AZ

A colorful hot air balloon floats amidst vibrant fireworks exploding against the black night sky, creating a dazzling and festive display.

AfterGlow Fireworks Winners

1st place
Benedict Savio

Chennai, IND

Fireworks illuminate the night sky behind a monument depicting a person with a movie camera, surrounded by people observing the display.

2nd place
Shaun Lysen

Boulder, CO

Colorful fireworks illuminate the night sky above a hot air balloon, with a crowd gathered below in a festive celebration.

3rd place
Brian Urban

Albuquerque, NM

Colorful fireworks explode in the night sky above a large crowd, celebrating an event. The scene is vibrant and lively.

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

Previous Years' Contests

2024 Winners

2023 Winners

2022 Winners

2021 Winners

2019 Winners

2018 Winners

2017 Winners

2016 Winners

2015 Winners

2014 Winners

2013 Winners

2012 Winners

2011 Winners

2010 Winners