Photo Contest 2017

Kids Winners
Click each thumbnail to see a greater detail photo
Mass Ascension Winners
Dawn Patrol/Balloon Glow Winners
Special Shape Rodeo Winners
AfterGlow Fireworks Winners
Thank you to our photo contest judges!
Paul D deBerjeois – Paul D deBerjeois is recognized as one of the world’s leading balloon photographers. He served as an official photographer for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for seven years. He is the staff photographer for the Balloon Federation of America and he photographs many of the most scenic balloon rallies and events across the USA. Paul has been a full time professional photographer since 2008.
Michael Cacioppo Belantara – Michael is an audiovisual artist, sound designer and technical specialist with a wide range of professional experience in the sonic and visual arts. His expertise in audio and video post production is notable through his work with the European Broadcasting Union during 6 Olympic Games and 2 World Alpine Ski Championships. An Avid, Apple and Adobe certified instructor, he is currently the Post Production Supervisor and Adjunct Professor for the Columbia University Graduate Film Program and is a member of the sonic art collective Kinokophone.
Toni Paulson – Born into a family of balloonists, Toni has been around hot air balloons her entire life and had the opportunity to fly in hot air balloons since she was a young child. Toni has been attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival with her mother Cindy Petrehn since the early 90’s and has continued the family tradition with her husband and children today.
Both Michael and Toni are thrilled to help their mother’s legacy live on with the Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest Presented By Canon.
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.
