I just got done writing about a new photography award last week.  Who knew that there’d be another following up on its heels?  I wasn’t counting on any such luck.  Still, I’m glad for it.  It gives me the privilege of announcing another photography award, this time for a purple hot air balloon photo of mine.  Since recognition for my hot air balloon photography has been rare thus far, I’m delighted to add this photo to my award-winning collection.

So, let’s start things off with the usual route: the email announcement.  It contained the following language to announce the award.

Hello cramerimaging,

We are always stoked to see your creativity, and we cannot thank you enough for you sharing yours with us.  Your photography helps ignite the passion of the community 🙏

Kudos on your well-deserved photography honor: Your creativity, and talent behind the lens truly shines through.  Your photo “Purple Haze” was selected to receive a new commendation👇

Knowing immediately which photo they were referring to, I still wanted to know what award it received.  So, I clicked on the link to learn more.  I found the following award and explanation waiting for me.

Congratulations cramerimaging!  From your photography, this shot has been selected to receive the Aperture Award recognition.  Thank you for sharing your creativity with all of us.

Aperture is defined as the opening in the camera lens through which light passes to enter the camera.  Our curators, editors, or guest judges have selected your photo to take center stage in an award-winning spotlight that celebrates your unique talents.

Ok then.  So this photo just received the “Aperture Award.”  Being a photographer, I’m very familiar with the aperture and what it does for the camera and photograph.  Interesting choice of award name.

I’ve met the crew of this purple hot air balloon before.  They often wear team jackets with an embroidered version of the balloon and its name.  That’s how I know the balloon’s name.

This particular year, the skies were full of clouds during liftoff.  This meant that I had good lighting to shoot hot air balloon photos with.  During the launch, I shoot whatever catches my fancy.  This time, I wanted to shoot a photo of the Purple Haze hot air balloon.  I didn’t expect I would walk away with this perfect masterpiece.  The balloon is in perfect focus with soft even light.  There’s puffs of white clouds above and below the balloon itself and blue skies all around.

So, now I turn to you.  What do you think of this photo?  Do you like it?  Do you hate it?  Does it deserve the award it just received?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.