18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

Waking up in the middle of the night in the dark to the loud sound of compressors pumping air into giant air balloons. Soon giant flames rise as the gas burners start heating the air traped inside the balloon and like a puppet it becomes alive standing up to incredible size. I managed to take this night shot thanks to the strong light from the flares and thanks to the snow upon which it was reflected.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Göreme, Turkey, Türkiye
Camera: SLT-A99V
Copyright: © Meir Sussman