Street Photography {arizona balloon classic}

Is it still called street photography if it happens in a park?

I know I've said it before but... I love the idea of street photography, but taking photos of random people tends to make me nervous.  However, almost everyone had a camera at this event, so it wasn't really too intimidating to photograph the people around me while I was taking images of the event itself.

All of these photos were taken at the Arizona Balloon Classic, which Kevin and I attended this weekend.  As you will quickly notice, all of them are of people.  If you are interested in checking out my second attempt at street photography, please read on. (You can find my first attempt here.)  If you are only interested in seeing the photos I took of the hot air balloons, please come back later in the week when I will have those posted.

If you're still with me, here are my favorite people photos from the day, along with a brief description about each of them:

I just love that this little guy's camera is almost as big as he is. I could have stood there all day taking images of him while he was shooting photos with it, but his mom was kinda giving me the stink eye (which I caught in some of my images!) and didn't want to push my luck...

This little boy was so excited to be watching the balloons, and kept running up to get a closer look only to have his parents call him and he'd come running back. Here he is on one of his trips back to mom and dad...

And here he is mesmerized by the balloon getting filled up...

It's amazing how perceptive children are to the things around them! There were several instances where the children I was photographing realized it and I ended up with photos of them looking directly into my camera. Yet, not one single adult noticed that I was taking their photo all day. This little girl is one of the many who caught me in the act and started looking, but I much prefer this photo of her before she noticed me...

They were selling these blow up balloons all over the place, and I was in love with them! If I hadn't been so busy taking photos, I might have asked hubby to buy one for me. Instead, I was too busy taking images of this little guy and his dad purchasing a balloon...

I would have picked that one, too...

And these two little girls, wishing their dad would do the same!...

I couldn't convince Kevin to actually pose for a photo, so I ended up having to steal quick photos of him throughout the day, too!...

This is one of my favs!! Dad pointing out something to his son, while grandma photographs the moment...

I just couldn't help myself! Every time one of these blow up balloons caught my eye, I ended up being drawn to it. (And I cannot tell you what a kick I got out of the Dunkin Donuts workers eating Chinese food in the background)...

Photo of someone taking a photo, because no one's ever thought to do that before. :) Actually, this wasn't intentional. The guy stepped into my frame as soon as I crouched down and started shooting, but I decided I liked the effect (even if he did cover up one of the balloons)...

This little girl ended up catching me, too, but before she did I captured this photo. I just love the look of awe on her face!...

If I was forced to pick a favorite, I think this would be it. The size contrast between the tiny boy and the huge (partial) ballon is amazing!...

This dad was tossing his daughter up in the air for several minutes and I managed to capture several good images. Part of me wanted to go up to them afterward and tell them that I knew I got some cute photos and would be happy to email them to him, but I didn't want to come off like a total weirdo so I didn't...

See. Those balloons. The called to me...

Loved this family, with dad all decked out carrying the baby and the diaper bag. The daughter was so into the balloons, yet intimated at the same time. So, she'd walk a little closer then stop and then after a while she'd take a few more steps. So cute...

As always, thank you for taking the time to view my photos and read my blog. I love being able to take photos, but being able to share them with friends, family, fans, and other photography enthusiasts is what really brings a smile to my face. Please stay tuned for more photos of the actual balloons coming up soon. I was just so excited and proud that I got up the guts to do a little so called street photography, that I had to edit these first.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area. Visit Michele's website at michelewhitacrephotography.com. Become a fan of Michele's work on Facebook. Follow Michele's updates on Twitter.