ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Each year, thousands of spectators gather at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to witness a sky filled with vibrant colors, whimsical shapes, and glowing balloons rising with the morning sun. Alongside the iconic flights, the event also celebrates the artistry of photography through the Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest, an annual tradition honoring the late balloon pilot and Fiesta photographer who passed away in 2013. This year’s competition once again highlighted the creativity and talent of photographers who captured the magic of the world’s largest hot air balloon festival.
For 2024, the Balloon Fiesta has released the full list of winners across multiple categories, showcasing everything from stunning sunrise compositions to playful special-shape balloons. The top honor—Grand Prize Winner—was awarded to John Roling, whose dramatic image of a ghost-themed balloon drifting across the moon immediately stood out to judges. The haunting beauty of the photograph pays tribute not only to Roling’s skill but also to the spirit of creativity that Petrehn championed in her work.
Honoring the Legacy of Cindy Petrehn
The contest carries deep meaning within the ballooning community. Cindy Petrehn was more than a photographer; she was a dedicated balloon pilot, an artist, and a beloved figure whose passion for documenting ballooning shaped the way the world remembers the Fiesta. Her images captured the wonder, excitement, and humanity behind the event. The annual contest created in her memory invites photographers to carry forward her vision—one that celebrates both the technical skill and emotional storytelling behind each shot.
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As always, the competition attracted photographers from around the country and even beyond. With thousands of balloons launching across nine days of events, participants had plenty of opportunities to capture rare moments, whether during the serene glow of Dawn Patrol or the fireworks of AfterGlow. This year’s winners reflect an impressive range of perspectives, moods, and themes.
Category Highlights and Winning Photographers
The Photo Contest includes several categories, each designed to highlight different aspects of the Balloon Fiesta experience. Below is a look at the winning photographers and what their categories represent.
Faces of Fiesta
This category focuses on the people behind the balloons—pilots, crew members, and spectators who bring energy to the event.
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1st Place – Jerry Johnson
Johnson captured an expressive moment that embodied the joy and anticipation felt each morning as balloons prepare for liftoff. -
2nd Place – Wendy Hayes
Hayes’ image spotlighted a striking portrait that combined emotion and storytelling. -
3rd Place – Matthew Sumpter
Sumpter offered a slice-of-life snapshot that highlighted the community spirit of the Fiesta.
Mass Ascension
A fan favorite, this category features images from the Fiesta’s most iconic event: the massive wave of balloons rising into the sky at once.
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1st Place – Julie Hamlin
Hamlin’s winning photo gave a sweeping look at hundreds of balloons ascending in unison, capturing both scale and grandeur. -
2nd Place – Jennifer Johnson
Johnson’s shot showcased colorful patterns and tightly composed formations. -
3rd Place – Kasie Cochrane
Cochrane focused on the scale of the moment with a vibrant and atmospheric composition.
Dawn Patrol / Balloon Glow
These pre-dawn and nighttime events give photographers the unique challenge of shooting in low light, where glowing burners illuminate the balloons from within.
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1st Place – John Dominguez
Dominguez’s photograph captured the ethereal mood of balloons lighting up the morning darkness. -
2nd Place – Cooper Hull
Hull delivered an image with beautiful contrast and warmth. -
3rd Place – Ruthe Grote
Grote provided a composition that highlighted reflections, silhouettes, and soft morning hues.
Special Shape Rodeo
This whimsical category recognizes the unique and playful balloons—animals, characters, and creative shapes that draw huge crowds.
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1st Place – Dan Farley
Farley’s image highlighted the humor and charm of the event’s most creative balloon designs. -
2nd Place – Howie Pierson
Pierson took a fun and colorful approach that captured the personality of the special-shape balloons. -
3rd Place – Susan Case
Case presented a strong composition featuring multiple shapes against the backdrop of a New Mexico sky.
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AfterGlow Fireworks
The AfterGlow show blends illuminated balloons with a dramatic fireworks display—always a challenge to photograph but rewarding when executed well.
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1st Place – Jerry Johnson
Johnson’s photo made him a category champion once again, proving his skill in capturing both motion and light. -
2nd Place – Wendy Hayes
Hayes secured another top-three placement with a composition balancing balloons and bursts of color. -
3rd Place – Wendy Hayes
Hayes took both second and third place, a rare achievement that demonstrates her expertise with low-light and nighttime photography.
Digital or AI Art
This newer category embraces modern creativity by allowing digital enhancements or AI-assisted art that reimagines balloon imagery.
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1st Place – Neal Halpern
Halpern’s artwork blended technology and artistry to craft a visually striking, imaginative interpretation of the Fiesta.
Celebrating Art, Community, and Ballooning History
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta continues to be one of the world’s most photographed events, drawing professionals and hobbyists alike who hope to capture something magical. The Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest remains an important part of that tradition, spotlighting the individuals who preserve the beauty and emotion of the Fiesta through their cameras.
While the event lasts only a few days each fall, these images help the world experience the wonder year-round. For many photographers, earning recognition in this competition is not just a prize—it’s a tribute to the legacy of a woman who helped shape how people see ballooning forever.
