Red hot air balloon

• Photographer
  Tatsuya Souma
• Technical Info
  Pentax K-1 Mark Ii Cosina Carl Zeiss Makro Planar Adobe Lightroom Adobe Photoshop
• Photo Date
  Filming took place between 2023 and 2025.

Captivated by a red hot air balloon, I've chased races nationwide, battling fickle weather and frequent no-shows. "Just show me your form!" I often wished. Finally, I compiled a series of nine photographs, "Red hot air balloon," embodying this pursuit. This collection explores the preparation and ascent of these magnificent objects. The close-up of a glowing heart, the energetic depiction of humans at work, and the final introspective image within the balloon's interior are key. For me, these photos are self-portraits. Chasing such an unpredictable subject mirrors a journey.

I, born 1972 in Japan, discovered photography after a diverse career including a decade as a writer in Tokyo. A significant life shift post-Great East Japan Earthquake led me to become a househusband and embrace photography, encouraged by Koichi Akagi. Driven by an exceptional spirit of perseverance, I initiated a project in 2015, aiming for 100 photo contest awards, achieving 81 to date.