Growing up as a Huntsville native, I was always aware of our local hot air balloon festival in a neutral kind of way. Now, as an adult, I can appreciate how rare it is to have a hot air balloon festival so close to my city! And especially as a Huntsville photographer, I see how this event creates a unique opportunity for hot air balloon family photos.

When this precious family reached out with interest in a hot air balloon family session, I was thrilled with the idea! They informed me that the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is an annual tradition in their family. Combining the family tradition with the whimsical balloon backdrop immediately made this session feel extra special.

But due to the nature of outdoor Spring events in Alabama, I knew we’d have to plan carefully to make sure it could happen. Read on for the adventure of how this all came together!

Preparing for a hot air balloon family session begins with a unique planning process.

Once this session was on our calendar, we took a few extra steps to make sure we had the best chance of a beautiful session. For a normal portrait session, we are able to control the environment a little more. We’re able to choose specific, familiar photoshoot locations. We’re also able to allow buffer time for flexibility in case of inclement weather. A session at an annual event like this is much different. Here’s our approach:

First, we set expectations with the family.

We make sure everyone is on the same page about the possibility of difficult weather. We also discuss how the details of timing, parking, etc. might require less-than-ideal logistics for little ones.

Fortunately, the mama of this family is a fellow photographer (and experienced mother!) and totally understands the complexity of planning for a session like this. We were able to work together to create a plan that would be realistic with four kiddos.

Next, we research the event thoroughly.

Each year the festival schedules a few key times for hot air balloon flights: usually first thing in the morning and again close to sunset.

Our research includes what exact start times are scheduled for balloon flights AND what types of events will be going on. Depending on the type of event, the balloons could be in a completely different location. Some events begin with balloons off-site, then flying in after 30+ minutes which would change the timeline drastically.

We also consider what times would be the least populated so we can avoid large crowds.

Then, we closely monitor the weather.

Leading up to the event, we check the weather app regularly to give us an idea of what to expect. We know the weather predictions can only be so accurate, but any information can help. It’s also common knowledge that Alabama weather during this season changes very quickly.

This year, rainstorms were predicted for the weekend of the event from several weeks out. We knew far in advance that we’d have to approach the weekend with a detailed rain plan.

The day of the session…and a bit of a plot twist.

On Saturday, we all arrived to Point Mallard Park at 5:30am for the session. We came prepared with umbrellas, rain ponchos, plus snacks and bribery for the kids. We kept an eye on the festival’s Facebook page for any updates.

After over an hour of waiting (fully dressed, with 4 little ones), we saw the official Facebook announcement cancelling morning flights due to incoming rain.

Talk about disappointment! But we had a plan in place. Rather than attempting again that night during peak crowds, we would circle back Sunday morning for another try. And circle back we did!

Sunday morning: the REAL session.

Sunday morning threatened more rain but ultimately proved to be the perfect backdrop for hot air balloon family photos! The incoming rain cooled everything off, making the weather comfortable for everyone. And the threatening rain meant an even smaller amount of morning spectators. The family was able to explore and enjoy the balloons almost completely by themselves!

We’re so happy with how it all came together. The photos (and camcorder footage) turned out just how we imagined it. And the family is overjoyed with the final images!

Would you take hot air balloon family photos?

If you’re interested in taking family photos at the 2027 Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival, send us a message as soon as possible: we only take on ONE portrait session at this event.

If you’re looking for more Huntsville content, check out Activities to Do in Huntsville with Kids, Art Experiences in Huntsville for Kids, or Indoor Birthday Party Activities for Kids in Huntsville!

We also have some helpful information about booking newborn photos at home as well as different style guides including maternity photoshoot outfit ideas, fall photoshoot outfit ideas, and spring photoshoot outfit ideas.

If you’ve stuck around this far, enjoy this behind-the-scenes photo of the two of us with all our gear after getting drenched in rain! Lol!

Fauna & Film is a family photographer in Huntsville specializing in nostalgic film photography, camcorder home movies, and custom heirloom artwork for couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and beyond.

From bespoke photo albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations. 

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding area.