A photographer has shared a series of images highlighting the vibrant beauty of the famous hot air balloons commonly seen in Cappadocia, Turkey.
The images were taken by Kristina Makeeva, a 29-year old photographer from Moscow, and show the balloons flying over the picturesque landscapes and valleys of the region. Known as one of the most popular places in the world for balloon rides, attracting enthusiasts and travellers year round for the experience, Cappadocia features spectacular surrealistic landscapes and breath-taking views, making it a dream destination for photographers. “When my team and I first visited Cappadocia, we were shocked by the beauty of this place. The unique rock formations and underground cities in conjunction with the balloons turn the area into a fairy tale land. Shooting there is really not difficult, it is enough to just set the focus and press the shutter button on the camera,” Kristina told Lonely Planet Travel News.
Kristina has returned to Cappadocia three times since her first visit, capturing a range of stylistic images each time. Her series features models dressed in eye-catching outfits, posed and set against the massive scale of the balloons. Some shots show the balloons off in the distance, while some are taken from on-board the vessels. Many companies in Cappadocia offer packages for those wishing to experience hot air balloon rides, catering for day tour activities and private flights, with one company even offering a deluxe package that includes a champagne breakfast upon landing.
Kristina’s work has proven to be extremely popular, with her Instagram account having amassed over 200,000 followers to date. She recently shared breath-taking imagery depicting the haunting beauty of Moscow in winter. More of her work is available on her Instagram account as well as on her website.
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