He was headed to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, scheduled to take place on the lawns of Old Parliament House. But low level cloud meant the event was moved to a paddock just below the eastern side of the arboretum.

It proved to be a good vantage point from the top of a hill.

Mr Young, an avid photographer when he’s not tinkering with cars, took a series of stunning shots. The first one (above) was taken directly into the sun as it rose over the low cloud with the silhouetted balloons drifting westward over and past him to be fully lit up by the rising sun.

This year’s event took place from March 10 to 18. More than 30 balloons from across the world took part.

There were balloons of all shapes and sizes including special features, Kerbie the frog and and a very colourful hummingbird.

The popular event draws thousands of visitors to the capital every year.