What we’re about
This is a group of folks of all levels who enjoy getting out, exploring, and photographing the great nature around us by visiting local parks in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland around the I495 Beltway. We are planning to provide ways to get together to learn digital photography techniques and do some portrait and street photography. There is a Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/286732975305378
I wrote the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup Group Guide Book which lists 25 locations that the group has visited. There is an Info to Know section with links for directions and information about the location, plus photographs I have taken at the locations. Here is the link to the paperback book and Kindle version: https://cutt.ly/VBPMGB_Amazon The website for the Guide Book is https://cutt.ly/VBPMGB and has an Update and Errata document that lists the changes in the Guide Book since it was first published.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Joint Base Andrews Air Show Sept. 13-14 11:00 AMAndrews Air Force Base, Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Fac, MD
https://www.jba.af.mil/Air-Show/
Entry to the Andrews Airshow is FREE! Shuttle buses from satellite parking lots are free as well.For details, check the website:
https://www.jbandrewsairshow.com/Plan Your Trip: Parking
* Free general admission parking will be available at Northwest Stadium (1600 Ring Rd, Landover, MD 20785) with free shuttle services to Joint Base Andrews.* Buses will run from Northwest Stadium to Joint Base Andrews from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The last return bus from Joint Base Andrews to Northwest Stadium will depart at 5 p.m.
* Accessible parking for attendees with valid handicap placards will be available at Northwest Stadium. Accessible buses will be available to and from the event.
* Taking Metro or rideshare? All attendees must board the free shuttle at Northwest Stadium to travel to Joint Base Andrews.
For parking information, go to the "Plan Your Trip" section at https://www.jba.af.mil/Air-Show/Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards...
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
- Photograph Flying Circus and Balloon Festival - Sat., Sept. 205114 Ritchie Rd, Bealeton, VA
http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/balloon.html
Adults.............. $ 20.00
Military Members... $ 15.00*
(* w/valid Active/Reserve/Guard/Retired Military ID)
Children 5-12....... $ 10.00
Children Under 5...FREEParking is free.
What time does the Flying Circus open during the Balloon Festival?
Our gates open at 06:00 on both Saturday and Sunday. It is best to arrive well before 07:00, as the line to get in will often back up with late-arriving guests.My goal is to take photos of when the hot air balloons are inflated in the morning. I probably won't stay for the air show as I saw it last year.
The hot air balloon launch occurs twice daily between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The airshow runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., members can photograph the antique planes, meet with other members, or have lunch. Once ticketed, re-entry is permitted.
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties
- Photograph Meadowlark Botanical Gardens-Sunrise in the Gardens - 6:30AM, Sept 20Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA
**NOTICE: The park is open for Sunrise Opening at 6:30 AM **
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-630am-openingFees: $4 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $8 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under
We will meet at the visitor center.
Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards
There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace.
Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y
For breakfast, after the field trip around 8:30 AM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature.
https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
- Photograph National Parks National Public Lands Day. - Sept. 27th 7:00 AMGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD
For informational purposes only. I may or may not attend.
Entrance FREE Day for the National Public Lands Day:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm#:~:text=Join%20us%20for%20National%20Public,largest%20single%2Dday%20volunteer%20effort.From the parking lot, the Group heads to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and crosses the bridge over the C&O Canal in a northerly direction toward the Washington Aqueduct Observation Deck overlook. From this overlook, the Group photographs Conn Island located in the middle of the Potomac River where there once was a very tall tree that housed a bald eagle’s nest complete with a pair of eaglets. However, it fell, and hopefully, a new nest will be built nearby.
The Group heads south down the trail to the Great Falls Overlook on Olmsted Island Overlook to photograph the Potomac River waterfalls, kayakers, great blue herons, and other birds. That trail takes the Group across a couple of waterfalls where great shots are taken. The estimated full walk is two miles (3.2 kilometers).
At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at the Tally Ho Restaurant, 9923 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 - tallyhorestaurant.com.
Bring water, tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
