About us
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
7

Photograph Sunflowers at Burnside Farms Sunrise July 25
Burnside Farms, 11008 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA, USFeel free to go when it works for you if you want to go sooner...
I already purchased my ticket for Saturday morning, for $19.40, with fees and insurance. There are other concert dates available before this one.
https://burnsidefarms.ticketspice.com/burnside-farms-2026-summer-of-sunflowers?utm_campaign=287531&utm_medium=email_notification&utm_source=ticketspicehttps://www.burnsidefarms.com/tickets
Please familiarize yourself with the rules at Burnside Farms regarding the handling of flowers and photography.General info:
https://www.burnsidefarms.com (http://www.burnsidefarms.com) and https://www.facebook.com/BurnsideFarmsShare only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
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 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.
2 attendees
Photograph Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Sunset in the Gardens - July 31 6:30PM
Meadowlark Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA, USNOTICE: The park is open for Sunset Closing until 8:30 PM
Savor the beauty of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in the soft glow of twilight. During these special extended hours, the gardens remain open until 8:30 PM, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting to unwind, take an evening stroll, or simply enjoy the changing light as day turns to dusk.
Admissions will end at 8:00 PM, and the gardens will close promptly at 8:30 PM. Regular garden admission ($5–$9) and memberships apply.
Please note:- Posed photography reservations are not available during extended hours.
- Extended hours are weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of inclement conditions. Please check Meadowlark’s Facebook page, visit novaparks.com, or call 703-255-3631 x0 for updates.
We will meet at the visitor center.
Bring Water, a 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
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.
4 attendees
Photograph Flying Circus and Balloon Festival - Sat., Sept. 20
5114 Ritchie Rd, Bealeton, VA, USSave the date for a weekend of incredible views and memories to last a lifetime! Weather dependent, there will be a morning Hot Air Balloon launch followed by an afternoon airshow, and then an evening Hot Air Balloon launch on Saturday, Sept. 19th AND Sunday, Sept. 20th! Multiple chances to see our wonderful airshow and beautiful balloon launches!
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 have seen it before.
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
12 attendees
Past events
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