📸 You're Invited! Long Exposure & Light Painting Meetup in Charlotte, NC Hosted

Join us for a creative evening of skyline shots, long exposures, and light painting in one of Charlotte’s most photogenic neighborhoods! We'll kick things off at the Hawthorne Lane Overpass, capturing the Charlotte skyline during sunset and blue hour, and then head over to Independence Park for some fun with light painting after dark.

🗓 Date & Time: [Insert Date/Time]
📍 Meeting Spot: Corner of Hawthorne Lane & Sunnyside Avenue, Charlotte NC
(Street parking is available but limited — consider arriving early!)

🚶‍♂️ What’s the Plan?

• We’ll meet at the corner of Hawthorne Lane & Sunnyside Ave before sunset and walk over to the overpass for skyline photos.
• From there, we’ll walk together to the Hawthorne Lane Overpass, set up for skyline shots, and share tips on long exposure, composition, and cityscape techniques.
• Once it gets dark, we’ll make our way to Independence Park, where we’ll experiment with light painting — playing with LEDs, long shutter speeds, and creative setups.
• Expect a hands-on, casual learning environment with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get inspired.
• This event may be rescheduled due to bad weather. The organizers will send out a message with advanced notice if the event is rescheduled.

🎯 What to Expect:

• A relaxed, beginner-friendly group shoot focused on long exposure and creative lighting
• Helpful tips on camera settings, ND filters, light painting techniques, and more
• Friendly group interaction — no pressure, no egos
• Opportunities to collaborate and try new gear or styles

🔦 Recommendations on What to Bring:

• Your camera (duh!)
• Tripod
• Neutral Density (ND) filters if you have them
• LED lights, glow sticks, fiber optics, or any other fun light sources
• Remote shutter release or timer function (to reduce camera shake)
• Extra batteries and memory cards

☀️ Helpful Tips:

• Wear dark clothing if you don’t want to be visible in long exposure photos.
• Bring a jacket in case the temperature drops after the sun goes down
• If you are unfamiliar with your camera modes or how to set aperture/ISO/shutter speed, please review your camera manual or watch YouTube videos before the meetup.
• Look up “long exposure photography” and “light painting” on Google or You Tube if you are unfamiliar with these terms.
• If you use a mobile phone for photography, look for camera apps that allow you to control the shutter speed

👥 All Experience Levels Welcome!
Whether you're brand new to long exposure photography or an experienced long-exposure artist, this is a terrific opportunity to practice your skills, learn from others, and create something unique together. We’re here to support, encourage, and inspire one another!

📣 Please Note:
This is a community-organized meetup, and all participants are responsible for their own safety and equipment. The Concord Photography & Videography Group and its organizers assume no liability for any injuries, lost or damaged gear, or accidents that may occur during this event. Please be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of others’ equipment and space.
💬 Let us know if you’re planning to attend — we’re looking forward to shooting with you!