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- Photograph Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Sunset in the Gardens - July 18 6:30PMMeadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA
NOTICE: The park is open for Sunset Closing until 9:00 PM
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-garden-9pm-closing
Enjoy twilight and sunset hours in the Gardens on select evenings when Meadowlark Botanical Gardens remains open until 9pm. Admission to the Gardens will end at 8:30pm. Regular garden admission ($4-8) and memberships apply.
These extended hours may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Please check Meadowlark's Facebook page or novaparks.com for an inclement weather alert or call 703-255-3631 x0. There are no portrait photography reservations offered for extended hours.
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
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 Sunflower fields - Field Trip 2 July 19th - 7AMMcKee-Beshers WMA parking lot, Poolesville, MD
The map of the fields is in the album. There are five fields this year, and they are at new locations.
Do not expect to find sunflowers at the same locations as last year!
There are five sunflower fields, and I would like to check out the ones I have not visited (fields #3, #4, and #5). I plan on starting at Parking Lot #2 and walking towards fields #3 and #4. Then, coming back to field #5.
I heard reports that Hunting Quarter Road is washed out towards Hughes Road.
Sunflower field #1 is the best and closest field to see the sunflowers, and there are birds around. For the best results, bring a step ladder, as the sunflowers are pretty tall. The sunflowers were not planted in rows, so you are unable to get to the center of the field. I did walk all the way around the field, and a stepladder also helps on the other side. Be sure to wear tall waterproof boots to get across the small "pond."
Please refer to the website for the latest photo.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/sunflowers.aspxArea Regulations:
The destruction or removal of any plants (including sunflowers) is strictly prohibited.
Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas.
Do not block gates. Violators may be towed and ticketed.
Driving is only allowed on main roads (River Road, Hunting Quarter Road, and Sycamore Landing Road). Only authorized or emergency vehicles are allowed behind the gates.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. Please take all your trash with you.
Commercial activities are prohibited.Directions:
From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on your left as you head west on River Road.Tips for a successful visit:
McKee-Beshers WMA lacks bathroom facilities, benches, and picnic tables. Please plan accordingly.McKee-Beshers WMA is home to ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. Long pants and shoes are recommended.
The sunflower fields can be hard to find. Please use the map provided to help you navigate to the fields.
Be sure to spray for bugs, as it can get buggy. I have not seen any ticks in the area, but please double-check to be sure.
Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it 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 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 Sunflowers at Burnside Farms Sunset July 20Burnside Farms, Nokesville, VA
I already purchased my ticket for Sunday evening for $20.93, with fees and insurance.
https://burnsidefarms.ticketspice.com/burnside-farms-2025-summer-of-sunflowers-They will have early mornings as well this year. The tickets are available for purchase.
https://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/BurnsideFarms
Flower picking: http://www.burnsidefarms.com/how-to-pick-flowersShare 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.
- Photograph Sunflowers at Burnside Farms Sunset July 26Burnside Farms, Nokesville, VA
I already purchased my ticket for Saturday evening, which includes a concert, for $26.12, with fees and insurance. There are other concert dates available before this one.
https://burnsidefarms.ticketspice.com/burnside-farms-2025-summer-of-sunflowers-They will have early mornings as well this year. Those go on sale in mid-July. I will schedule another field trip when they become available.
https://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/BurnsideFarms
Flower picking: http://www.burnsidefarms.com/how-to-pick-flowersShare 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.
