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 Old Car City USA Workshop Nov. 8, 20243098 US-411, White, GA$150.00
This is Paid Workshop for Friday, November 8, 2024.
The $150 Workshop fee includes the entrance fees.
https://www.oldcarcityusa.com/
Daytime hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Light Painting Demo 6:00 PM
Workshop over and gates locked 11:00 PM
David will lead a workshop at the "World's Largest Known Old Car Junkyard."
There are over 34 acres and over 4,000 American-made cars from the early 20th Century, including cars, trucks, vans, and even a few school buses.
We will have a Zoom call before the event to review the details.
- National Harbor Tree Lighting & Fireworks ShowNational Harbor, National Harbor, MD
## Festive Fireworks & Tree Light Show
Notes:
- We will meet in front of the candy store below the tree. There is paid parking on the street, parking garages, and a parking lot. Fleet Parking is your best bet at $15 for 1.5-3 hours.
- Traffic can be heavy on the beltway, so allow for plenty of time.
- Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards
Join us Saturday night November 9 at 4 PM for a spectacular fireworks display following the tree lighting show. https://www.nationalharbor.com/holidays-at-national-harbor/
Tree Light Show starts about 4:30 PM (30 minutes before sunset). Fireworks start at 5:30 PM.
There are many photographic opportunities around National Harbor. The sunset there can be amazing.
After taking pictures of the Tree, we will walk the path along the river to here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1dAzWJhKhghZYe2V7
That should give us a good vantage point of the fireworks.
*You could stay on the same level as the tree for some great shots. But I suspect it may be crowded and difficult to setup a tripod.Shooting tips for fireworks:
Use a wide-angle lens. Depending on the camera:
m4/3: 14mm
APS-C: 18mm
Full Frame: 28mm
A zoom lens would be best so you can compose the shot exactly how you want.Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod.
Manual mode
Shutter speed: 4 seconds
Aperture: f11
ISO: 100
Use a remote shutter release if possible.
If the sky looks too dark, you can raise your ISO to 200 or 400.Focusing: Set your focus manually onto the pier where the fireworks launch. Alternatively, you can auto-focus onto the first barrage of fireworks, then switch your lens to manual focus without readjusting.
Legal:
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. I also agree 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 Bald Eagles at Conowingo DamConowingo Fisherman's Park, Darlington, MD
What3Words: https://what3words.com/episodes.october.fading
This is outside of the Virginia Beltway, but it is worth the trip. It is about a 2-hour drive from Virginia north of Baltimore. The Conowingo Dam has been known for the highest number of Bald Eagles on the East Coast.
You are on your own for parking to get there early. I saw cars getting tickets once the parking lot was full. They do a shuttle bus if you park in the nearby field off the main road
We will aim to park towards to visitor's center towards the dam. If folks get hungry and tired of photographing the eagles/wildlife, we can head to Spready Oak Country Cafe (1643 Conowingo Rd, Rising Sun, MD 21911) for breakfast.
Bring:
Warm clothes - it gets cold down by the water
Long lens - 300mm or greater
Fully charged batteries
Empty cards
Water/Snacks/Food
Comfortable shoes
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.
