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 Belle Haven Park/Marina/Dyke MarshQWHX+J6 Belle Haven, Belle Haven, VA
Parking Lot were we will meet.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9What3Words:
https://what3words.com/lies.ripe.errorShare 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...
Park Facts:
Entrance Fee: Free
Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes
Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms
Plus Code: QWHX+H7 Belle Haven, Virginia
Websites: Belle Haven Park: https://alexandrialivingmagazine.com/locations/belle-haven-park/
Belle Haven Marina: Home
National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp
Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org)Belle Haven Marina (http://www.saildc.com/about-the-marina),
The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Next, the Group walks south towards the river and Marina to capture live shots of an Ospreys nest without disturbing them. The nest is home to an Osprey couple that has lived there for many years. Often, in the spring, their babies are visible in the nest. There are also Great Blue Herons and many other birds in the area. Plus, kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts provide colorful subjects to photograph.
As the Group walks back (north) toward the Driveway leading to the George Washington Parkway, at about midway, the sign for “Dyke Marsh” appears on the left. Its former name was “Haul Road” but now (and also in Google Maps) it is called, “Dyke Marsh Trail.” This quarter of mile Trail is mostly dirt until the end when a boardwalk has been added. On this Trail, we have seen owls and many types of birds including a Bald Eagle’s nest. Based on timing, the Group does not always get to the end of the trail. Rather, we turn around and go back up to Driveway (name of the road from the George Washington Parkway to the Marina) towards Mt. Vernon Trail near the parking lot.
For breakfast, we will go to First Watch Restaurant at Beacon Center, 6700 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
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 Trans-Allegheny Lunatic AsylumTrans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum , Weston, WV
Informational Only
https://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/I have bought a ticket for the Photo Tour for $100.
https://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/product-category/photo-tours/
From the website:
"The photography tours allow you entry to the interiors of the Kirkbride, the Medical Center, and exteriors of all buildings, and the grounds. These will be semi-guided tours without historic information."It is located in Weston, WV, approximately four hours from Annandale, VA. My plan is to drive in the morning and get there to check in at 12:30 PM. The tour ends at 5:00 PM. Then get some dinner and drive home. The morning tour goes from 8:00 AM to noon and also costs $100. If you want to do both, it is $150.
Legal
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 Summit Point DRIFT NIRVANA® Challenge - Sun. Sept 7Summit Point Main, Summit Point, WV
# DRIFT NIRVANA® Challenge
https://www.facebook.com/driftnirvana
To gain entry for free as a media representative, you must complete the registration and be approved. If your name is not on this website, expect to pay ($15 online and $20 at the door).
https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.status/uidEvent/678CCBC9-96F1-D6D8-F8BFC1004916CF06$15 online and $20 at the door per person
https://events.summitpointmp.com/products/september-7-2025-drift-nirvana-rivalsEvent Schedule (subject to change):
7:30-8:45 Tech and Registration
8:45 Driver's meeting and then media meeting
9:00 - 12:00 Hot Track
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch break
1:00 - 5:00 Hot Track
5:00 End of DayThere is a place to have lunch at the track that is not too bad...
See cars race around the track and burn rubber like in Fast and Furious.
Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, tripod, comfortable shoes
Share 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 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
