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 Summit Point DRIFT NIRVANA® Challenge - Sun. Aug 3Summit 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/august-3-2025-drift-nirvana-challengeEvent Schedule (subject to change):
7:30-8:45 Tech and Registration
8:45 Driver's 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 Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act - Aug 4thGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD
For informational purposes only. I may or may not attend as we were just here a couple weeks ago.
FREE Day for the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/gaoa.htm
Which is free at all the national parks on this day.From the parking lot, the Group heads to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and crosses the bridge over the C&O Canal in a northerly direction toward the Washington Aqueduct Observation Deck overlook. From this overlook, the Group photographs Conn Island located in the middle of the Potomac River where there once was a very tall tree that housed a bald eagle’s nest complete with a pair of eaglets. However, it fell, and hopefully, a new nest will be built nearby.
The Group heads south down the trail to the Great Falls Overlook on Olmsted Island Overlook to photograph the Potomac River waterfalls, kayakers, great blue herons, and other birds. That trail takes the Group across a couple of waterfalls where great shots are taken. The estimated full walk is two miles (3.2 kilometers).
At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at the Tally Ho Restaurant, 9923 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 - tallyhorestaurant.com.
Bring water, tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards
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 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
