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 National Park Free Entrance - Thursday, June 19thC & O Canal Great Falls Park, Potomac, MD, Potomac, MD
Feel free to go to any of the National Parks.
I plan on going to Great Falls on the Maryland side.The National Park Service has free entrance on Juneteenth (June 19th), 2025! The Entrance fees are waived on June 19 to kick off National Park Week.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/juneteenth.htm
Bring Water, a Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty 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.
- National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race - Saturday, July 12124 N Market St, Frederick, MD
Perhaps the only time you will ever see someone riding a Big Wheel Bike.
This awesome event returns to downtown Frederick MD this July 13th.
I will be parking in the parking garage (Carroll Creek Parking Garage) next to the C. Burr Artz Public Library and walking to Brewer's Alley around 11:30 AM. That is where the start/finish line is located. It will get crowded and tough to find folks. I will have my red hat on.
There are two qualifying rounds starting at 12:15 and the big race takes place at 2:00 pm.
This is a great event to practice your panning skills. The image above was taken at 1/15 of a second, but I would suggest you experiment with shutter speeds that are faster and slower and see what results you find most pleasing.
If it is a bright sunny day you might want to use a polarizer filter or a 3-stop ND filter just to be sure you can get your shutter speeds low enough for panning. The shot above was also taken at ISO100 and F20. I did not have much latitude to go with a slower shutter speed without the risk of overexposing.
More Info is available from
https://www.highwheelrace.com/schedule-of-events/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
