Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup

From the website:
"Every year Owl Moon holds its annual festival for the public to come see and learn more about Birds of Prey. Educational stations and opportunities to see raptors up close will be available to everyone. This year, we are holding our festival on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:00-4pm at Black Hills Regional Park. We hope you are able to join us!"
https://owlmoon.org/news-events/owl-moon-annual-festival.html

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.

Please check the website for additional information.
https://www.nationalharbor.com/holidays-at-national-harbor/
The Fireworks start at 5:30 PM and occur every Saturday in November and December.

Tripods are allowed and necessary for long exposures.

Drive to: P4 Garage Entrance, MGM National Harbor
MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, MD

I usually park on P4 and take the elevators up to the casino level. Go through the door opposite the casino that goes outside. Walk towards the Ferris Wheel to face the river on the other side of the fountain. The fireworks will shoot to the right of the Ferris Wheel.
Recently, the fireworks have only lasted for about 5-6 minutes.

Traffic can be heavy on the beltway, so allow for plenty of extra time.

If you don’t want to cross the bridge or are looking for alternative perspectives, you can park at Jones Point Park, walk south under the Woodard Wilson Bridge, and there is a fishing pier to see the fireworks to the left of the Ferris wheel. You do need a lens around 100mm (full frame equivalent). Belle Haven Park is another alternative.

We can eat dinner at Shake Shack at the MGM Casino.

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. 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.

Please check the website for additional information.
https://www.nationalharbor.com/holidays-at-national-harbor/
The Fireworks start at 5:30 PM and occur every Saturday in November and December.

Tripods are allowed and necessary for long exposures.

Drive to: P4 Garage Entrance, MGM National Harbor
MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, MD

I usually park on P4 and take the elevators up to the casino level. Go through the door opposite the casino that goes outside. Walk towards the Ferris Wheel to face the river on the other side of the fountain. The fireworks will shoot to the right of the Ferris Wheel.
Recently, the fireworks have only lasted for about 5-6 minutes.

Traffic can be heavy on the beltway, so allow for plenty of extra time.

If you don’t want to cross the bridge or are looking for alternative perspectives, you can park at Jones Point Park, walk south under the Woodard Wilson Bridge, and there is a fishing pier to see the fireworks to the left of the Ferris wheel. You do need a lens around 100mm (full frame equivalent). Belle Haven Park is another alternative.

We can eat dinner at Shake Shack at the MGM Casino.

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. 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.

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 may have a shuttle bus if you park in the nearby field off the main road

We will aim to park towards the 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.