Six camera clubs in Northern Virginia saw the opportunity to promote the talents of their members, their individual clubs and photography in general. When they started planning the first Expo they found immediate support in the local photographic community; support which has grown each year.
In 2003, the Northern Virginia Photographic Society (NVPS), one of the participating camera clubs, was awarded 1st place in the Camera Club Category of the Nature’s Best annual international photography contest. The winning NVPS images were displayed in the fall 2003 edition of Nature’s Best Magazine. Nature's Best also featured highlights from the 2004 Expo in their summer 2004 issue. Nature's Best Magazine ranks as one of the finest nature photography publications in the world and the Meadowlark Nature Photography Expo has been privileged to have their support.
The centerpiece of the Expo is a display of more than two hundred images that have been selected by a panel of jurors. This exhibit showcases photographs of landscapes, wildlife, flowers and more. These images are displayed in The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, which is ranked as the top event facility in the area.
The event also provides visitors with opportunity to interact with other photographers as well as those involved in providing goods and services to photographers. Visitors can meet representatives from leading companies that support photography and, in many cases, nature photographers in their quest to take better photographs. Learn about the latest photography equipment and apparel. Find out about classes and workshops offered by local photographers. The Expo also offers two full days of lectures by noted photographers. Novices and advanced photographers alike have the opportunity to learn from locally and nationally known photographers with expertise in a variety of fields.
In 2006, the Expo added a keynote presentation on to the line-up when Bobby Harrison spoke about his efforts to find and photograph the illusive Ivory-billed woodpecker. In 2007, George Lepp provided the keynote address on "Digital and the Outdoor Photographer". Each year the Expo brings a well-known photographer present the memorable keynote address.
The Expo offers visitors several unique activities: free portfolio reviews by a professional photography instructors and free camera cleanings by Strauss Photo-Technical Services. Another popular event provides photographers the chance to photograph hawks and owls. Thanks to the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, photographers can focus their cameras on these magnificent wild birds in a natural setting just outside Meadowlark’s Visitor Center.
For out-of-town visitors coming to the Expo, the Marriott offers great accommodations at a special rate. The Marriott has served as the Expo’s host hotel since the beginning and it is also the site for the Keynote Speaker’s address on Friday evening, prior to the opening of the Expo on Saturday and Sunday.
At the Expo, visitors can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win terrific prizes. Thanks to our sponsors and other generous donors, visitors spending a dollar have walked away with prizes worth hundreds of dollars. You can find a list of the prizes being offered on the Raffle Prizes page.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a gem awaiting discovery; visitors can stroll through the 95-acres of gardens. Be sure to return in April and May when the cherry trees bloom around the lakes and acres of brilliant tulips and daffodils mark the beginning of spring. With such beautiful scenery, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens has become a favorite spot for those interested in outdoor photography.
Ultimately, however, the Expo’s primary goal is to spark the photographic interests of those who attend the show. Many attendees are simply dazzled by the beauty of the photographs on display. Yet, ALL of the skilled photographers whose work is exhibited began as novices. It is the hope of the Expo that visitors are inspired by the creativity of the exhibiting photographers and are encouraged to improve their own skills as photographers. Visitors have the chance to meet their peers (young and old alike) to see how they got started. They have a chance to have their work critiqued, as well as meet with photography instructors to learn about photography classes and workshops they can take. Also, learn about the benefits of joining one of the local camera clubs, and talk with companies who specialize in gear and equipment for photographers.
The Meadowlark Nature Photography Expo is a two-day immersion in photography that is not to be missed.