CNPA upcoming events

Low Country: Albert Heacox (June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Huguenot Beach Outing. Royal Terns, Laughing Gulls, and Brown Pelicans are on the beach. They will be attending to their chicks which makes for some exciting photography. There is a 5 dollar entry fee per car to the park. Restrooms are available in the park. Things you will need: A long lens, Sunscreen, Something to drink, Shoes for walking in sand and water, A hat, tripod or monopod. Contact Richard Matheny for additional information
richardmatheny1@gmail.com

Triad: Reynolda Gardens (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Triad Photography Outing Reynolda Gardens
Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Reynolda Gardens, Winston-Salem, NC
Join your fellow CNPA Triad members for a relaxing morning of photography at the beautiful Reynolda Gardens. This 129-acre horticultural treasure offers an abundance of photographic opportunities, including colorful summer blooms, formal gardens, winding pathways, water features, architectural details, textures, patterns, and plenty of opportunities for close-up and macro photography.
Whether your passion is flowers, abstracts, nature details, landscapes, or creative compositions, Reynolda Gardens provides an inspiring setting to practice your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow photographers.
Recommended Equipment
Macro lens for capturing flowers, insects, and intricate garden details
Polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors and contrast
Neutral Density (ND) filters for creative long exposure effects around water features and moving foliage
Tripod or monopod for stability during close up work and long exposures
Wide angle or standard zoom lens for garden scenes and environmental compositions
This outing is suitable for photographers of all skill levels. Bring your camera, your creativity, and be prepared to slow down and discover the beauty found in the details.
We will gather at the entrance to Reynolda Gardens at 9:30 AM before heading out to explore the grounds. We look forward to seeing you there!

Myrtle Beach: Mary Presson Roberts Sunflowers and Zinnias (June 30, 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Prior to our sunflower and Zinnia flower outing at Southern Palmetto Farms, Mary Presson Roberts will share her unique and artistic approach, giving us a fresh perspective on photographing flowers we've shot many times. The farm tentatively expects to host our outing on July 7 or 8.

Upstate: Blue Ridge Parkway (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Overnight Outing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to photograph Sunset, Miky Way and Sunrise

Triad: Hanging Rock State Park (July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Outing Information
Date: Saturday, July 18
Meeting Time: 8:30 AM
Location Visitor Center Parking Area, Hanging Rock State Park
Join your fellow CNPA Triad members for a morning of nature photography at beautiful Hanging Rock State Park on Saturday, July 18th.
Hanging Rock offers an outstanding variety of photographic opportunities, including picturesque waterfalls, lush summer foliage, forest scenes, streams, rock formations, and scenic mountain vistas. Our primary focus will be exploring and photographing the park's waterfalls and surrounding woodland environments, where we can work on composition, long-exposure techniques, and capturing the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscapes.
Some of the waterfalls we may visit include:
Lower Cascades Falls
Hidden Falls
Window Falls
Upper Cascades Falls
Numerous smaller streams and cascades along the trails
July's abundant greenery provides excellent opportunities to photograph flowing water framed by vibrant foliage, moss-covered rocks, and rich forest textures. A polarizer can be especially helpful for reducing glare, enhancing color saturation, and revealing details beneath the water's surface.
To ensure we can depart promptly and take advantage of the best morning light, members are encouraged to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early (8:00 to 8:15 AM) to allow time for parking, unloading gear, and introductions.
Recommended Equipment
Camera body and lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto
Sturdy tripod for long-exposure waterfall photography
Monopod (optional for greater mobility on the trails)
Circular polarizing filter (strongly recommended)
Neutral Density (ND) filters for extended shutter speeds
Extra batteries and memory cards
Lens cloths (water spray near the falls is common)
Hiking shoes or boots with good traction
Water, snacks, and insect repellent
Please be prepared for uneven terrain, wet rocks, and moderate hiking. Exercise caution around waterfalls and stream edges, as surfaces can be slippery.
Whether your goal is creating silky water long exposures, intimate nature studies, woodland scenes, or grand landscape images, Hanging Rock offers something for photographers of every skill level.
I hope you'll join us for what promises to be an enjoyable morning of photography, learning, and fellowship.

High Country: Elk in Cataloochee Valley (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Join the High Country Region for an outing to photograph Elk in the Cataloochee Valley near Cherokee, NC. We will be visiting during the start of the rut season when antlered bulls (males) bugle and fight for domination and the right to breed with the cows. We'll meet at 7am at the parking area near the Chapel. Bring a long lens for closer views of the action (park regulations require keeping a distance of 50 yards of Elk). A second camera or wider lens is also recommended for capturing dramatic environmental images of the Elk in their surroundings.

We are grateful to High Country Region photographer Lisa Wilmoth for leading this outing!

Be advised that portions of the road leading to the Valley are unpaved and winding, so plan for some extra driving time for safety.

Here's a Google Map link showing the route from a waypoint near Waynesville.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhWKUwv1zyRET7K7

For those wishing to stay overnight before and/or after the outing, Waynesville and Maggie Valley are good options.

Questions? Email high-country-coordinator@cnpa.org