CNPA Outing
Bring a dish to share (drinks will be provided)
Upload your favorite photo taken this year and you will have an opportunity to share a bit of the story around taking that photo. After all photos have been reviewed you will cast your vote for the best images presented. $5 to enter and winners will share the pot (bring your $5 to the event)
Photos are to be uploaded to the gallery associated with this event.
See you there!
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
I hope you can join us for our November outing. We will plan to meet in downtown Charlotte in the Fourth Ward. We will search for nature among all the buildings, statutes, sidewalks, and people. Once you start looking you will be surprised at what you can find. We are going to mix it up a bit and include in this downtown outing a challenge! Details will be given the day of.
After the shoot we’ll meet for Lunch at Michael Alexander’s.
Hoping you can all attend!
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
Mini-Waterfall Photo Shoot
We will start with a reflection photo of Table Rock Mt on a lake in Table Rock State Park (158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC). Then we will proceed to photograph the small waterfalls in the park. From there we will travel to Wildcat Branch Falls and Last Falls on Slickum on Hwy US 276. The final falls is in Pleasant Ridge Falls in Pleasant Ridge County Park (4232 SC Hwy 11, Marietta, SC
The reason it is called Mini-Waterfall Photo Shoot is because, all the falls are only a couple hundred yards from the parking area. Contact Bob Spalding (bob@bobspalding.net) to register.
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
Right now, there are 9 spots available for the PhotoWild event on November 4th, 2023.
I am unable to reserve spots, so they could disappear before you have an opportunity to book yourself. If you want to join this outing with me, go to this booking link and sign up directly with the Raptor Center.
If you are able to get a ticket ($50), let me know and I will put you on my list of attendees. I will then communicate to you before the event with maybe some details about gathering for lunch or something afterwards.
Saturday, November 4th
8:00am – 11:00am
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
If you want to see more about the Carolina Raptor Center, you can see their site here: https://carolinaraptorcenter.org/
Ready set go!
Booking Page: https://carolinaraptorcenter.org/cal/photowild-507-134/
For more information, click on button below.
If you have not been to Sylvan Heights, or haven’t been there recently, this is your chance!
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is designed to give visitors an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world. Open to the public since 2006, the 28-acre facility features spacious, walk- through aviaries displaying birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The aviaries are surrounded by tranquil gardens and lush natural areas, which enhance the beauty of the birds on exhibit and immerse visitors in native North Carolina wildlife habitat. https://www.shwpark.com/
The Park opens at 9:00am and I suggest that we meet in the parking lot at that time. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10/$12/$14 ($12 for a “senior”). There is one food establishment within the park (“Duck Landing Cafe” http://www.ducklandingcafe.com/) or pack your own lunch. There are a few picnic areas where we can gather to eat.
Please register so that I know that you are coming. I’m going to order up some beautiful fall weather 🙂
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
Hi everyone
It is starting to shape up like a fantastic year for Fall Color, we have had plenty of light rains, now we just need it to dry up and avoid the big winds for the next month or two. We did have a significant rain storm a month ago and the road to the Cherohala Skyway and Bald River Falls is closed. It is expected to open in the next few weeks and if it’s open we will include it on our outings. I will send out a detailed itinerary next month when I know what will be open.
Dates Oct 26- 29th
Hotels, keep in mind this is expected to be peak color so hotels prices are way up. I checked out the Townsend hotels and the weekend rates were $275+.
The TallyHo has agreed to give us a group rate Thursday$159 and, Friday/ Saturday $179. We have stayed there before, its an older hotel but well maintained and clean. It’s also the closest hotel. Please Book your rooms now as they will fill up quickly as the colors change.
TallyHo
Phone 865-448-2465
8314 State Highway 73
Townsend Tn,37882
Reservation is held under (CNPA Charlotte or Robert Vranek) call to take one of the reserved rooms.
Side Trips to consider on your drive up
Its about a 4/12 hour drive to Townsend and if you would like to break it up I can suggest a few side excursions.
Chattahoochee – to visit our friends the Elk. After Asheville take exit 20 its about a hour drive in and another hour out so plan on at least Half a day.
Buc-ee’s – I 40 Exit 407 just before Knoxville is Buc-ee’s its a life changing “gas station, restaurant ( world famous Brisket) , Convenience store, with the cleanest most magnificent restrooms you have ever seen
Douglas Dam. – I 40 Exit 407, after you stop at Buc-ee’s and get a sandwich, Fudge, Jerky…. Douglas Dam is only about 15 away there are resident eagles, osprey etc and a nice parking and viewing area to photograph while you eat.
Seven Islands State Birding Park – I 40 exit 402, (again stop at Buc-ee’s for lunch) about a 15 min side trip. This is a nice Park devoted to birding, It has both paved developed trails with feeders and dirt hiking trails if you want to be more adventurous.
Planned Activities or do you own thing
Again a more detailed agenda will come out when I know what is open
Sunrise Shoot on the Foothill Parkway
Sunset Shoot on Cherohala Skyway if open or Foothill Parkway
No milky way photography – the Moon will be up
Cades Cove – Wildlife, senic, historic buildings
Tremont Road Cascades, Waterfalls, Scenic
Cherohala Skyway – Similar views to the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls
Foothill Parkway – Similar views to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Gatlinburg, great place for cascades, waterfalls, fall color, unfortunately very popular so I will look at it closer to the trip.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions
—
Thanks,
Robert Vranek
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
Hi,
I have reserved the conference room for us at The Waterbean in Huntersville. A casual get together over a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever drink tickles your fancy, and a chat about all things photography. Bring your work to share, or questions, share a good photo book that you’ve read, or workshop attended, or share your ideas for outings, and/or meetings. Anything that relates to photography is good. After all, we are photographers:)
Please RSVP to me so I know how many to plan for.
marcymurphy007@gmail.com
I look forward to seeing all who can attend.
For more information, click on button below.
Are you ready to learn some new photography skills? From beginners to seasoned pros are all welcome.
Join me for a leisurely hike at McGalliard Falls Park Valdese, NC As we hike, we’ll discuss Nature First Principles, Slow Photography, and creating quality images over quantity.
Members are encouraged to share their photography experiences, assist other members in learning new photography skills, and explore new photography locations.
Location:
1400 Falls Road, NW. Valdese, NC 28690
Date & Time:
October 22, 2023, @ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Photo Experience level:
Open to all, including cell phones
Strenuous level:
Easy, Gravel/Crushed stone, Natural surface, Boardwalk
Cost:
Free small donations are appreciated.
Sign-in and waiver:
If you are under 16 you must be accompanied by an adult
Group size:
Open
Pets:
Well-behaved pets on a leash are allowed.
Equipment needed:
Appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather, beverages, snacks, camera, and camera gear as needed, a tripod if desired, a backpack or bag for carrying necessary gear, and a positive attitude. Please feel free to bring any other gear or supplies you might personally need.
Do not forget an open mind and a positive attitude! We will have a great day enjoying nature and photographing the beauty along the way.
Question? Please feel free to reach out to me.
For more information, click on button below.
Block your calendar for the Charlotte region’s first annual picnic. This will be a casual event for new and old members to get to know one another without their cameras:).
It will be a pot-luck set up.
Watch for more details to come.
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
Due to a low reply the picnic has been postponed until the spring.
For registration details and posting of photos, click on button below.
