In 2002,
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
was interested in promoting the awareness of the natural world, its
beauty and diversity, and the need to preserve and conserve those
resources. The challenge was to find an event that could take place in
off-peak times when the beautiful facilities of the Garden were not
being utilized. The obvious choice was to create a show around nature
photography.
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 to the line-up when
Bobby Harrison spoke about his efforts to find and photograph the
illusive Ivory-billed woodpecker. In 2008, Frans Lanting provided the
keynote address on his latest book project "Life: a Journey through
Time". Each year the Expo brings a well-known photographer to 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.
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.
