CNPA upcoming events

Upstate: Blue Ridge Parkway Outing (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Sunset, Milky Way and Sunrise

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

Charlotte: Our July Meeting with Guest Robert L Chaplin on Night Photography (From Stars to Northern Lights) (July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

We are very happy to welcome nature, fine art and published photographer, Robert L. Chaplin.

Robert's subject for this evening will be 'Night Photography - From Stars to Northern Lights'. As the title suggests, he will be talking about the unique challenges that are presented when photographing various celestial objects (the moon, the Milky Way, the Aurora Borealis, etc.) during the night.

Robert will be presenting via Zoom (link below) but we are also going to take this opportunity to meet in the real world, in person, enjoy a little social time together and see his presentation with our friends at The Photo Outfitters at 4732 Monroe Road, Suite 130 in Charlotte.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86317695847?pwd=M3jKlILGGaIHPMzCpJdHpuNHRJcY9a.1

Meeting ID: 863 1769 5847
Passcode: 769949

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 Outing: Doughton Park Wildflowers (July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The High Country Region is headed to Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday, July 25, to photograph wildflowers. The area is known for its colorful displays from mid to late summer.

We'll be meeting at the flower field at Fodder Stack Overlook. Here's a link to Google Maps to help with navigation, if needed.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3Qj6N7KEnvsjGwGA

Since Golden Hour is the ideal time to capture outdoor flower images, the official meet up time will be around 6:00am (sunrise occurs at 6:26am). You're welcome to arrive a little bit later, if you prefer.

We'll plan to shoot at Fodder Stack until around 8:00am before venturing out to other spots around Doughton Park. In addition to flowers, there should be opportunities to practice capturing close-up shots of bugs and butterflies.

The area's historic Bluffs restaurant will open for lunch at 11:00am for anyone who would like to get together to debrief and talk shop!

Please RSVP if you're considering attending so that we'll know to look for you and to receive any updates to the outing itinerary.

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