LONG BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through the Lens Aboard a Liner: National Camera Day on the Queen Mary
A focused, four‑hour National Camera Day at the Historic Queen Mary—this guide explains the schedule, the on‑site camera brands and loaner gear, and how your images can support QMI preservation efforts.
Through the Lens Aboard a Liner: National Camera Day on the Queen Mary.
On June 29, Restore the Queen invites photographers to the Historic Queen Mary for National Camera Day. From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm the ship becomes a living studio—guest speaker Stephen Schafer (Schaf Photo) will present, factory representatives and major camera brands will set up alongside loaner gear, and participants are encouraged to slow down and explore the vessel’s changing light and textures with their cameras.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Factory Reps and On‑Site Loaner Kits
Representatives from major camera manufacturers will be on site and loaner gear will be available from Tamron, Fujifilm, Sony, Pentax, and Nikon—an opportunity to test equipment while shooting aboard the ship.
A Stroll to See the Queen Mary Anew
With a QMI entry pass attendees are encouraged to wander the decks and promenades to photograph everything from grain of the teak wood to the vessel’s changing profile as light shifts across the day.
Your Photos Help Preserve the Ship
Selected and winning images from the event will be included in a 2025 Queen Mary Camera Day book, a QMI fundraiser that channels participant work into preservation initiatives for the vessel.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
Expect a compact, purposeful afternoon: arrive at the Queen Mary’s Queens Salon, move through curated photo zones and informal roaming shoots across the decks, spend time at manufacturer booths handling loaner lenses and bodies, and gather for talks and critique—an event designed to pair hands‑on gear time with opportunities to document the ship for preservation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this afternoon aboard the Queen Mary.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
National Camera Day runs June 29 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; the listed duration for the event is four hours.
Meet at the Queen Mary — 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803 — in the Queens Salon on the Promenade Deck.
Bring your camera and any personal lenses you want to use; factory representatives and loaner gear will also be available on site from several manufacturers and retailers.
If you plan to submit work, note that selected and winning photos will be used to create a 2025 Queen Mary Camera Day Book to contribute to QMI preservation initiatives.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is National Camera Day at the Queen Mary?
National Camera Day is scheduled for June 29, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Where do attendees meet for the event?
The meeting location is the Queen Mary at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803 — specifically the Queens Salon on the Promenade Deck.
Will there be guest speakers or presentations?
Yes—guest speaker Stephen Schafer of Schaf Photo will join the event.
Can I try lenses or borrow equipment on site?
Factory representatives will be present and loaner gear will be available from Tamron, Fujifilm, Sony, Pentax, and Nikon.
What happens to photos shot during the event?
Winning and selected photos from the event will be used to create a 2025 Queen Mary Camera Day Book to support QMI preservation initiatives.
Which brands and vendors will be present?
In addition to major camera manufacturers, vendors such as CineStill, Retrspekt, The Darkroom, Freestyle, Tuttle Cameras, Paul’s Photo, East LA Film Shop, and Woodland Hills Camera will participate.