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Experience National Camera Day aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Capture the ship’s timeless beauty while testing top camera gear and supporting preservation efforts.
Experience National Camera Day aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Capture the ship’s timeless beauty while testing top camera gear and supporting preservation efforts.
Book with Restore the Queen
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Restore the Queen · Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, is home to an icon of maritime history—the majestic Queen Mary, permanently docked on the waterfront and offering more than just a glimpse into the past. On June 29, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, National Camera Day provides a unique opportunity to explore this legendary ocean liner through the lens of your camera, blending history, art, and outdoor adventure in one unforgettable experience. This event celebrates the invention of the camera and the powerful stories that photographs tell, inviting visitors to engage deeply with both the ship and the craft of photography.
Set against the striking backdrop of Long Beach Harbor, the Queen Mary invites photographers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers to slow down and examine details that often go unnoticed—the grain of the teak wood decks, the gleam of the steel hull, and the play of light on her iconic silhouette as it shifts through the afternoon. With the gentle sea breeze and panoramic waterfront views, this is a natural playground for both amateur and professional photographers looking to capture something timeless.
National Camera Day is far from a passive museum visit. The event features representatives from top camera brands including Tamron, Fujifilm, Sony, Pentax, and Nikon, offering loaner gear to try out the latest photography equipment. Film and photo shops such as CineStill, Retrospekt, The Darkroom, Freestyle, Tuttle Cameras, Paul’s Photo, East LA Film Shop, and Woodland Hills Camera will also be present, providing insights into both vintage and modern photographic techniques.
Adding deeper community impact, selected images from visitors will be compiled into a 2025 Queen Mary Camera Day Book supporting QMI’s preservation efforts, helping maintain the ship for future generations. This combination of artistry and advocacy makes National Camera Day an immersive event that honors not just a machine, but the memory and history it preserves.
Located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, the event welcomes guests 18 and older (no smoking or vaping). You’ll find the Queens Salon on the Promenade Deck as your starting point, where the atmosphere buzzes with creativity and camaraderie.
For travelers staying in nearby Long Beach, this event offers a fresh lens on one of Southern California’s most storied landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon outdoors, National Camera Day at the Queen Mary invites you to capture history like never before.
easy.
4 hours.
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for all fitness levels as the event involves walking at an easy pace onboard the ship.
Yes, all skill levels are welcome, and many brand representatives will be available to offer advice and loan equipment.
This event is for guests aged 18 and older.
Yes, discounted parking is offered for $10 nearby the Queen Mary.
Absolutely, and you can also try loaner gear from participating brands during the event.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the Queen Mary property during the event.
Selected photos may be included in the 2025 Queen Mary Camera Day Book for QMI preservation initiatives, with participation implied upon entry.
The Queen Mary launched in 1936 and served as a luxury liner and WWII troopship, now preserved as a floating museum in Long Beach.
The event supports QMI preservation efforts to maintain the Queen Mary’s historic integrity and promote responsible tourism.
Restore the Queen is a Long Beach, California business that curates photography-driven experiences aboard the historic Queen Mary. Specializing in immersive, behind-the-scenes access, Restore the Queen focuses on delivering guided opportunities for photographers and history enthusiasts to document the ship’s architecture, interiors, and unique atmospheres. Restore the Queen’s offerings include a VIP Photo Tour Sponsored by Nikon, which provides exclusive entry into three restricted areas of the Queen Mary to capture distinctive images in spaces rarely seen by the public. The business also produces a National Camera Day event on June 29, featuring talks, brand participation, and hands-on shooting opportunities that connect attendees with top camera manufacturers and fellow photographers. Tours and events emphasize safety, respect for the vessel, and curated access to photogenic locations. Restore the Queen partners with camera brands and event producers to create focused photography experiences that highlight both technical skill and historical storytelling. Visitors can expect guided routing, photo-focused commentary, and opportunities to shoot in low-light and dramatic settings unique to the ship. By combining exclusive access, camera-brand collaborations, and structured photography programming, Restore the Queen attracts photographers seeking memorable images and supports ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
Book with Restore the Queen