Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs:

Senior Cell Phone Photography Workshops and Other Live Photo Workshop Options!

At Digital Photo Academy, we’re proud to launch “Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs,” an initiative honoring the value of senior citizens. Our first 6-part cell phone photography workshop series at Munger Cottage in Cornwall, NY, was a success, culminating in a gallery exhibition at Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie.

The following article, originally published by News of the Highlands, captures the spirit and impact of the new program. This pilot program highlighted the seniors’ creativity and the confidence they gained in using modern technology to express their artistic vision.

For more information about this program or to stay updated on future opportunities, visit our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook page or contact us directly.

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Celebrating Cornwall’s ‘Senior Shutterbugs’

Article posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to News of the Highlands.

By Mary Jane Pitt

Richard Rabinowitz is a Newburgh resident who used to have a “big corporate office” in the world of publishing, but, these days, his self-proclaimed business is connecting people. He strives to do that in a variety of ways but often leaning toward his love of photography.

Enter Phylis Murphy, in the Cornwall Recreation Office. The two knew each other in a past work life, but recently, Murphy’s current gig came up as Rabinowitz was at, interestingly, a local doctor’s visit.

Let’s back up. Rabinowitz is the founder of the Digital Photo Academy, established in 2006. It’s a business built to help photographers improve their work. Several years ago, after nearly 20 years, an offshoot of that international business came to life — Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs.

Fast forward to that doctor’s visit. It was suggested there that he host a photography-related event for seniors at Cornwall’s Munger Cottage, a busy place. Murphy and Recreation Director Laura Kirby are always looking for new programs, and Rabinowitz had an idea.

It all came to life in the last few months.

A six-part cell phone photography workshop series was launched, “empowering seniors to transform their photographs into stunning works of art,” Rabinowitz said last week. And it was great! Now that the course is over, the six seniors who participated in it will be part of an exhibition – from January 18 to February 3 at the prestigious Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie.

Rabinowitz did not teach the class – Mary Ann Glass did. But he explains the concept:

“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs is an initiative to honor the value of senior citizens through the art of photography; it began years ago on Facebook. The group now has over 5,000 active followers nationwide. In November 2024, the program launched its first live workshop series for seniors eager to explore their creativity and learn how to navigate the often-daunting technical features of cellphones — technology that can be intimidating for those less familiar with it.

Glass agrees: “The inexpensive apps we use are easy to learn with a little bit of guidance. The average person, senior or not, can turn average photos into magnificent ones.”

The workshop series consisted of six cell phone photography classes at Munger Cottage – for this initial session, participants were not charged. Over the course of six 90-minute workshops — half lecture, half outdoor shooting — the seniors learned techniques to take high-quality photographs using only their cell phones, without needing to rely on high-end cameras or computers. Participants explored topics such as composition, lighting, perspective, and post-capture enhancement.

“This initial offering served as a pilot, with the goal of refining the program before its national rollout as a paid program,” Rabinowitz said. He thanked Murphy for working with him to make it happen.

She was happy to help. “Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and creativity grow, combined with feeling relevant in a technological age, gives these workshops a special added gift, making them a huge success.”

What did the participants think? In the class were: Marlene Pfaffenbach, Gail Berger, Larry Berger, Levi Robinson, Jeff Leben and Carmen L. Aponte.

Workshop participant Levi Robinson Jr. shared, “The workshops not only helped me explore photography but also gave me the opportunity to enjoy light exercise while honing my skills. It’s been a rewarding experience.”

Larry and Gail Berger are a married couple. They shared thoughts: “The workshops offered a wonderful way to enhance our free time and meet new people,” says Larry. Gail adds, “We’re grateful for the chance to connect with others while enjoying time together.”

Marlene Pfaffenbach reflects on how the workshops brought her and her husband Fred closer through photography: “My husband Fred joined me in the workshop because he has been a talented photographer for years, and after the Munger Cell Phone Workshop, I can enjoy making artful photographs with my cell phone. Now we can spend time together, both enjoying photography.”

That makes Rabinowitz happy.

“Art in general can create a connection to the world,” he said in a visit to Murphy at Munger Cottage last week. “The folks dipped their toes in the water and accessed their creative selves. And they really did feel much more confident about how to use this tool, that’s been right in their hands all along.”

He’s also proud the course gave the participants a new way to get some exercise and to make new friends. As he ages, he’s become a believer of the importance of both.

Upon completing the workshops, each participant received one of their photos as a stunning high-quality metal print, generously donated by FinerWorks, a print shop based in San Antonio. This thoughtful contribution allows the seniors to preserve their artistic accomplishments in a lasting form that can hang on their wall.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this effort to support senior citizens’ creativity and provide them with a way to showcase their work,” says Melissa Hernandez at FinerWorks.

After receiving his print, Jeff Leben noted: “The UPS driver rang my doorbell and handed me the gorgeous FinerWorks image from our Munger Cottage Cell Phone Workshop Series. I can’t wait to attend the gallery exhibition where it will be showcased. The program was a joyful experience in connecting with my creative side. Who knew that exercise could be so enjoyable, or that walking could culminate in taking great photographs with nothing more than a cell phone? The lessons helped me access new dimensions of my creativity.”

It’s those prints that will be at Gallery 40.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of Mary Ann, the support of FinerWorks, the Munger Cottage team, the participants, and Gallery 40,” Rabinowitz said. “This initial workshop series served as a valuable pilot, allowing us to work out the kinks and ensure the program is ready for a national launch. We’re proud to demonstrate that age is no barrier to creativity. The exhibition at Gallery 40 will be a unique opportunity to celebrate the artistic achievements of senior photographers. Don’t miss the chance to see these inspiring works in person.”

The exhibition is open to the public. The gallery is located at 40 Cannon St, Poughkeepsie, and will run from January 18 to February 3. It is open to the public.

Will the course happen again at Munger? Rabinowitz hopes so. If you’re interested, “keep in touch with Phylis,” he said.

To be inspired by photos taken by seniors all across the country, visit the Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook page.