January 2025 DPA Newsletter
January 2025 DPA Newsletter:
“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” Launches 6-Part Cell Phone Photography Workshop Series, Empowering Seniors to Transform Their Photographs into Stunning Works of Art
Social Media Highlight: Stunning View of Olympic National Park
Composition Using Lines Video
January FinerWorks Winners!
Photo by instructor Mary Ann Glass, who recently led Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs cell phone photography classes for seniors in the senior subset of the Munger Cottage in Cornwall, NY.
Discover more about these inspiring workshops and the creative seniors involved in the article below!
Happy New Year! January is a time of fresh beginnings, vibrant celebrations, and endless possibilities. From the joy of ringing in the year with loved ones to the quiet beauty of winter days, this month invites you to capture the magic of new opportunities and cherished moments. Grab your camera and start the year off by creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Digital Photo Academy is pleased to bring you the latest updates and photography inspiration in our recently relaunched monthly newsletter. This is all made possible by our valued sponsor, Finerworks.
“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” Launches 6-Part Cell Phone Photography Workshop Series, Empowering Seniors to Transform Their Photographs into Stunning Works of Art
The prestigious Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie, NY, will host a premier exhibition from January 18 to February 3, showcasing photos taken by all six workshop participants, each within the senior subset of the Munger Cottage Community in Cornwall, NY.
“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs,” an inspiring initiative to honor the value of senior citizens through the art of photography, 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. “The inexpensive apps we use are easy to learn with a little bit of guidance,” says workshop instructor Mary Ann Glass. “The average person, senior or not, can turn average photos into magnificent ones.”
The workshop series consisted of six complimentary cell phone photography classes at the Munger Cottage Community located at 40 Munger Drive in Cornwall, NY. This initial offering served as a pilot, with the goal of refining the program before its national rollout as a paid program. Munger Cottage Community Activity Director Phylis Murphy played a key role in making it possible. “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,” says Murphy.
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.
Workshop participant Levi A. Robinson Jr. shares, “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, a married couple who participated in the workshops, share their 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, another participant, 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.”
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.
“FinerWorks is a proud sponsor and we enjoy the opportunity to collaborate in this gallery show that features the works of participants on our HD White Gloss Metal Prints,” says Melissa Hernandez at FinerWorks. “Displayed photography on physical media such as metal, canvas or paper is a wonderful opportunity to make a photographer’s legacy tangible. Printing photos is a memorable gift not restricted to cell phone screen size. We are glad to be involved with students so as they learn photography skills they also enrich their love for prints.”
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.”
All six participants’ FinerWorks metal prints will be displayed in a special showcase at Gallery 40, located at 40 Cannon St, Poughkeepsie, NY. The exhibit will run from January 18 to February 3 and is open to the public.
“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,” says Richard Rabinowitz, founder of Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs. “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.”
Social Media Highlight
Dennis Meyer’s Stunning View of Olympic National Park on Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs
Speaking of Senior Shutterbugs, this month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Dennis Meyer, who shared a breathtaking iPhone photo from his favorite spot in Olympic National Park on our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook group!
Fun fact: The Hoh Rainforest within Olympic National Park is widely considered to host one of the quietest places in the United States. In 2005, sound recording expert Gordon Hempton marked the silent spot—nicknamed “One Square Inch of Silence”—with a small red stone. Remarkably, some airlines even reroute flights to help preserve the area’s natural silence.
Thank you, Dennis, for sharing such a breathtaking scene from Olympic National Park! We’re excited to see more of your work.
🌟 Want your photo featured next? Share your favorite shots in our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook group and join a community of inspiring photographers!
Russ Croop Lines Video
Digital Photo Academy Denver Instructor Russ Croop—a Colorado native with a lifelong passion for photography—shares his expertise by making creative videos.
With photo experience ranging from teaching to capturing stunning images across the US and Europe, Russ brings a wealth of experience to every shot.
In this video, Russ delves into photographic composition using lines, showing how leading lines, curves, and geometric patterns can guide the viewer’s eye and add depth to your photos.
Watch and enjoy!
January Finerworks Award Winners
Every month, our judges select 2 of our social media members to receive an HD Metal print of one of their photos, printed by our sponsor Finerworks.
We choose one winner from each of our Facebook groups:
“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” and “Digital Photo Academy Community”
For January 2025, we’re excited to award prints to students who participated in our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs cell phone photography classes! These talented photographers honed their skills during free lessons with instructor Mary Ann Glass at the Munger Cottage in Cornwall, NY—and their hard work paid off!
Their stunning photos will not only be given to them as FinerWorks metal prints, but will also be featured in a special exhibition at Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie from January 18 to February 3. This showcase celebrates the creativity and artistry of senior citizens, proving that inspiration knows no age!
Live Photography Classes in 24 Cities
Access the live cities page on our website to explore upcoming photo workshops in your area. Elevate your photography skills with help from our experienced instructors in interactive sessions!
Our Social Media
Connect, share, and spread cheer! Join our Facebook groups to participate in our monthly prize contests in collaboration with Finerworks.
Facebook Groups:
“Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” and “Digital Photo Academy Community”
Main Pages:
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