July 2025 DPA Newsletter
July 2025 DPA Newsletter:
4th of July / Fireworks Photo Tip
The Art & Technique of Photographing Couples
Social Media Spotlight
July FinerWorks Winners!
Photo by Digital Photo Academy instructor Mark Conwell in Dallas.
July blazes in with golden light, warm evenings, and a sense of adventure. The heart of summer offers bold colors, striking contrasts, and lively moments waiting to be captured. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring city streets, or capturing stillness amid the heat, July invites you to shoot with intention and savor the season’s vibrant energy.
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.
Quick 4th of July Fireworks Photo Tip!
Here’s a quick tip from our Digital Photo Academy Instructor in San Francisco, Jerry Downs, on how to get the best images on the 4th of July, New Year’s, or any celebration that lights up the sky!:
“Fireworks are really bright. When dozens of them are going off all at once they might overexpose the whole image. Take a quick look at the view screen on your camera. You may want to purposely underexpose it more than you had been doing during the rest of the display. Another option is to stop taking pictures and enjoy the show. Or, maybe even, look at the person or people you came with and see their beautiful faces beautifully lit by the glowing light.”
This image was captured at f/22 with a 1-second exposure and ISO 200.
Primer of the Month
Each month, we share a primer with insights from our instructors across the continent. It’s a chance to learn from experienced photographers and see how they approach their craft, through tips, advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at their photography.
This month, along with the Fireworks tip above, Digital Photo Academy instructor Jerry Downs in San Francisco shares insights on the art of photographing couples—capturing connection, emotion, and chemistry through thoughtful composition and timing.
The Art & Technique of Photographing Couples
By Digital Photo Academy Instructor Jerry Downs in San Francisco
Tip 1: Embrace the energy of the moment.
Here’s a young couple being their excited, energetic selves. She was hanging on for dear life, and both of them were laughing hysterically. BTW, he carried her and gently set her down onto dry sand.
Tech note: To capture spontaneous action like this, use a fast shutter speed to freeze movement and avoid blur — especially when there’s water or motion involved. Shooting slightly wide also helps place your subjects in a dynamic, storytelling environment.
Tip 2: People are just a moment away from joy.
Here are a couple of New Yorkers being a couple. They are laughing after I just said, “Look at you two. So happy and being beautiful, all pleasant and nice. Can I get a picture of this? I want to show the folks back home.” Which led to a short exchange about how nice New Yorkers are. They were so open!
Tech note: Open shade and indirect light from the storefront create soft, even tones that avoid harsh shadows. Using a moderate aperture keeps both faces sharp while allowing enough light for a fast shutter — helpful when capturing spontaneous, expressive moments like this one. Letting your subjects react naturally keeps portraits fresh and full of life.
Tip 3: Use motion to capture energy.
Here’s a modern couple sharing what they are doing with the rest of the world. I was enjoying being a passenger in a car because I could keep taking pictures. I saw the couple coming. I told the driver to slow down a little, then I rolled down the window.
I set the shutter speed and the aperture. As we approached, I pointed the lens in front of them and panned the camera as we passed them. During the 60th of a second exposure, the couple and I were going the same speed, and the trees in the distance were going the same speed as the car.
Tech note: To get this kind of motion effect, use a slower shutter speed (around 1/60s) and pan the camera as you move past your subject. Try to match their speed as closely as possible so they stay sharp while the background blurs — it takes practice, but it helps show movement in a more natural way.
Tip 4: Use zoom blur to exaggerate energy.
Every Sunday, in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, there are free swing dance classes. To exaggerate the energy, I zoomed the lens during the 15th of a second exposure.
Tech note: Zoom blur works best with a slower shutter speed — try something around 1/15s — and a steady hand. Start zooming in or out during the exposure to create motion lines that lead to or from your subject. It can take a few tries to get the timing and motion right, but it’s a fun way to add energy to a scene.
Tip 5: Don’t forget to look at the shadows.
I do every kind of street photography. I think my favorite reason for loving photography is the license it gives me to be with people. I get to see how similar we all are and how obvious it is that we are all also wildly and wonderfully unique. I particularly like the shadow in this picture. It looks like they are kissing.
Tech note: When watching for shadows, try photographing early or late in the day when the sun casts long, interesting shapes. Meter for the highlights to keep contrast under control and preserve detail in the silhouettes.
Tip 6: Stay open to moments of appreciation.
Normally, when I go on my neighborhood walks, I’m not necessarily looking for pictures. I am simply enjoying the act of looking. Not everything makes a good picture, but everything is worthy of appreciation. If I can find myself in a state of appreciation, pictures are everywhere.
But, in this particular case, I made a specific request of the universe and/or the powers that be to give me an image that shows the magnitude and meaning of life.
Tech note: When photographing quiet, layered moments like this, take your time with framing and wait for the right alignment of gesture and expression. A moderate depth of field helps keep both foreground and background subjects readable. Converting to black and white can also reduce distractions and shift the focus to emotion, texture, and composition.
Social Media Spotlight
Gayle Kieth jumped the gun on the 4th—in the best way! In our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook group, Gayle was one of the first to share her patriotic shots this year, posting two festive images just ahead of the holiday.
These festive shots are a great way to get into the holiday mood. Check them out and feel the celebration!
July 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”
| Posted on our “Digital Photo Academy Community” Facebook group by Stephen Poffenberger: |
| Posted on our “Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” Facebook group by Douglas Smith: |
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:
Copyright (C) 2024 Digital Photo Academy. All rights reserved.
