March 2025 DPA Newsletter
March 2025 DPA Newsletter:
Street Photography Tips by Instructor Hans Gutknecht
Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Inspiration
iPhone Photography Video
March FinerWorks Winners!
Photo by Digital Photo Academy instructor Eric Tilson in Cleveland.
March brings the first signs of spring—a time of renewal, shifting light, and fresh photographic inspiration. Whether capturing the last whispers of winter, the first blossoms of the season, or the dynamic energy of changing landscapes, this month invites you to explore the world through your lens with a new perspective.
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.
How Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Brings Inspiration to Thousands: Dave Verbyla’s Recent Post
A Facebook group dedicated to uplifting seniors through sharing photography, lived experiences, and connecting with one another.
In just a few days, 6,600 followers on our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook group were inspired by Dave Verbyla’s story, just below.
The numbers show the impact—427 people have commented, and more than 230 shared his post. Maybe it’s because, in one way or another, these Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs felt a kindred spirit with his journey.
Being a senior is a blessing, but it’s often overlooked by the rest of the world. It can be lonely, and we are proud that our Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs Facebook page serves as a beacon of joy for people around the globe.
We are so thrilled to see this whole community flourish, growing from 1,300 members to over 19,500 in just a few months—up from 13,000 in last month’s newsletter!
If you’re a senior or have a relationship with a senior, we encourage you to take a look, join the community, and share it with anyone who might find inspiration in these stories.
New Section! Primer of the Month
We’re excited to introduce a new section: Primer of the Month!
Each month, we’ll 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’s primer comes from Hans Gutknecht in Los Angeles, who we’ve had the pleasure of working with for 15 years. His students particularly appreciate his poignant images in the category of street portraiture.
Hans has been a photographer for the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992, covering everything from the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys to the NBA, NFL, and MLB, plus breaking news and portraits.
In this primer, Hans walks through how he took some of his photos and what went into making them happen. Keep an eye out—you might pick up something new for your own photography!
The Art of Observation: Street Photography Tips
By Digital Photo Academy Instructor Hans Gutknecht in Los Angeles
Pink Dog: I shot this with a Nikon D3s and a 50mm 1.4 lens. I was teaching a DPA class at Pershing Square in Los Angeles in May of 2012 when this image was made. I love to take my students down to Broadway St. from the square, as there are lots of opportunities to photograph a wide variety of people and other creatures. As my students and I made our way through the area, this colorful pooch presented a photo opportunity.
Blue: This photo was taken with a Nikon D3s and a 50mm 1.4 lens during a Santa Monica Pier DPA class. I like to use fast prime lenses so I have the ability to utilize a shallow depth of field.
Walkers: This photo was taken during another Santa Monica Pier DPA class. Once again, a Nikon D3s and a 50mm 1.4 lens were used. It may look as though I was laying on the ground to get this frame, but actually, I was standing on the level just below the road. I waited and shot several frames before I got this one, which has the pedestrian framed between the feet.
Waterline: Nikon D3s and a 85mm 1.4 lens. This photo shows how the uses of a high angle can make a photo stronger by eliminating a busy background. It was taken during a Santa Monica Pier DPA class standing on the pier looking down at the waterline.
Kite: I made this photo with a Nikon D4 and a 70-200mm 2.8 lens. I had finished teaching a workshop and had just loaded my gear into my car when I saw this person starting to fly a kite under a beautiful, cloudy sky. I opted for a longer focal length so the person and the sky would be more compressed. I wanted the person and the kite to seem as though they were almost touching the sky.
Bikini Land: Taken during a Venice Beach DPA class with a Ricoh GR camera. One of my favorite things to do during a class is help my students become comfortable photographing people. It is always an obstacle that most people have a difficult time overcoming, but I have found that with a little nudge, students begin to enjoy street photography more than they thought they would.
Russ Croop’s iPhone Photography 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 dives into the art of iPhone photography, proving that taking great pictures isn’t just about the camera—it’s about the photographer.
Watch and enjoy!
March 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 Robert Fischer: |
| Posted on our “Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs” Facebook group by Jim Hammond: |
Jim’s caption to the winning photo below tells a great backstory about his life and connection to the bridge. We deeply appreciate the time our followers take to not only share their photos but also express the joy photography brings to their lives.
This post resonated with many—earning over 5.9K likes, 793 comments, and 607 shares! Celebrating Senior Shutterbugs clearly speaks to a loyal community that sees this Facebook page as more than just a platform—it’s a place to connect and share stories with friends.
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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