As smartphones become an increasingly important tool for capturing life’s moments, many elderly community members struggle to navigate their complex camera features. To help bridge this digital gap, the Information Technology Club organized a public service photography workshop for seniors on April 18 at 1:30 PM at the Jiading Industrial Zone Party-Mass Service Center.
Led by faculty advisor Xu Yuping, with support from volunteers Yang Yuzhe and Hu Bingye, the event offered seniors a hands-on and engaging learning experience focused on smartphone photography techniques.
The atmosphere at the event was warm and lively. Xu Yuping arrived early to prepare and greeted participants with enthusiasm, taking time to chat with them about their photography habits and build rapport. Her session began with a user-friendly presentation covering the basics of phone camera functions, gradually introducing key techniques such as focus, exposure, and composition.
Using her own phone, Xu explained that proper focus is key to taking sharp photos, and demonstrated how to adjust focus based on different subjects. She also introduced exposure concepts using photo examples and led a practical exercise for participants to adjust exposure settings and compare results.
To explain composition—the soul of photography—she presented examples and explained methods like the rule of thirds, symmetry, and leading lines, guiding seniors through live photo exercises and offering personalized feedback.
Throughout the event, volunteers Yang and Hu provided one-on-one assistance, helping participants with hands-on operations and clarifying technical points in simple terms.
This workshop not only helped seniors gain valuable photography skills but also enriched their cultural lives. The Information Technology Club plans to continue developing innovative community programs, encouraging students to apply what they’ve learned in class to serve the broader community. With care and patience, the club is helping bridge the digital divide for older generations—one photo at a time.
