When Lynn Brier moved to Vi at Grayhawk, she brought 50 years of experience in photography—a passion she planned to continue to nurture in retirement. After joining the community’s resident-led art committee, Lynn realized that photography was an important art form that was missing from their programming.
She teamed up with the Vi at Grayhawk lifestyle team, which helped Lynn gauge other residents’ interest in attending a photography group.
Interest spread almost immediately as eager residents reached out to learn more about how to get involved.
Before long, a new photography group was formed.
Welcoming all levels of experience
Gathering monthly in the community’s art studio, the group brings together a dozen residents of all experience levels to share photos, offer friendly and constructive critiques of each other’s work, exchange tips and get to know each other through their art.
“People go through their images and talk about them, and then people can comment and ask questions,” said Lynn. “And then what I try to do is throw in some teaching. So it's part learning and part sharing.”
Over the years, Lynn developed a wide range of photography skills and techniques through a mix of self-teaching and formal classes, learning everything from operating different types of cameras to using computer software for editing and enhancing photos.
She likes to offer tips for how to take a good picture and make it better through cropping, composition changes and color adjustments.
“It’s to make people think differently the next time they take a picture or look back in their files and approach their photographs in new ways.”
Don’t have a fancy camera? No problem! Although some group members, including Lynn, like to shoot on larger digital cameras, plenty simply use their smartphones.
“The best camera is the one you have with you,” said resident Kenni Merritt, who is the group’s biggest advocate for phone photography.
After years of hauling heavy cameras and equipment on hiking trips in the desert, Kenni has converted to using her phone, which she says is much more accessible without sacrificing functionality or photo quality.
“The great thing about smartphones is that everyone can use them,” said Kenni.
Learning and connecting through photography
Residents come to the group with different specialties, interests and areas of expertise, whether it’s a specific style of photography such as landscapes or moody black and white images, or a specific skill, like using editing software.
“It's not really a class so much; it's a group that just wants to learn and share,” said Kenni.
For resident Martin Pasqualetti, photography is both a personal hobby and a professional tool. He often uses his photographs as references in the college geography classes he teaches.
“Being part of the group has helped me learn new techniques,” Martin explained. “Kenni showed me how to use my phone in portrait mode, which has changed how I think about photos.”
But he’s also been proud to share his own tips and tricks with others, like how to upload photos to a computer.
Beyond honing photography skills, the group has become a place for residents to connect and learn about each other.
“It’s a way to start conversations with people,” said Lynn. “‘Where were you when you shot that photograph?’”
Martin agrees. “It’s a way to interact with people that you might not have met otherwise.”
A community of encouragement
Lynn and Kenni urge everyone to take their cameras out regularly, even if it’s to capture everyday moments in the community.
“Lynn encourages us to go out and shoot, shoot, shoot,” said Martin.
“You don't even have to go out on trails. You can walk out of your apartment and the landscape is beautiful,” added Kenni.
Group members keep in touch between meetings by reaching out to each other about unique photo opportunities, like when the sun casts interesting light or certain flowers are in bloom.
The group’s work has also been recognized outside of the community. Several residents have even had photographs published in the Arizona Republic.
Lynn hopes that the group can continue to grow within Vi at Grayhawk and further engage residents, perhaps by creating a place online where club members can submit photos they’ve captured around the community as a way to document and share memories and moments.
“Not just people from the photo group, but photos taken by our (other) residents could be featured–whether it’s photos from parties or someone having a good time playing bridge,” said Lynn.
They also hope to spark curiosity and inspire more fellow residents to join, allowing even more neighbors to learn a new skill, connect with each other, and build friendships.
In Martin’s words, “Everybody's welcome. It doesn't matter if you just like to look at pictures, or if you like to take pictures, or, if you're an expert. Come in, share, learn, enjoy.”
“It’s just the most welcoming bunch of people I’ve ever met,” added Kenni.
Slideshow photo credit: Alpenglow on McDowell Mountains from Vi at Grayhawk by Kenni Merritt; flicker on cactus flower by Lynn Brier; fountain statue by Lynn Brier; decorative shutters discovered during a group outing to Superior, Arizona, by Lynn Brier; Argentine Giant by Lynn Brier; twilight on the putting course by Kenni Merritt
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