Jia Ying Community Services: Capturing Memories through Digital Photography

Fostering creativity and connection, Jia Ying's workshops empowered seniors with more than just digital photography skills.

“Learning can take place together, in social groups,” Mr. Brian Chan, Executive Director of Jia Ying Community Services Society, emphasized. For many seniors, these words might sound comforting, but putting them into practice can feel intimidating—especially in a world that moves at the speed of technology. “Through digital photography, seniors are discovering that they can express themselves in a different manner,” Brian remarked. With our thoughtfully designed workshops, seniors are not just learning to take pictures; they’re capturing memories, building friendships, and discovering newfound confidence in the digital age.

New Skills, New Dreams

The desire to remain active, engaged, and socially connected should not diminish with age. However, as the digital landscape evolved rapidly, many seniors wondered if they have a place in this modern world. Jia Ying Community Services Society recognised this gap and set out to help seniors rediscover their potential through the lens of photography.

Participants immersed themselves in the digital photography workshop and learnt new skills together!

Participants like Wendy, Jennifer, and Emily quickly realised that photography offered more satisfaction than just a hobby. "My favorite part of this workshop is going out to take videos and pictures. I learned to focus on the main object, which makes the rest of the background blur. Before this, my photos were all clustered together, and it was hard to tell what the main object was. I'm really happy with what I've achieved," shared Jennifer, a workshop participant. Wendy also said she was excited to capture her family moments and cute objects she came across. Emily, who enjoyed outdoor photography the most, saw it as an adventure in capturing new angles and scenes.

For these seniors, photography became a bridge connecting with the younger generation and a new method of communication through visual storytelling.

Overcoming Fears and Finding Joy

The first step of any journey is often the hardest, and the seniors attending these workshops initially felt apprehensive. "Our seniors showed us their work, told us they could do things they previously thought were difficult, and we felt their happiness and sense of achievement. This was the most rewarding part," Mr. Chan recalled.

Sharon, Jennifer, and Wendy share a moment of joy as they captured memories together.

Moments like these were shared across the group. Another participant, Emily, described feeling “thrilled with excitement” after capturing her first perfect shot, while Geraldine expressed how great it felt to accomplish something new. Kim Ngoh found joy in documenting special moments with her family, saying that reviewing her photos gave her deep satisfaction. Sharon used "elated" to describe her happiness when editing her pictures, realizing how much more she could achieve.

Photography as a Window to New Possibilities

At its heart, photography was about storytelling—and for these seniors, it became a way to capture their unique perspectives and the beauty of everyday life. A morning walk became an opportunity for a gallery-worthy shot, and sharing a cup of coffee with a friend became a cherished memory.

A participant strikes a fun pose, sharing joyful moments with new friends from the workshop.

The workshops also encouraged participants to venture beyond their comfort zones, empowering them with greater confidence in navigating the functions of their mobile phones or even teaching others. Group outings to parks and cultural landmarks offered more than just photography practice. These excursions gave participants the opportunity to bond with their peers and allowed them to explore new places. Emily particularly enjoyed the outdoor shoots, while Wendy loved participating in group activities that strengthened her connection with fellow learners.

Building a Supportive Community of Learners

Jia Ying’s workshops offered more than just technical lessons. "Seniors felt a sense of confidence in learning new digital skills. They became more comfortable asking for help in social groups," explained Mr. Chan. The small group setting fostered meaningful friendships and created an environment where participants supported one another.

Three friends capturing the moment together with a selfie.

These relationships extended beyond the classroom, with many participants continuing to meet and practice their skills.

Tailored Learning for Seniors

Recognizing that every learner was different, Jia Ying Community Services Society ensured that its workshops were accessible. Trainers conducted sessions in both English and Mandarin, breaking down concepts into easy-to-understand steps. "We wanted every senior to feel empowered,” said Mr. Chan. Real-life examples infused with humor and flexible pacing ensured that participants could comfortably follow along.

The volunteers provided personalised guidance, which helped seniors feel confident and ready to capture beautiful moments!

The impact of this thoughtful approach was evident. The photography skills they gained in the workshops translated into their everyday lives, with participants actively using their phones for an average of one to two hours daily.

Inspiring Lifelong Digital Learning

Jia Ying Community Services Society hoped to inspire seniors to embrace lifelong learning, whether through other digital tools or new hobbies. Several participants had already begun exploring more advanced digital skills, including advanced photography workshops and learning how to use video-editing apps like CapCut.

Kim Ngoh, who enjoyed improving her photography for capturing family moments, was particularly excited to explore content creation for platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These aspirations reflected how the workshop unlocked a world of possibilities, empowering participants to embrace new technologies.