Creative Aging Class Shares Stories Through Photos, Song

With a butterfly perched on a bright pink zinnia filling the screen beside her, Debbie Moorhead explained what she learned during the Aug. 27 finale of "Sharing Your Story."

Moorhead was among nine participants who presented photographs and personal stories at the William N. Pennington Life Center, concluding a seven-session creative aging residency that combined photography, guided journaling, storytelling, and songwriting.

The free program began July 30 under the direction of photographer and author Mark Vollmer and singer-songwriter Jim Eaglesmith. The final presentation included "One Community," an original song developed during the residency and performed by Eaglesmith.

The residency was presented in partnership with the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Carlie Cushing, senior and disabilities manager at the Life Center, helped bring the program to Fallon.

Each participant presented a final photograph and explained what they took away from the class. One participant said photography helped her step outside her comfort zone. Another photographed her great-granddaughter and blurred the edges so only the child's face could be seen.

Moorhead photographed the butterfly on a zinnia, while her husband photographed a rufous hummingbird in their yard.

Participants used cellphones, tablets, digital SLRs, and film cameras during lessons covering lighting, landscapes, macro photography, people and pets, unusual angles and illusions, and storytelling through photography. They also used paper and pens to journal about the techniques taught during each session.

Weekly assignments encouraged participants to photograph scenes at different times of day and compare early-morning shadows with full sunlight, afternoon light, evening light, and nighttime conditions. Vollmer emphasized that the camera does not create the photograph; the photographer's approach does.

The group also photographed objects and exhibits at the Churchill County Museum with permission from museum director Mel Grover. Participants experimented with unusual perspectives, including views through the barrel of a cannon. Vollmer photographed the museum's "Love Fallon" mural for the final presentation.

Sogand Tabatabaei, an arts learning specialist with the Nevada Arts Council, said access to arts programs is important for rural communities. Creative aging programs use artistic participation to support well-being, build connections, and encourage people to continue learning as they age.

Participants said they enjoyed meeting new people and learning new photography techniques. Several said they were sorry to see the sessions end.