Module 7: Photos & Memories
What you will learn: The fun stuff! Your iPad is not just a tool for email and banking — it is a canvas for creativity, a photo album that never fills up, and a window into art and music. This module is about discovering joy in your device.
Betty, 78, had always loved painting watercolours. When arthritis made it harder to hold a brush, she thought her painting days were over. Then her granddaughter showed her a drawing app on the iPad.
"At first I thought it was silly — painting with your finger on a piece of glass," Betty laughs. "But then I discovered you could choose any colour instantly, undo a mistake with one tap, and zoom in to add tiny details. I painted my first digital watercolour that afternoon — a cardinal sitting on the fence in my backyard."
Betty now paints on her iPad every evening after dinner. She emails her paintings to friends, prints them out as greeting cards, and recently started an online gallery that her grandchildren helped her set up. "This little device gave me my art back," she says.
You do not need an expensive camera — the camera on your device takes wonderful photos. The best camera is the one you have with you.
Taking Great Photos with Your Device
Your device has a camera built right in. Here is how to use it:
Taking a Photo
Camera App
The large round button at the bottom centre of the camera app is the shutter button — tap it once to take a photo. A slider or tab nearby switches between Photo and Video mode.
Hold steady: Rest your elbows on a table or hold your iPad with both hands. Shaky hands mean blurry photos.
Use natural light: Photos taken near a window or outside in daylight look much better than photos taken under indoor lighting.
Tap to focus: If you want to photograph something specific (like a flower in a garden), tap on that object on your screen. The camera will adjust to make that object sharp and clear.
Clean the lens: The tiny camera lens on the back of your iPad can get smudged by fingerprints. Gently wipe it with a soft cloth before taking photos.
Taking a Photo
Hold steady: Rest your elbows on a table or hold your device with both hands. Shaky hands mean blurry photos.
Use natural light: Photos taken near a window or outside in daylight look much better than photos taken under indoor lighting.
Tap to focus: If you want to photograph something specific (like a flower in a garden), tap on that object on your screen. The camera will adjust to make that object sharp and clear.
Clean the lens: The tiny camera lens on the back of your device can get smudged by fingerprints. Gently wipe it with a soft cloth before taking photos.
Confidence Check: You have a camera in your hands right now. Every moment is an opportunity to capture something beautiful.
You know how to take photos with your device. That alone opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Now let us make those photos look even better.
Editing Your Photos
Your iPad comes with built-in photo editing tools that are surprisingly powerful. You do not need any extra apps.
Basic Photo Editing
— Crop (square icon): Cut away parts of the photo you do not want.
— Filters (three overlapping circles): Add artistic effects like black and white.
— Adjust (dial icon): Change brightness, contrast, and colour.
— Auto-Enhance (magic wand icon): Let your iPad automatically improve the photo. This is often the best first step.
Photo Editing Screen
The editing screen shows slider controls for brightness, contrast, and colour. Drag a slider left or right to adjust your photo, then tap Done to save — or Cancel to undo everything.
Your Android device comes with built-in photo editing tools in Google Photos that are surprisingly powerful. You do not need any extra apps.
Basic Photo Editing
— Suggestions: Google will suggest automatic improvements. Tap "Enhance" to let Google automatically brighten and sharpen the photo. This is often the best first step.
— Crop (square icon): Cut away parts of the photo you do not want.
— Adjust (slider icon): Change brightness, contrast, and colour.
— Filters: Add artistic effects like black and white or warm tones.
Organizing Your Photos
As you take more photos, you will want to keep them organised. Here are some helpful features built into the Photos app:
- Albums: You can create albums to group photos together — like "Garden 2025," "Grandchildren," or "Recipes." Tap the Albums tab at the bottom of the Photos app, then tap the "+" button to create a new album.
- Favourites: When viewing a photo, tap the heart icon to mark it as a favourite. All your favourites appear in a special "Favourites" album for quick access.
- Search: The Photos app can recognise what is in your photos. Tap the Search tab and type something like "beach" or "birthday" or even "dog" — your iPad will find matching photos.
- Memories: Your iPad automatically creates slideshows from your photos, set to music. Look for the "For You" tab to see these. They can be quite lovely.
As you take more photos, you will want to keep them organised. Here are some helpful features built into Google Photos:
- Albums: You can create albums to group photos together — like "Garden 2025," "Grandchildren," or "Recipes." Tap the Library tab at the bottom of Google Photos, then tap "New album" to create one. Give it a name and add photos to it.
- Favourites: When viewing a photo, tap the star icon to mark it as a favourite. All your starred photos appear in a special "Favourites" section for quick access.
- Search: Google Photos is excellent at recognising what is in your photos. Tap the Search bar at the top and type something like "beach" or "birthday" or even "dog" — Google will find matching photos instantly.
- Memories: Google Photos automatically creates slideshows and collages from your photos. Look at the top of the main screen for these memory highlights. They can be quite lovely and surprising.
Google Photos Grid
Google Photos organises all your pictures by date in a scrollable grid. Tap any photo to view it full-screen, then tap the share icon to send it to family.
Confidence Check: Your photos are treasures, and now you know how to take them, improve them, and keep them organised. Well done!
Photo editing is non-destructive — your original photo is always saved. You can always undo any edits by tapping "Revert to Original." So experiment freely!
Drawing and Painting Apps
Your iPad is a wonderful tool for drawing, painting, and creating art. Here are some apps to explore:
Paper by WeTransfer (Free)
A beautiful, simple drawing app. Swipe to turn pages, draw with your finger, and choose from pencils, pens, markers, and watercolour brushes. Perfect for sketching and doodling.
Beginner FriendlyTayasui Sketches (Free version available)
Incredibly realistic art tools — the watercolour brush actually behaves like real watercolour paint, blending and spreading on the digital "paper." Betty's favourite app.
Beautiful for PaintingColouring Books for Adults (Various, Free)
Search the App Store for "adult colouring" to find relaxing colouring book apps. Tap to fill in areas with colour, choose from hundreds of patterns, and save your creations.
Relaxing and FunDrawing App
A drawing app lets you paint on screen with your finger. Choose a colour and brush size, then draw freely. Nothing can break — tap Undo at any time to remove your last stroke.
Your Android device is a wonderful tool for drawing, painting, and creating art. Here are some apps to explore:
Ibis Paint X (Free)
A popular and beginner-friendly drawing app with many brushes, pens, and tools. You can draw with your finger, add layers, and experiment with different styles. It is one of the most-loved free art apps on Android.
Beginner FriendlyTayasui Sketches (Free version available)
Incredibly realistic art tools — the watercolour brush actually behaves like real watercolour paint, blending and spreading on the digital "paper." Available on Android as well.
Beautiful for PaintingColouring Books for Adults (Various, Free)
Search the Play Store for "adult colouring" to find relaxing colouring book apps. Tap to fill in areas with colour, choose from hundreds of patterns, and save your creations.
Relaxing and FunShare Sheet
Tapping the box-with-upward-arrow icon opens the Share sheet, listing all the ways to send a photo: Messages, Email, AirDrop to nearby Apple devices, and more.
Making Greeting Cards and Collages
Your photos can become beautiful greeting cards, collages, and gifts:
- The Photos app itself can create printed books, calendars, and cards. Look for the share button and options to print or order prints.
- Canva (Free) is an app with thousands of templates for cards, invitations, posters, and social media posts. Search "Canva" in the App Store (developer: Canva).
- Print at Home: If you have a printer, you can print photos directly from the Photos app. Tap the share button (square with upward arrow) and select "Print."
Your photos can become beautiful greeting cards, collages, and gifts:
- Google Photos can automatically create collages, animations, and highlight reels from your pictures. Check the Library tab and look for "Utilities" to find options for creating collages and movies.
- Canva (Free) is an app with thousands of templates for cards, invitations, posters, and social media posts. Search "Canva" in the Play Store (developer: Canva).
- Print at Home: If you have a printer, you can print photos directly from Google Photos. Tap the three dots menu on any photo and select "Print" or use the share button to send to your printer.
Listening to Music and Audiobooks
Your iPad is also a wonderful entertainment device:
- Apple Music: Access millions of songs. If you have an Apple Music subscription, open the Music app and search for your favourite artists or decades (try "1960s hits" or "classical piano").
- Apple Books: Read e-books or listen to audiobooks. The Books app (orange icon with a book) lets you adjust text size, and audiobooks are wonderful for when your eyes need a rest.
- Podcasts: The purple Podcasts app has thousands of free shows on every topic imaginable. Search for "gardening," "history," "mystery stories," or anything else that interests you.
Creative Photo & Art Tutorials
iPad Drawing & Art Apps
Explore creative drawing tools and art apps designed for beginners.
Watch TutorialsiPhone Photo Editing
Edit and enhance your photos right on your device — no experience needed.
Watch TutorialsThese links open YouTube in a new tab. YouTube is safe and free to use — you can watch as many videos as you like without signing in.
📚 New to YouTube? Learn how to spot quality videos and avoid ads
You have discovered that your device is not just a communication tool — it is a creative studio.
Betty found her art again through her iPad. What will you create?
When downloading creative apps, always use the official App Store or Play Store. Some "free" art apps contain ads or hidden subscriptions — check the reviews and developer name first.
Practical Exercise: Your Creative Debut
This is the fun one! Choose one or more of these activities:
- Take five photos of things you find beautiful around your home — a vase of flowers, a favourite book, the view from your window, your pet, or your morning coffee.
- Edit one photo using the built-in editing tools. Try the Auto-Enhance (magic wand) first, then experiment with cropping.
- Create a favourites album. Go to Albums → tap "+" → name it something like "My Beautiful Things" and add your five photos.
- Try a drawing app. Download "Paper by WeTransfer" from the App Store and draw anything — a flower, a face, your name. There are no rules.
- Send your favourite creation to someone you love. Share a photo or drawing with a family member using Messages or Mail.
Well done! You have explored the creative side of your device — taking photos, editing, drawing, and sharing. Your device is now a source of joy.
🤝 Need In-Person Help?
Your local community offers free technology support for seniors:
Your Local Library
Many libraries offer free tech workshops and one-on-one help sessions.
Senior Centre
Community centres often host technology classes and support groups.
Connected Canadians
Free one-on-one tech support by phone or video call.
1-855-808-0505
Cyber-Seniors
Free tech training from trained volunteers.
1-844-217-3057
Congratulations! You have completed Module 7!
You have discovered the joyful side of technology. Your iPad is not just safe — it is a source of creativity, beauty, and connection. Enjoy it!
Feeling Stuck?
You do not have to figure this out alone. These free services are staffed by real, patient people who love helping:
Connected Canadians — 1-855-808-0505
Cyber-Seniors — 1-844-217-3057
Both services are free, Canadian, and specialise in helping older adults with technology at your own pace.
Quick Answers
If iCloud Photos is turned on, your photos are automatically backed up whenever you are on Wi-Fi. Check this in Settings > your name > iCloud > Photos. The first 5GB is free; more storage costs a small monthly fee.
Before sharing a photo, think about what personal information it might reveal — your home address, daily routine, or financial situation. Set your social media account to Friends Only so only people you know can see your posts.
No, your photos are private on your iPhone unless you share them. Only photos you deliberately share — in a message, email, or social media post — leave your device.
Open the Photos app, find the photo, and tap the bin icon in the bottom right corner. The photo moves to "Recently Deleted" and is permanently removed after 30 days. You can also empty it early by going to Recently Deleted and tapping "Delete All."