avatarJoAnn Ryan

Summary

The website content discusses the aesthetic appeal of light and dark contrasts in photography, with a focus on the Magic Kingdom evening light shows in Orlando, FL, and the potential for collaborative contributions to a photography and writing publication called The Midnight Garden.

Abstract

The article "Intriguing Plays of Light and Dark in Photography" delves into the captivating interplay between light and shadow in photography, emphasizing its fundamental role in the art form. The author, JoAnn Ryan, shares a personal connection to this theme, having maintained The Midnight Garden, a publication that celebrates such contrasts. Ryan reflects on the possibility of expanding the publication to include contributions from other writers and photographers, believing that the blend of visual and written narratives can create a powerful storytelling medium. The article also showcases the enchanting light shows at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, using them as an example of the striking impact of light and dark in a real-world setting. The author's firsthand experience working at Disney World provides insight into the magical allure and the practical aspects of these events, including the massive crowds they attract.

Opinions

  • The author has a special affection for the juxtaposition of light and dark in photography, considering it a core element of the art.
  • The Midnight Garden is a personal project of the author that has been nurtured since its inception, with a strong focus on light and dark themes.
  • There is a consideration to open up The Midnight Garden for collaborative contributions, with the author's love of photography playing a significant role in this decision.
  • Photo stories are becoming a preferred form of expression for the author, who appreciates the synergy between images and words.
  • The Disney World Magic Kingdom evening light shows are described as magnificent and without equal, serving as a prime example of light and dark at play.
  • The author notes the intense crowding during these light shows, likening it to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, albeit less subversive.
  • Disney's efforts to maintain a positive atmosphere by minimizing negativity are acknowledged, with the author understanding the rationale behind this approach.
  • The author reminisces about the various themes of the castle light show, including a period during the Frozen craze, and reflects on the public's enthusiastic response.
  • The article concludes with a personal inquiry about the reader's thoughts on light and dark in photography, indicating the author's passion for the subject and an intention to share more content on this theme.
Magic Kingdom evening light show — Orlando, FL — JoAnn Ryan

Writing — Photography

Intriguing Plays of Light and Dark in Photography

The meeting of the two extremes can be striking, just like at Disney’s castle light shows at Magic Kingdom

I love all photography, but I have a special fondness for plays of light and dark — at the most basic level, this is what photography is all about.

The juxtaposition of light and dark, both literally and figuratively, is a central theme in creating and maintaining The Midnight Garden, which has been my personal pub since it’s inception. However, I do love working with fellow writers and am considering ways of opening it up so that others may contribute their talents — I’m sure my love of photography will factor in greatly here.

Photo stories are becoming one my favorite forms of writing. The visual meets words and they compliment each other nicely toward a cohesive whole — photo narratives, photojournalism — all the various types and terminology. Some rely more so on photography than words, although I tend to like a happy balance.

Magic Kingdom evening light show — Orlando, FL — JoAnn Ryan

If you’ve ever been to any of the evening light shows at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, you will know how truly magnificent they are. Nothing else like it really.

It gets very crowded! Main Street, USA becomes like New Orleans at Marti Gras, perhaps not quite as subversive though. Disney aims to keep the subversion low anyway — they are well-known for hiding such things away as much as possible. Can’t really blame them. Who wants negativity in Fantasyland? Nobody!

I spent five years of my life working at Disney World, so I know all about this. But alas, there is good and bad in everything unfortunately, just like there is darkness and light, day and night, heaven and hell.

I had the pleasure of seeing the castle light show at Magic Kingdom many times. The theme of the show change of course, depending on the season and what else is going on in the Disney-verse. This last photo, if I remember right, was taken during the colossal Frozen craze, ensuing after the first movie came out. People went kinda nutso over Frozen for a time. It was pretty outrageous, although there are plenty of worse things in life.

Magic Kingdom evening light show — Orlando, FL — JoAnn Ryan

What do you think about plays of light and dark in photography? Aren’t they just amazing? Will be posting more soon.

Thank you for visiting The Midnight Garden.

Check out more of photo stories here:

Photography
Photo Essay
Travel
Inspiration
Disney World
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