Depending on where you live in Norway, you can go for months with the sun never setting, or rising. Hence, “The Land of the Midnight Sun” loosely defines much of this ancient country. As I recently visited the Norway Pavilion in Epcot, the weather happened to be dark and blustery-something Norwegians, no doubt, see a lot more than we do in Florida. I decided to exploit the weather a little, reaching into a little photographer’s bag of “tricks” to help heighten a sense of drama that faced Vikings as well as gnomes.
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a photographic process by which one can alter the appearance of reality-in small and large ways. Today, I thought it provided a different look to a pavilion that has been seen by countless guests over its 25-year existence. It is my hope to travel somewhere between history and mythology.
As we pause to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Disneyland, I decided to take a walk through our own Japan Pavilion inside Epcot. I was immediately transformed by the tranquil environment, the gentle, smiling faces, and the beautiful art that surrounded me.
From bold bronze sculptures to the most delicately painted fabrics, I was truly transported into a magical and hypnotic culture through its artistic creations. I put this short slide show together to share just a few of the details that caught my eye. I hope you enjoy spending one minute in Japan, with no passport needed.
Yesterday afternoon was beautiful, and I found myself at Epcot, exploring the Land of Oz Garden – and I was not alone. This very interactive kids’ play zone was one of the happiest places I’ve ever seen, with children climbing, jumping, swinging and just laughing out loud. The theme was all about flowers – the real and the surreal. It was a visual treat for me, and a relaxing space for dozens of parents to just sit back and soak in the afternoon sunlight while the kids played with seemingly tireless energy.
Wildlife photography has always been a passion of mine. I was recently walking through Harambe Village early one morning after photographing gorillas inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, when I was struck by the vast array of handmade items from Africa: hand-carved wood masks and animals, intricate beaded creations, beautiful woven baskets and so much more. Africa is one of the most fascinating and diverse countries I know of, and I stopped to capture some of the intriguing details, all the while being quietly transported to yet another paradise.
I hope these snapshots capture some of the beauty and history of this amazing place. I also included a gorilla photo from that morning.
I recently visited the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot, and took in the many vibrant colors and textures while strolling through its open marketplace. Exquisite handmade jewelry, magnificent fabrics and carpets, all the while enjoying the alluring aromas of nearby Restaurant Marrakesh, Morocco is one of those truly exotic locations that springs to life inside Epcot and encourages one to slow down, and savor the details.
Yesterday, I was testing a new camera at one of my favorite Epcot venues – the Italy Pavilion. World Showcase was not yet open to guests, and I became immersed in the rich Italian history that our Imagineers have so successfully brought to life. Mere steps carried me from Venice, to Tuscany, to Florence, and Rome.
During my peaceful fifteen-minute stroll through the piazza, I couldn’t help but snap a few details that can so often go unnoticed.
Sunset signals the awakening of a bygone era – the heyday of Hollywood, with all of its eclectic art deco flair. For those who enjoy the distinctive and powerful artistic elements that were so popular during the early twentieth century, strolling down Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard provides a rich canvas of lush textures, bold colors and smooth surfaces, clean yet elegant.
I know that many guests relish the nostalgia of art deco, and I hope you enjoy seeing a few of the details I captured at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently.
Late yesterday afternoon, I sought to make a photograph of Spaceship Earth to help celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of the opening of Epcot. Having photographed this dramatic structure since its construction phase, I struggled with the challenge to come up with something new.
As I casually strolled through the area, I was struck by how beautiful this stately grove of Washingtonia palm trees appeared, gently swaying in the breeze and contrasting so dramatically with the sleek, smooth surfaces of the Epcot icon.
I call this my “Future World Forest”… Happy birthday, Epcot!
Town Square is one of the first places our guests see upon entering Magic Kingdom Park. And, for these two young star-struck youngsters, it is where one of them will be receiving their very first autograph of the day.
I was fortunate to be at Epcot for the opening day of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival recently, and I was just overwhelmed by the incredible variety of flowers on show. I returned and captured a few close-ups of several plants that caught my eye. Take a moment and join me on a rather whimsical photographic journey across our property. Our Disney Horticulture team has done an amazing job – as they always do…
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