As I draw toward the end of a truly amazing career with The Walt Disney Company which has spanned nearly 40 years, it becomes obvious to me that I have been truly blessed by the many friends I have made along the way, both in front of, and behind the camera. Having been long surrounded and supported by dedicated and talented team members and partners, I take away a lifetime of fond memories that will surely never fade.
It seems like yesterday when I took my first non-newspaper job – an experiment that I expected might last six months or so. Now, having lived “the dream,” I thank my friends and family for a lifetime of happiness and adventure.
I have truly enjoyed my occasional participation in the Disney Parks Blog, and have been amazed at the incredible growth and success it has enjoyed since its inception.
Photography will always be in my blood, and I am carefully exploring future projects. I will still be reachable via Facebook, and hope to create a blog of my own in the near future. In the meantime, I offer one of my favorite portraits as a parting shot. Disney’s Animal Kingdom superstar Gino, the magnificent silverback gorilla, pondering his world. Thanks Gino, and thanks to you, Mickey.
Gene Duncan
Comments
Gene
Thank you for your wonderful photos and best luck in your future. As a photographer myself I look forward to following you and finding inspiration in your work and maybe even hearing how to become a Disney photographer one day. 😉
Thank you again for all of your work over the years of Magical Images.
Joe
To keep it simple Gene: THANK YOU
Your photos have inspired and always have a place as my Windows wallpaper and computer (and Apple TV) slideshow. As an amateur myself (imtigger2 flickr has a few), I’ve learned to have patience with my shots and you’ve inspired me to see subjects and objects in a different way.
Congrats on your excellent career and now you can truly enjoy standing back and seeing things as you’d like, at your pace, and we truly look forward to seeing your work for years to come through your own blogs. We’ll be searching for you! 🙂
Dan
Thank you, Gene, for all your work. I was fortunate enough to meet (and get photographed by) you a few years ago at the Trick or Meet Up event in the Magic Kingdom. I will miss seeing your photographs here on the blog and elsewhere.
Gene,
Congratulations on the longest career that any Disney photographer has ever had! I had the great opportunity and privilege of being your friend and working side by side with you from 1987-1994. Remember me? We used to make music together? Remember those days in the tunnel? Anyway…..I learned a LOT from you about photography. I learned what good composition was. I learned how to remain calm and cool under difficult pressure situations. I learned how to keep things lite on a shoot. I learned how to NEVER shoot my last frame, in case I needed it! Though it has been over 16 years since we worked side by side, knowing you and the things that I learned from you has enriched my life both professionally and personally. I really can’t imagine a Disney Creative Photography Department without you! You have been there so many many years. All that said, it’s time for you to take a rest from the day to day grind of churning out incredible photo after incredible photo. I hope to see you more in the future, and maybe do some fun shooting at Disney together once again. Wishing you all the best that Disney retirement has to offer. I visit the parks fairly regularly as you know. So, I hope to bump into you there from time to time.
Your pal and admirer,
Bob D.
Beautiful picture of a magnificent animal. Best of luck in the future & thanks for you years of service!
Such a beautiful photo of Gino. You are truly talented! Best of luck in your new endeavors.
Gene;
I have greatly enjoyed your Disney Photos over the last 20 + years. It will be sad to see you gone from the park blog. I have always hoped to run into you in the park just to get to know you. If you ever decide you want to do a photo walk at the park I would love to go along.
Thanks for capturing so many magical moments for us over the years. Mine of course will always be the morning you took pictures of Reagan taking his first independent steps in the Magic Kingdom. Thank you for being a part of that day. Wishing you many more magical years wherever the path of life may take you 🙂
Congratulations on your achievements thus far and best wishes in your future endeavors. Make sure you notify me when you get your blog going, Gene. I’m looking forward to it!
One of my most favorite subjects in all of Walt Disney World. Thank you for the shot of Gino, and thank you for your beautiful photography through the years. Wishing you much success on your future endeavors!
Thank you, Gene, for letting us see such beauty through your lens! All the best for your next chapter!
Gene, you have a genuine gift and a keep photographer’s eye. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and for capturing the magic for nearly 40 years.
Sincerely,
a fellow photog
Gene, I have great memories of our time working together.
Thank you Gene for letting us live through your lens! Your pictures are an inspiration and they truly capture the Disney “Magic”!
Gene, we can’t thank you enough for all you have done to create memories that will last a lifetime through your beautiful photographs. From dignitaries to dirt mounds (construction shots) you had an amazing touch and eye. Hugs!
I absolutely love Gene’s pictures posted on this blog. I’m sure I’m not alone in having Disney be an every couple of years vacation (and I’m grateful for that — I know for some it is a dream never taken vacation and a once in a lifetime vacation). The pictures from Disney Parks on this blog always bring me back (to the park and to this blog!)
Thank you for sharing your talent with the world, Gene. I’ve enjoyed your photos and posts on the Disney Parks Blog. Best of luck for the future! I look forward to following along on Facebook.
Thank you for sharing so many amazing images from around Disney over the years, Gene!
Congratulations, Gene! And, not just on your retirement, but on your achievements. I’ve met you a few times at events and in the parks and always enjoyed the opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate your work. I’m not a photographer myself, but I have a deep appreciation for a great photo and you have produced so many for the Parks Blog and for Disney over the years. Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Best wishes!
Gene,
Thanks so much for all your fantastic contributions – you have an amazing eye for the beauty found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort! Best wishes to you!
Great Shot! Gene, good luck in all your future adventures.
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