Sounds of Liberty

Photographic Innoventions by Scott Thomas

Photography is a visual art which makes it a challenge to convey the other senses. Walt Disney World on the other hand fills our senses with the smell of buttered popcorn, feel of acceleration on Rock’n Roller Coaster, taste of a pineapple Dole Whip and then there is sound. As soon as you enter a Disney park you hear it. Each area has unique music being played in the background. Sounds are everywhere.

How do you capture sound in a photograph? You can photograph things which reference sound like musical instruments, CDs, iPods, fireworks explosions, cars smoking tires and so on. Another way is to show people playing those instruments, cheering, yelling or singing. The latter is what I did in the photo below of the a cappella group, The Voices of Liberty, who perform approximately fifteen minutes before each showing of the American Adventure.

The Voices of Liberty a cappella group perform in the rotunda of the Epcot's American Adventure pavilion, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

The Voices of Liberty a cappella group perform in the rotunda of the American Adventure.
Nikon D70/18-200VR, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 800, EV -0.3, 18mm Focal Length

The Voices of Liberty sing American folk songs and patriotic music under the American Adventure pavilion rotunda which was built to enhance sound. If you have never heard them I encourage you to take the time on your next visit to Epcot. As their sound is a beautiful as they look.

Have any questions? My next trip to Walt Disney World is coming up fast. Is there something at the WDW resort you would like to know how to photograph? Let me know and I’ll do my best to come back with information and a photo for you. Thanks!

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Scott's "Photographic Innoventions" blog focuses on intermediate to advanced photography concepts and techniques relevant for Point and Shoot and Digital SLR cameras.

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5 Replies to “Sounds of Liberty”

  1. Scott, I would love it if you showed us how to take pictures of the Epcot “ball” at night. You might have already done this, but I probably missed it! In addition to the above, I’m also looking for tips on how to take pictures of flowers in the area. The Walt Disney World Resort has some incredible plants around!

    Scott replies: Spaceship Earth I can do. Not much of a flower photographer as I don’t have a Macro lens which is a great tool to have for flowers. I’ll see what I can do.

  2. Scott, This is a great photo of the Voices of Liberty…it captures how amazing their voices and sound are in the rotunda. We love listening to them always, and especially when they are singing carols during the Christmas season…can’t wait to hear them in a few weeks.

    I was looking for a good idea on capturing a great shot that I have not done before, and you seemed to have answered it in your “Magic Hour” post from Oct. 16th. Mind if I set up next to you if I get the chance on the 2nd? as we will be taking advantage of EMH there too.

    Scott replies: Sure, Bryan, I’ll keep an eye out for you. I’m going to enjoy those carols, too. I have another idea for a photo of them I want to try and get.

  3. I always see such beautiful crystal clear fireworks shots…especially ones where they leave a “trail” so to speak (I hope you know what I mean!). I would love some info on how to take pictures like that…like settings on the camera and such. My husband and I have an XSi and a tripod…we’re just still learning how to use it all!

    Scott replies: I’ll cover some fireworks shots soon. Also, do a search on the blog as Barrie is very good at fireworks.

  4. Thanks for the reminder. I love the American Adventure but have never heard the Voices of Liberty. Another thing to add to my list in Dec. when we go.

    Scott replies: Yes, this group is fantastic. Check the times on the schedule for when they perform. Also, look for the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performances. They do a show out in front of AA about 15 minutes before the Voices of Liberty.