Allen’s Images and Characters Captured the Magic at Disney

This summer, Allen discovered a new passion that would change how he sees the world. He returned to campus this fall with his luggage and backpack – like most other travelers – except there was another strap looped around his neck, and suspended at his chest was his Nikon camera, ready to capture whatever moment he found himself in. At first, photography was simply another activity to add to his resume. Then something clicked, and he hasn't been able to let go. His pictures have evolved rapidly in his short portfolio, and the Thanksgiving trip to Disney for Rectory School boarding students became the perfect opportunity to expand his craft.

Secondary school applications loom large for students at private boarding schools, and the selection process grows more competitive each year. Allen decided he needed to stand out to reach his dream school. "It all started because I really wanted to expand my interests, and my first time was during a family vacation trip," he explained. After taking thousands of photos and learning to edit in Lightroom, he soon realized something profound: "There is so much time that goes into telling a story through photography." Maybe it was the sound of the first shutter closing, or the magic of bringing a dark image back to life while editing. Perhaps it's the entire process – planning, capturing, composing, editing, and sharing – that proves how a picture is worth a thousand words. Allen describes photography's greatest power as its "ability to stop time," which is why he carries his camera everywhere. "There is always a surprise in the world," he says. When he learned he was heading to Disney for Thanksgiving break, he made no rigid plans, trusting that the Most Magical Place on Earth would deliver surprises in abundance.

The colors, landscapes, culture, and traditions of Disney World were almost overwhelming for the young photographer. For Allen, Disney's appeal lies in its seamless fantasy. "Disney is so special because it is a completely fantasy world that feels realistic," he said. "It's like a one-to-one ratio and you feel like you are actually there." This immersive quality made it the ideal setting to test his growing skills. Allen took almost 1,000 images during his trip, then narrowed them down to about 15 that he carefully edited to tell the story of this fantasy world. When reflecting on his collection, he described his photography style as "enthusiastic, like you are participating with them."

His collection includes incredible moments of colorful wildlife and culture from Animal Kingdom. At Epcot, he encountered a new challenge: capturing fireworks. The technical aspects of photography present a steep learning curve for beginners. "You have to know how to choose the right settings like your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO," he explained. Undeterred, he pulled up YouTube tutorials and adjusted his settings just in time to capture the perfect moment, producing some of the most beautiful fireworks shots over Epcot and Magic Kingdom. [Watch the collection of photos below]

In his second year at Rectory, Allen has embraced the school's philosophy of exploration and open-minded learning. Rectory has taught him to approach new challenges with curiosity rather than hesitation, and photography exemplifies this growth. He compares his practice to athletics: "It's like basketball or any other sport – the more you practice, the better you get. Practice, practice, practice." While the Photography Related Arts class is currently only offered to ninth-grade students, Allen still has years ahead at Rectory to continue developing his eye and technique. At the rate he's capturing and refining images, he may one day mentor other aspiring photographers himself. Already, Mrs. Gould and the yearbook staff, along with the communications office, have benefited from remarkable student-generated content coming out of his Nikon.

Time may pause in his pictures, but as time passes, Allen continues to grow and evolve. Photography started as a resume builder for school applications, but it has become a passion he cannot shake. The Rectory community is fortunate to witness his development and to share in these carefully crafted visual stories – like his unforgettable retelling of a magical Thanksgiving trip to Disney.