The Portland Winter Light Festival is an experience of light and dark. It’s full of light installations that become beacons in the dark of night.
This photo is a very good example of a combination of ‘keeping it simple’ in a negative space. The umbrella above the ‘Parade’ sign adds some barely visible color in the black area with just enough visibility to anchor the ‘Parade’ sign. You know, at first I was annoyed that the umbrella intruded into my perfect black background, but then I saw the effect it had and was happy to include it in the photo.
Interactivity Adds Fascination to an Already Remarkable Event
Several of the installations were interactive. Here, children play with changing the color of each light by turning the bulb. As you can see, this simple task held a nice fascination for the kids.
Here is the ‘Gatto della Verita’. After you push a button in the mailbox, supposedly, the cat tells you the truth about you as you stand in front of it. 
I was taken by the finesse of the mosaics that make up the cat’s structure. My goal in this photo was to make sure we saw this installation in with the city in the background to give it a sense of place. And, of course, I was sure to include the person listening to the truth about herself.
A Light Festival Every Night
I end the blog post about the Winter Light Festival with a night scene that’s typical of Portland. The curved line of the lights reflected on the water surrounded by blackness is a nightly affair for all of us to enjoy a light festival every night.
