Both Uses

contrast
in
Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
(Edited)

Freddie looked the boy up and down, taking in the steady but secretive eyes and the startling contrast between Ruth's lemony skin and the boy's black skin.
Chpt 1 *

contrast = difference
More unsettling than the darkness, however, was the fact that in contrast to the heat outside ..., it was as cold as ice in Pilate's house.
Chpt 8 *

in contrast = in a comparison that shows differences

Definitions:

(1) (contrast as in: contrast their writing styles)
point to differences between; or compare to show differences
(2) (contrast as in: there is a contrast)
a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
(3) (contrast as in: sharpen the picture contrast)
the difference between tones of an image -- as in a photo or video -- such as the quality of brightness or the intensity of shades or colors
(4) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)