How a Native Photographer Captured a Portrait of Impending Winter at Lake Park

The Grand Staircase of Lake Park, designed by famend Milwaukee architect Alfred C. Clas, has linked the pavilion (now Lake Park Bistro), to the lakefront since 1908. It was in 2022 that Kyler Lueck used the staircase because the centerpiece of this quintessentially melancholy portrait of Midwest November, in all its fading fall and implied, impending winter.

It was additionally a time of transition for Lueck as a photographer, as his passion developed into a contract enterprise supplementing his day job as a graphic designer. We requested him about this shot and his images:  

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What “makes” this picture?

My favourite factor concerning the picture is the autumn gloominess that also carries a way of peace and surprise for the viewer. The Grand Staircase is such a recognizable but hidden gem in Milwaukee, and I wished to seize it in a moodier ingredient. That stability of magnificence and melancholy is what makes the scene work for me.

When and the way did you shoot this {photograph}?

I took this {photograph} on Nov. 6, 2022, again after I was taking pictures with a Canon R6. At the time, I had seen a number of photographs of the Grand Staircase on-line, however not many in late fall, so I assumed it might be the right second to seize it. As a photographer, I couldn’t resist such a monumental Milwaukee landmark. Funny sufficient, I keep in mind pondering, “It would be cool to see this published somewhere someday,” and now right here we’re.

What do you keep in mind about that day – was there something particular about it? Is there any story behind this shot?

That day is particularly memorable as a result of it got here in the course of the interval after I was starting to take images extra severely. I had taken a couple of lessons earlier on, which gave me a basis, nevertheless it wasn’t till later—after upgrading to a greater digital camera—that I actually dove in. Around that point, I used to be desirous to seize something and all the things. Downtown Milwaukee, particularly the landmarks alongside the lakefront, drew me in, and the Grand Staircase was on the high of my checklist.

There’s slightly little bit of gloominess to this regardless of the colourful leaves that actually captures this a part of autumn. Is that what you felt as you shot it?

There’s positively a way of gloom on this picture, and I feel it suits the season. By November, a lot of the leaves have fallen or blown away, and winter is on its approach. The stone of the staircase, with its impartial tones, provides to that moodiness, nevertheless it additionally contrasts fantastically with the few remaining leaves. The winding facet steps, the lamps, the wood benches that give it a country appeal, the encompassing woods – all of it labored collectively to reinforce that late fall ambiance.

Tell us slightly about your self as a photographer. Where can individuals discover extra of your work?

I’m a full-time graphic designer, and images began as a passion however has grown into freelance images. Over time, I’ve even been in a position to weave images into my design work, which has opened up new artistic potentialities for me. Having a artistic outlet has grounded me in some ways – there’s one thing about creativity that brings a singular sense of success. I’m primarily based in Germantown, and whereas I get pleasure from photographing locations like this, my specialties are portraits – households, seniors, weddings, engagements and maternity periods. Folks can discover extra of my work on Instagram at @klueckphotography, on Facebook at Kyler Lueck Photography, or at kylerlueckphotography.mypixieset.com.

Is there anything you’d need individuals to find out about this picture, your self or your images?

I get pleasure from assembly new individuals, exploring new places and dealing with them to seize what they’re really on the lookout for. For me, it’s not nearly photographs – it’s concerning the expertise. People aren’t solely getting photos, they’re getting a second that’s memorable, satisfying and, hopefully, one thing price printing.

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The Big Picture is a month-to-month characteristic in Milwaukee Magazine that explores images of Milwaukee and Wisconsin. If you could have a photograph you’d wish to be thought of, electronic mail Creative Director Chelsea Mamerow at cmamerow@milwaukeemag.com.

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