The Grand Staircase of Lake Park, designed by renowned Milwaukee architect Alfred C. Clas, has connected the pavilion (now Lake Park Bistro), to the lakefront since 1908. It was in 2022 that Kyler Lueck used the staircase as the centerpiece of this quintessentially melancholy portrait of Midwest November, in all its fading fall and implied, impending winter.
It was also a time of transition for Lueck as a photographer, as his hobby evolved into a freelance business supplementing his day job as a graphic designer. We asked him about this shot and his photography:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
What “makes” this photo?
My favorite thing about the photo is the fall gloominess that still carries a sense of peace and wonder for the viewer. The Grand Staircase is such a recognizable yet hidden gem in Milwaukee, and I wanted to capture it in a moodier element. That balance of beauty and melancholy is what makes the scene work for me.
When and how did you shoot this photograph?
I took this photograph on Nov. 6, 2022, back when I was shooting with a Canon R6. At the time, I had seen several photos of the Grand Staircase online, but not many in late fall, so I thought it would be the perfect moment to capture it. As a photographer, I couldn’t resist such a monumental Milwaukee landmark. Funny enough, I remember thinking, “It would be cool to see this published somewhere someday,” and now here we are.
What do you remember about that day – was there anything special about it? Is there any story behind this shot?
That day is especially memorable because it came during the period when I was beginning to take photography more seriously. I had taken a few classes earlier on, which gave me a foundation, but it wasn’t until later—after upgrading to a better camera—that I really dove in. Around that time, I was eager to capture anything and everything. Downtown Milwaukee, especially the landmarks along the lakefront, drew me in, and the Grand Staircase was at the top of my list.
There’s a little bit of gloominess to this despite the colorful leaves that really captures this part of autumn. Is that what you felt as you shot it?
There’s definitely a sense of gloom in this image, and I think it fits the season. By November, most of the leaves have fallen or blown away, and winter is on its way. The stone of the staircase, with its neutral tones, adds to that moodiness, but it also contrasts beautifully with the few remaining leaves. The winding side steps, the lamps, the wooden benches that give it a rustic charm, the surrounding woods – it all worked together to enhance that late fall atmosphere.
Tell us a little about yourself as a photographer. Where can people find more of your work?
I’m a full-time graphic designer, and photography started as a hobby but has grown into freelance photography. Over time, I’ve even been able to weave photography into my design work, which has opened up new creative possibilities for me. Having a creative outlet has grounded me in many ways – there’s something about creativity that brings a unique sense of fulfillment. I’m based in Germantown, and while I enjoy photographing places like this, my specialties are portraits – families, seniors, weddings, engagements and maternity sessions. Folks can find more of my work on Instagram at @klueckphotography, on Facebook at Kyler Lueck Photography, or at kylerlueckphotography.mypixieset.com.
Is there anything else you’d want people to know about this photo, yourself or your photography?
I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new locations and working with them to capture what they’re truly looking for. For me, it’s not just about photos – it’s about the experience. People aren’t only getting pictures, they’re getting a moment that’s memorable, enjoyable and, hopefully, something worth printing.
The Big Picture is a monthly feature in Milwaukee Magazine that explores photography of Milwaukee and Wisconsin. If you have a photo you’d like to be considered, email Creative Director Chelsea Mamerow at cmamerow@milwaukeemag.com.
