Cheese. That was all I knew about Wisconsin when I started on this trip. I like cheese. The transitive property says I would like Wisconsin.
I don’t typically like places that are rainy and cold – but I’m sensible enough to know that this may not be the normal weather. Despite the dreariness, Madison, WI has real potential. Did you know that Madison sits between two lakes? Both are only a short walk away with miles of foot and bike paths. This place would be awesome in the summer.
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and I was staying right around the corner from the capitol building. It’s a turbulent time in Wisconsin politics and there have been a lot of protests in the recent past, but I only saw one guy with a sign. For someone who lives in DC, I haven’t seen many protests. I’m okay with that.
I have lots of random fascinations. One is creative naming. I love a cleverly named shop or restaurant and Madison excels in this area. My two favorites were: “Art Gecko” and “Poster Master.” Although I would have opted for “Poster Master General.”
On the plane to Madison I read an ebook called “iPhone Only Photography.” I’m pretty new to the iPhone game. I’ve had mine less than a year. I was very unimpressed with the photos I was getting on my phone. I’m certainly not an expert photographer, but I’m not a complete novice either. Yet, most of my iPhone photos looked terrible or at least terribly disappointing. I see amazing photos on Instagram and became frustrated that I couldn’t replicate these shots. Am I alone in this? My assumption is that I’m not so I highly recommend this quick read and the apps that David Molnar recommends. Get the book here for free.
I was so energized by reading the book on the plane that I spent Tuesday morning wandering around town in the rain to practice what I learned. I’m still no expert, but here are a few of my favorite shots around Madison, Wisconsin. But none of cheese.
Duck Prints Along Lake Monona
Building Along Lake Mendota
Capitol Building
The Overture Theater
Shots Along State Street
Fun Fact: Madison is nicknamed MadTown. Hence the title of this piece. Dazzle your friends with that knowledge nugget.
