Excerpts from a Geographer's Photo Archive
One of the things I love about the city is that it is changing, becoming more interesting, and better. I treasure the memory that some spaces hold as they become something else. I bought a sport coat here in 1986 so I could go on job interviews and I got one free along with it. It was a warehouse setting with old guys with tape measures. It was a great shop–I’m glad they left the painted wall and the memory when they turned it into condos. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2015)
The iconic shot of City Hall is the view down Water Street that appeared for many years on a TV Sitcom. This is the elegant atrium that you seldom see a photo of. I remember being a college student and having to look up records here. It is a startlingly stunning place. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2023)
I’ve come to love the sunburst over time. I particularly like how it looks at night. The sculpture is called “The Calling” and Santiago Calatrava took the sculptures placement in context when he designed the Art Museum wing. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2024)
When I was a boy, the Detroit Institute of Arts had a fabulous ad singing that “you’ve got to have art.” I recommend checking the video and the recent remake. I often hum the tune when passing by my hometown art museum. The museum itself is a signature art piece by Santiago Calatrava. I’ve traveled in other countries visiting Calatrava sites and the Milwaukee Art Museum is often mentioned as a signature piece. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2024)
I was out taking photos of something else when I found this place down the side street. The photo doesn’t really do the building justice. The brickwork and the detail on these row houses is stunning. Bay View is filled with so many different gems like this. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2025)
I love all the statues around the Brewers ballpark. This is my favorite. The statue honors the 3 workers who died in an accident while building the stadium. Behind me in the photo are the names of all the people who built the facility. Tonight the Brewers return home to play the Nationals tonight, but those people made that possible. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2023)
I went with a friend to Governor’s Island in the Harbor. We took a long walk around the island that day. One of the more interesting finds was a “high end” campground. I like to camp. I like NYC. I want to do those things as “separates.” However it looked like grand fun. (New York, New York, 2022)
I was sitting the the office one day and noticed this parent and child riding their bikes. They evidently needed to traverse the stairs. I watched as the parent patiently coached the child about carrying the bike up the steps. It was touching and affirming as the child accomplished a challenging task. Then they rode off together. (Reykjavik, Iceland 2024)
I’m often asked, when is the best time to visit Iceland? My response is that “its always a good time to visit Iceland.” In fact, today is a good day to visit Iceland. So go. See the Perla. (Reykjavik, Iceland, 2024)
When I was in Argentina I saw these signs all over in parks and on streets. I’m old enough to remember the war if you are under 50, its doubtful you have heard of the war. Argentina still maintains its claim on the Malvinas. I don’t know if it was coincidence or not, but I ran into very few British during my visit. (Salta, Argentina, 2025)
Lighted Spaces and Landscapes 