On this overcast winter day, the ice on Monona bay was about 3 to 4 inches thick–more than enough to attract a good number of ice fisherman… and at least one photographer.

Intrigued by the sight of so many people fishing in the shadow of the state capital, my eye was drawn to the bright teal parka and fluorescent orange mittens, which stood out against the hazy gray palette of the day.  Lily (who shares her name with my eldest daughter) was happy to let me photograph her. She was also eager to point out that she was having much better luck than her father, Adam.

I was there at just the right moment, as Lily pulled a small bluegill from the icy waters, with her proud father standing by to assist. I would’ve stayed to celebrate, but I was losing feeling in my fingers and toes.