Memorial Union Terrace
Madison, WI
Famous colorful sunburst chairs, Lake Mendota backdrop, sailboats, classic Wisconsin summer feel. Highly Instagrammable.
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NO COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED. UW-Madison has a strict policy. If you're shooting with a paying client, campus police will ask you to leave. Workaround: Shoot at nearby Picnic Point instead (no restrictions) or get a UW Special Events permit ($150+, 2-week lead time). Contact: Union South Events (608-890-3000).
Photographers get burned by this constantly. Every "best Madison photo spots" list includes the Terrace, but none mention the commercial policy. Don't be that photographer.
Best Times (if you CAN shoot here): Late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden light on chairs. Sunset over the lake (west-facing).
This is the big one. Verify policy before any shoot, even personal ones.