Stephen Wilkes is an American photographer celebrated for his innovative “Day to Night” series. Here he captures the passage of time within a single image. Born in New York City, Wilkes began his photography journey at a young age. Later honing his craft at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Wilkes’ career spans over three decades. During which he has explored various genres, including commercial photography, fine art, and editorial work. Yet, it is his “Day to Night” series that has garnered him international acclaim. In this series, Wilkes selects a single location and photographs it from a fixed vantage point over up to 30 hours. He then blends these images, creating a seamless transition. Each image captures the same scene from sunrise to sunset and into the night, all within one frame.
The “Day to Night” series offers a unique perspective on iconic cityscapes and landscapes. Stephen captured the dynamic energy of these environments as they transformed over time. He has photographed locations such as Times Square, the Serengeti during the Great Migration, and the Vatican during Easter Mass. This is among many others.
Wilkes’ work has been featured in prominent publications like National Geographic, Time, and Vanity Fair. His ability to merge storytelling with technical expertise has made him a sought-after photographer for both commercial and fine art projects.
Ellis Island Project (1998-2006)
Development of Day to Night Series (2009-2012)
Expansion of Day to Night and Global Projects (2013-Present)
Exhibitions
• 2012: Day to Night, New York
• 2015: Time in Motion, London
• 2017: The Passage of Time, Paris
• 2019: Changing Perspective, Los Angeles
• 2022: Global Vision, Tokyo
