Stephen Wilkes is a renowned American photographer celebrated for his innovative approach to capturing time and space. Born in 1957 in New York City, Wilkes developed an early passion for photography, which he pursued through formal education at Syracuse University. His career began in the 1980s, during which he worked on commercial photography projects, gradually carving a niche in the world of editorial and fine art photography. Over the years, Wilkes built a diverse portfolio, photographing a wide array of subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to intimate portraits and large-scale documentary projects.
Signature Style and Acclaim
Stephen Wilkes’ work is recognized for its meticulous composition, technical mastery, and unique ability to capture the passage of time. One of his most celebrated series, titled Day to Night, exemplifies his innovative approach to the medium. In this series, Wilkes merges hundreds or even thousands of photographs taken over the course of a single day into a single, stunning panoramic image. These works invite the viewer to experience the dynamic and often imperceptible changes that occur over time, presenting a new perspective on the way we perceive the world around us. His career has been marked by numerous accolades and exhibitions, and his photographs have been featured in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of the City of New York, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Geographic Society. Additionally, he has been commissioned by renowned magazines, including National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, and Time, further establishing his influence in the field.
Sports and Personal Passion
From the very early days of his career, Stephen Wilkes has always been interested in embracing new techniques in photography and combining them with various themes he feels drawn to. Sports was one of them, especially in the formative years of his career;
“I loved playing sports as a kid; basketball and baseball were my favorite sports to play. As I got into photography, I was always drawn to areas that I was both curious and passionate about, and sports naturally became one of the many themes in my work.”
In 1989, he received the assignment to photograph Michael Jordan for Nike, and being a big fan, Wilkes recalls the opportunity as a highlight shaping the early years in his career. The resulting photograph titled Graffiti Wall captures a moment of dynamic visual contrast, blending iconic street art with the larger-than-life presence of the legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan. The photograph presents a vibrant, colorful wall of graffiti in a basketball court, filled with layers of urban art that reflect the energy and creative spirit of street culture. Against this backdrop, Michael Jordan is captured in between children suspended mid-air, about to dunk the basketball. One of the players looks up at Michael Jordan, with a facial expression reflecting his astonishment towards the extraordinary NBA figure.
Behind the Shot: Photographing Michael Jordan
Looking back, Stephen Wilkes remembers that the photograph was challenging to produce. He says, “The concept was to capture Michael with a group of kids playing a pickup game. This was the first and only time Michael was photographed in an urban location, using real kids from a local school. We found this fabulous location in a local park in downtown Chicago. We recruited 9 local high school kids to play in the pickup game.” Upon arrival, Michael Jordan told Stephen Wilkes that he would only dunk three times to avoid a potential injury, which meant they had to get the shot within a tight window. Wilkes recalls the exact moment he recorded the image, “Michael’s awe-inspiring athleticism and kinetic energy were on full display. I can still remember one of the kids (who wore Michael’s 23 Bulls jersey) began talking trash, just as Michael was taking the ball up the court. I watched in amazement as he began to put the young man’s taunts to rest. He suddenly did a crossover move and began to take off from what appeared to be the top of the key. As Michael elevated, his body uncurled and stretched upward as he reached peak altitude. The expressions on the players’ faces at that moment were a testament to what we all had just witnessed. That was the moment captured in this photograph.” Wilkes remembers that it was a joy to work with Michael Jordan and that he even signed over 200 autographs after the shoot had ended.
Legacy of Graffiti Wall
Graffiti Wall soon became an iconic celebration of street culture, sports, and identity. Michael Jordan, as one of the most inspirational athletes in history, represents excellence, aspiration, and cultural impact. The graffiti wall, with its vibrant colors and layers of urban art, symbolizes raw creativity, rebellion, and the voice of the streets. Wilkes’ unique approach to capturing the image also presents an interplay between movement and stillness. In contrast to the fast-paced nature of the game, both Michael Jordan and the players seem to be frozen within the few seconds where the star is reaching for the basketball hoop. Graffiti Wall is an early example of Stephen Wilkes’ innate ability to create visually striking images that evoke a sense of awe and wonder and present a new perspective on the way we perceive the world around us through shared experiences.
By Tuana Pulak – June 2025