Stephen Wilkes’ “Day To Night”

Stephen Wilkes is a wonderful (and world-renowned) Westport photographer.

From works documenting climate change and Hurricane Katrina to National Geographic shots of Westport’s blood moon and Compo clouds, he’s got an eye for intriguing details and stories.

“Day to Night” is Wilkes’ most defining project. Begun in 2009, the series of cityscapes and landscapes captures fleeting moments of humanity, as light passes over the course of full day. Blending so many images into a single photograph takes months to complete.

Wilkes’ subjects include Paris, and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 2015 (Photo/copyright Stephen Wilkes)

“Day to Night” has been featured on “CBS Sunday Morning,” and as part of America’s National Parks’ centennial celebration.

Now local audiences can see our neighbor’s work.

And the subject is very familiar.

Last summer, Wilkes spent 24 hours on scaffolding at Fairfield’s Jennings Beach. He photographed swimmers, walkers, picnickers and other visitors, under the changing sky.

Wilkes’ newest “Day to Night” image will become part of the Fairfield Museum & History Center’s permanent collection.

A preview fundraising party is set for Saturday, April 28 (7 p.m., 370 Beach Road, Fairfield). Wilkes’ other “Day to Night” works will be shown too.

Stephen Wilkes

Staples High School graduate Matt Storch (Match Burger Lobster, Match restaurant) provides hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Chris Coogan will play.

Stephen Wilkes spent 24 hours last summer taking his photos. And many, many days afterwards composing his Jennings Beach “Day to Night.”

The party lasts only 3 hours. But the exhibit runs April 29 to June 3.

(For more information on the “Day to Night” preview party, and tickets, click here.)