America in Detail, Revisited with Stephen Wilkes

Stephen Wilkes is an undisputed master at telling stories with images. In this week’s podcast, he pinpoints the exact moment he was given free rein to dream up an epic photo project for a major exhibition that would come to redefine photographic printing technology.

Above Photograph © Stephen Wilkes

In the year 2000, he was commissioned to capture the beauty and complexity of America at the turn of the Millennium on large format film, then transform his highly detailed film captures into immersive fine art prints using Epson’s groundbreaking printing technology. Twenty-five years later, he's revisiting this project to reveal the continuing advancements of photographic fine art printing while also paying homage to the 250th anniversary of the country’s birth.

Highlights from Stephen’s spirited chat with Derek include his historical assessment of how descriptors such as “Color” and “Digital” have been met with a similar sense of incredulity as photographic technology has evolved and his belief in the power of the camera as a conversation starter, a connector, and a means to a magical exchange of energy.

What’s more, Stephen’s dramatic imitation of a Pentecostal preacher wreathed by hissing snakes had us riveted to his every word, and the lessons he shared from his mentor, Jay Maisel left us inspired to work. Among his favorites was Jay’s probing query, “Well, do you like pictures, or do you like the act of photographing? Choose one.” As Stephen notes, “That was a great question, and he always posed that to me. But for me, I never had a doubt. I’ve always loved the act of photographing. I get lost. Whatever it is I’m doing.”

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format.

Guest: Stephen Wilkes

Episode Timeline

• 0:00: Stephen Wilkes: America in Detail, Revisited.
• 0:45: Photography as a storytelling tool.
• 1:33: Reflecting on the past 25 years and Stephen’s America in Detail project with Epson in the year 2000.
• 3:32: Stephen’s interest in being a historian of photography to capture a unique moment in history.
• 5:42: Stephen describes his exhibitions of immersive digital prints—it’s a visceral experience.
• 9:40: A comeback to creating prints and print media in the digital age.
• 13:17: Memorable moments from Stephen’s America in Detail project.
• 15:36: Stephen’s encounter with Pentecostal minister Pastor Anderson and his snakes.
• 27:14: Finding a balance between letting go and staying creative despite commercial pressures.
• 28:44: Gary Greff’s Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota
• 31:13: It’s all about the mind’s eye—technology that gives us the opportunity to show us things we’ve never seen before.
• 32:40: Lesson’s learned from Stephen’s mentor Jay Maisel—do you like pictures or do you like the act of photographing?
• 35:11: The camera as a connection—as a conversation starter & energy exchange—positive, negative, and even hidden energy fields.
• 41:46: Is there any benefit to worry? Plus pushing through rough spots to a positive result.
• 46:58: Revisiting Stephen’s America in Detail project with current printing and processing technology.
• 52:07: Parting thoughts and another story about Jay Maisel: It all starts with curiosity—Let your curiosity drive your work.

Guest Bio

Stephen Wilkes is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer known for his groundbreaking imagery that blends documentary storytelling with fine art. Since opening his studio in New York City in 1983, Wilkes has built a career that spans editorial, commercial and fine art photography, earning a reputation as one of America’s most iconic and innovative visual artists.

Host: Derek Fahsbender 
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Technical Producer/Video Editor: Peter Maziarz
Executive Producer: Dana Glidden