I’ve lived in Chicago for more than 35 years and I’ve spent many, many evenings enjoying downtown Chicago at night. Seeing the Museum Campus and Grant Park after a night game at Soldier Field, strolling down Michigan Avenue after a concert at Symphony Hall, looking down on the lights of the city from the Signature Room at the 95th, boat rides at night on the Lake Michigan or the Chicago River or just watching the city from my office windows on those late nights working. I thought I knew downtown Chicago at night.

Well, Max Wilson has opened my eyes to a new view of Chicago. His six minute time lapse video of Chicago at night. “Windy City Nights” is an amazing piece of art for anyone but it is particularly moving for those of us who call Chicago home. Over a two year period, Wilson shot over 200,000 exposures which occupied more than 8 Terabytes of data storage. He wheedled building managements to give him access to rooftops and other vantage points that bring a new perspective while also taking fantastic shots from places where thousands of Chicagoans and visitors stand day after day. He has put in all into a six minute video that shows what a beautiful and amazing city Chicago is.

For more information about Max Wilson and to learn how to license his work, visit his website: www.photoalbumarchives.com

Image: A still from “Windy City Nights” by photographer Max Wilson. © Max Wilson