Artist and photographer Michael Paul Smith has spent hours upon hours photographing one special town that he holds very dear to his heart. There is something that always drew him to it, and the images he created are simple, but stunning. They glow with small-town charm and innocence, reminiscent of days and decades past.
The town he photographs is quaint and beautiful.
Michael Paul Smith
It’s like each picture tells a story of how life used to be in the United States.
Michael Paul Smith
There’s not much going on in these pictures, but it’s obvious that this town is nothing but charm.
Michael Paul Smith
But, as it turns out, also not real.
Michael Paul Smith
Michael builds custom miniature models and sets, meticulously crafting every detail.
Michael Paul Smith
Then, the 60 year-old photographer creates the hyper-realistic images.
Michael Paul Smith
If you didn’t know any better, you might think these are vintage photos of a town from a few decades ago…
Michael Paul Smith
And NOT the extremely small models this man built.
Michael Paul Smith
He started building these models as an exercise. He wanted to practice his craft and also photography.
Michael Paul Smith
He never imagined it would be a “dream-like reconstruction” of the town he grew up in.
Michael Paul Smith
To Michael, this is what quintessential America looked like when he was a kid.
Michael Paul Smith
It is absolutely beautiful.
Michael Paul Smith
If “Elgin Park” were a real town, I would love to live there.
Michael Paul Smith
He creates the scenes by setting up Danbury Mint and Franklin Mint die cast autos and trucks in front of his models on card tables.
Michael Paul Smith
Then, he uses the surrounding scenery to make the backgrounds for the photos.
Michael Paul Smith
The perspective has to be JUST right…
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Usually the resulting photos are completely convincing.
Michael Paul Smith
Even when you know what’s going on behind the scenes.
Michael Paul Smith
It’s all an illusion.
Michael Paul Smith
But Michael is able to make an incredibly convincing one.
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
His selfies aren’t part of the official photo series, but I think they just add to the charm of his work.
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
Michael Paul Smith
If you’d like to see more pictures of this perfect American town, visit the Elgin Park website. To learn more about Michael’s work, please visit the Craftsmanship Museumwebsite for a full writeup on his talents and process.
Source: Amusing Planet
Michael’s work is a reminder of how things used to be (and how we may remember them). Share his unique photography with others.
