Michael Paul Smith is a master of miniature realism, crafting 1/24 scale models of Elgin Park, an imaginary town inspired by his childhood memories. His photography blends model-building with expert use of lighting, backgrounds, and intricate details, creating scenes that feel remarkably real. By carefully positioning his models near streets or parking lots, he aligns angles and horizons to seamlessly integrate them into their surroundings.
His extensive collection of die-cast vehicles adds authenticity, while his ability to replicate different times of day, seasons, and weather conditions—using simple but effective techniques—enhances the realism. Whether capturing the glow of a streetlamp at night or the damp sheen of a rain-soaked road, Smith’s work transports viewers to a world that feels both familiar and dreamlike.
