Michael Paul Smith - Fine Art Photography

Miniature photography

I was born in 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is still my Spiritual Geographical Center even though I have been living in New England now for over 40 years.

Elgin Park itself started out as a way of putting my large diecast car collection in some form of visual context. Instead of just having the car models sitting on a shelf, I decided to build period correct structures, as detailed as the vehicles, to create a sense of “time and space” when the vehicles were placed around them. As the buildings started to grow in number, the next logical step was to create a series of photographic vignettes that captured a moment in mid 20th Century time. Natural light adds another dimension to everything. Taking the models outside took a leap of faith on my part, but was absolutely the right thing to do. Finding the appropriate backdrops is a challenge in itself because most of the past has been torn down or severely altered. But that is part of the fun.

I pride myself on the fact that I do not use photoshop, except to alter the color or add a tint. The Old School method of lining up the models with the background does create some finessing, but the finished product is very rewarding.

My model making skills are an accumulation of numerous and varied jobs I’ve had over the years. Everything from text book illustrator, wallpaper hanger and house painter, designer of museum displays, architectural model maker, and art director for retail stores. My love of the 20th Century has been a constant inspiration for all of my work.

You can see more of my work here.