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Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale
Michael Paul Smith’s Elgin Park is a lot of things: a mid-century utopia, a fantastical world, and an optical illusion. The imaginative town – composed entirely of miniatures – delights audiences worldwide, attracting to date more than 76 million views on Flickr.
At first glance, Michael’s work appears to be wonderful photographs from a bygone era. The awe slips in as it becomes clear that he not only created the photographs – without using Photoshop – but also built everything in each scene except the cars, which are 1/24th-scale diecast models from his extensive collection.
Michael constructs much of what is barely visible in the photos: shoeboxes, furniture, stage lights, a lawnmower, and machines in the laundromat. A close inspection of each photograph takes your breath away: even the gravel, snow, and tire tracks are to scale.
Many of the photographs were taken outdoors against natural backgrounds in the artist’s neighborhood – but the models, scenarios, stories, and humor are pure talent and imagination.
Although the photographs are strong enough to stand alone as the main character of this delightful book, there’s another story: how a humble recluse who doesn’t even own a car has created an online community – a global neighborhood of young and old, male and female, many asking the same question: How does this guy do this?
At first glance, Michael’s work appears to be wonderful photographs from a bygone era. The awe slips in as it becomes clear that he not only created the photographs – without using Photoshop – but also built everything in each scene except the cars, which are 1/24th-scale diecast models from his extensive collection.
Michael constructs much of what is barely visible in the photos: shoeboxes, furniture, stage lights, a lawnmower, and machines in the laundromat. A close inspection of each photograph takes your breath away: even the gravel, snow, and tire tracks are to scale.
Many of the photographs were taken outdoors against natural backgrounds in the artist’s neighborhood – but the models, scenarios, stories, and humor are pure talent and imagination.
Although the photographs are strong enough to stand alone as the main character of this delightful book, there’s another story: how a humble recluse who doesn’t even own a car has created an online community – a global neighborhood of young and old, male and female, many asking the same question: How does this guy do this?
- GenresPhotographyNonfictionArt
324 pages, Other
First published October 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 26, 2016
I’m a child of the 50’s and as a young boy I loved gluing together Airfix models: aeroplanes and ships, mainly. Ok, I left out some of the fiddly bits and used way too much glue, but I’d slap some paint on them and in a dull light they didn’t look too bad. Then I’d add some figures from my soldier sets into the mix and a scene was created. Well, Michael Paul Smith has taken this simple idea to a whole new level! He creates and then photographs scenes from mid 20th Century America that are indistinguishable from the real thing. It’s spooky and it’s clever… and his collection of pictures is now a web sensation.
In this book, I got to learn how his hoard of diecast cars and trucks (now extending to over 300 items) inspired him to set up scenes to photograph them in what looked like a real 1940’s or 1950’s setting – i.e. in keeping with the vintage of the vehicles. He constructs the basic backdrop - model buildings, storefronts, window displays etc – and then adds the vehicles. Then the really clever bit: he uses real life scenes as a backdrop to his own creation. The results are amazing. The skill is not only in the care taken to build the models and put the scene together but also in the way he uses perspective in his photographs to cleverly scale the backdrop to fit his creation. You really have to see it to believe it.
All his diecast models are amazing replicas of the real vehicles with even the tyre treads being accurate representations. They are all 1/24th scale and therefore everything else has to fit this scale, even down to the dirt and snow he adds to the scenes. And he builds all of this in a small home kitchen using just a few rudimentary tools. One of my favourite pictures is a late night street scene he completed in 2004, where he’s pictured a car outside a store with snow on the ground. There is clear evidence of cars haven parked there before and then driven off. Everything looks spot on and I’d challenge anyone to identify that’s it not a real-life photo. The trick, I think, is in the way the whole thing is lit. It’s brilliant.
In answering questions about his life, Michael tells us that he’s held down many jobs but that his role as a museum display designer was the most helpful in helping him set and present his scenes. There is a Flickr photostream, a website dedicated to Michael’s creation of his fictional town, Elgin Park, and a great nine-minute video which if you’re the least bit interested in this idea you really must not miss. The whole thing surprised and delighted me.
link: Flickr
link: web site
link: video
My thanks to Animal Media Group and NetGalley for providing a e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, I got to learn how his hoard of diecast cars and trucks (now extending to over 300 items) inspired him to set up scenes to photograph them in what looked like a real 1940’s or 1950’s setting – i.e. in keeping with the vintage of the vehicles. He constructs the basic backdrop - model buildings, storefronts, window displays etc – and then adds the vehicles. Then the really clever bit: he uses real life scenes as a backdrop to his own creation. The results are amazing. The skill is not only in the care taken to build the models and put the scene together but also in the way he uses perspective in his photographs to cleverly scale the backdrop to fit his creation. You really have to see it to believe it.
All his diecast models are amazing replicas of the real vehicles with even the tyre treads being accurate representations. They are all 1/24th scale and therefore everything else has to fit this scale, even down to the dirt and snow he adds to the scenes. And he builds all of this in a small home kitchen using just a few rudimentary tools. One of my favourite pictures is a late night street scene he completed in 2004, where he’s pictured a car outside a store with snow on the ground. There is clear evidence of cars haven parked there before and then driven off. Everything looks spot on and I’d challenge anyone to identify that’s it not a real-life photo. The trick, I think, is in the way the whole thing is lit. It’s brilliant.
In answering questions about his life, Michael tells us that he’s held down many jobs but that his role as a museum display designer was the most helpful in helping him set and present his scenes. There is a Flickr photostream, a website dedicated to Michael’s creation of his fictional town, Elgin Park, and a great nine-minute video which if you’re the least bit interested in this idea you really must not miss. The whole thing surprised and delighted me.
link: Flickr
link: web site
link: video
My thanks to Animal Media Group and NetGalley for providing a e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2015
I was drawn to this book for it's existence in the space between. A communal nostalgia that provides refuge for thousands on the internet, a shared space that the artist creates, but also interacts and reacts to the viewer via his studio and on Flickr.
Exploring the creative process of how Smith assembles his work, how he decides on the layout is just as interesting as the model work skill he displays. Truly tromp l'oeil. And he's not stingy about divulging his trade secrets about how he creates things from finishes to the objects used as the set for his car collection.
There is nostalgia expressed in these dioramas that remind one of Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegon, Norman Rockwell's illustrations, and the movie A Christmas Story, an image of uncomplicated innocence, simpler times, and a wholesomeness. Smith started with sets to display his extensive collection of model cars and ended up telling the story of Elgin Park. The town and its citizens were born out of the pictures as stories were told about them, as Smith interacted with followers who clamored for more. And the resulting viewer transformative works included are fabulous.
The photographs of Smith breaking the illusion are in some ways more interesting. Where the nostalgia of an unreal past is alluring, the breaking of the plane and making you acknowledge it's irreality speaks more to me about the truth. Additionally, the creation of a shared history of Elgin Park between Smith and viewers to his Flickr feed is an interesting millennial phenomenon of collective unconscious. Ellison has also contributed to the feeling of a bygone time by highlighting Smith's "Aww shucks!" attitude towards praise, the humility he expresses in his communications with fans that harkens back to a less self-aggrandizing time period. To be fair, Smith admits to being incredibly shy and finds the internet freeing in many ways.
Over the course and during the last few chapters as Smith answers question about the concept behind Elgin Park, how he did it and why, it becomes clear that he is very aware that he has preserved a memory that doesn't really exist, but wishes did or more precisely, wishes still exists.
I absolutely enjoyed this book, and am presently trying to think who needs this book because I know someone does.
Visit Elgin Park: http://www.visitelginpark.com
~copy provided by Netgalley~
Exploring the creative process of how Smith assembles his work, how he decides on the layout is just as interesting as the model work skill he displays. Truly tromp l'oeil. And he's not stingy about divulging his trade secrets about how he creates things from finishes to the objects used as the set for his car collection.
There is nostalgia expressed in these dioramas that remind one of Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegon, Norman Rockwell's illustrations, and the movie A Christmas Story, an image of uncomplicated innocence, simpler times, and a wholesomeness. Smith started with sets to display his extensive collection of model cars and ended up telling the story of Elgin Park. The town and its citizens were born out of the pictures as stories were told about them, as Smith interacted with followers who clamored for more. And the resulting viewer transformative works included are fabulous.
The photographs of Smith breaking the illusion are in some ways more interesting. Where the nostalgia of an unreal past is alluring, the breaking of the plane and making you acknowledge it's irreality speaks more to me about the truth. Additionally, the creation of a shared history of Elgin Park between Smith and viewers to his Flickr feed is an interesting millennial phenomenon of collective unconscious. Ellison has also contributed to the feeling of a bygone time by highlighting Smith's "Aww shucks!" attitude towards praise, the humility he expresses in his communications with fans that harkens back to a less self-aggrandizing time period. To be fair, Smith admits to being incredibly shy and finds the internet freeing in many ways.
Over the course and during the last few chapters as Smith answers question about the concept behind Elgin Park, how he did it and why, it becomes clear that he is very aware that he has preserved a memory that doesn't really exist, but wishes did or more precisely, wishes still exists.
I absolutely enjoyed this book, and am presently trying to think who needs this book because I know someone does.
Visit Elgin Park: http://www.visitelginpark.com
~copy provided by Netgalley~
March 8, 2016
"...I'm just an old guy creating small things on my kitchen table."
I can honestly say that Michael Paul Smith is much more than that. This guy has so much talent, his creativity has no boundaries.
Elgin Park is a fictional town which was inspired by the neighbourhood Michael Paul Smith grew up in. Against the backdrop of his current neighbourhood, he uses his 300+ vintage diecast cars and modelled homes as characters in dioramas of Elgin Park. Edges between reality and fiction disappear when looking at these images.
MPS' recreated childhood home
No Photoshop skills needed, as MPS 'only' uses his point-and-shoot camera on the automatic setting, to create these realistic scenes.
By posting his work on Flickr, he created yet another community; that of an online world with fans and followers. His art went viral, people flocked to his account, many became friends through the discussions that followed beneath the pictures (Clicking on the following images will take you directly to their Flickr pages).
MPS is also storyteller, most of the dioramas have an accompanying story in the captions. Fans engage in the discussions, some go as far by altering photos and adding themselves in it.
MPS' childhood home in the early stages of modeling the house.
There is this sense of an actual neighbourhood with luxury vintage cars parked outside.
And one of my favorites, as there are so many things going on. It is like the image is buzzing with activity, taken while waiting to cross the street. Cars going in several directions, the setting sun adding special touches to the surroundings...
What is even more special is all the detailed work he does to the modeling houses; furniture, wallpaper, tiling, everything he can think of. Whether or not they will be seen in the phographs, they are there.
This book is different from his previous book. While images might overlap, in this one he details about how it all started, the setups and locations of his shoots, how he creates his modeling houses (tools, materials, etc), even shares how he dirtens up the diecast cars or the ground of the dioramas to give them that realistic look.
So realistic, that there were questions where it was located, one visitor actually planned on taking a trip to Elgin Park.
It is easy to imagine yourself living in that era when seeing these images. Feeling right at home, even if you were not born then. This is MPS' strongest suit, he just knows how to bring back those nostalgic times.
I really enjoyed going through this book. So if you are into modeling houses, diecast cars, photography, or just in need of a good and artful coffee table book, this is one to take a closer look at.
image credits: all from Michael Paul Smith' Flickr account.
Review copy supplied by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a rating and/or review.
July 17, 2017
I have to start my review by saying that Elgin Park is the first book I read that combines photography and arts and crafts in such a unique way. Michael Paul Smith does an amazing job introducing a hobby that gained such a following the past few years and interests people all over the world.
Elgin Park is a fictional town built by Mr. Smith. A romantic at heart artist with so much talent and an affinity for true American nostalgia. This book contains amazing photos and all his efforts to built something so inspiring and majestic.
The photos are not processed or photoshopped, the scenes are directed perfectly and everything used is a hand-made. The feel of those decades is apparent even in the tiniest detail and the final product looks too real.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- Great for every car enthusiast.
- Or a photography buff...
- And even for lovers of the early 1900's to 1960's.
- You can also visit the Elgin Park here: http://www.visitelginpark.com
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Elgin Park is a fictional town built by Mr. Smith. A romantic at heart artist with so much talent and an affinity for true American nostalgia. This book contains amazing photos and all his efforts to built something so inspiring and majestic.
The photos are not processed or photoshopped, the scenes are directed perfectly and everything used is a hand-made. The feel of those decades is apparent even in the tiniest detail and the final product looks too real.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- Great for every car enthusiast.
- Or a photography buff...
- And even for lovers of the early 1900's to 1960's.
- You can also visit the Elgin Park here: http://www.visitelginpark.com
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 7, 2018
This title had been languishing on my NetGalley shelf for a few months, and I am very sorry that I waited so long to read it! My husband and I have been discussing putting together scenes using miniatures for some upcoming art projects, and this book could not have been more inspirational.
I'd never heard of Elgin Park or Michael Paul Smith prior to seeing this title listed on NetGalley, but the instant I started reading the description and Smith's initial motivation for creating his 1/24th scale scenes -- needing something to do with his collection of die-cast miniature cars (!!) -- I could relate. My home is awash in miniature figures of all sorts, and while Smith focuses on buildings, cars, and the outdoors rather than on scenes focused on people, they are very evocative. A car door might be open, a newspaper sitting out on a counter - evidence that someone has been there. Except that they haven't, because the photographs are of miniature scenes he has staged to feature his collection of die-cast cars, many of them replicating historical photographs.
You can see a lot of Michael Paul Smith's art on Flickr, along with adaptations made by fans who have inserted themselves or other objects into his scenes. The book is not only a lot of fun to look at, but a great resource for anyone who might be interested in undertaking a similar project, as he details the composition of a couple of his scenes and what he used to put them together as well as how he photographs them to get the best, most realistic results.
I received access to this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'd never heard of Elgin Park or Michael Paul Smith prior to seeing this title listed on NetGalley, but the instant I started reading the description and Smith's initial motivation for creating his 1/24th scale scenes -- needing something to do with his collection of die-cast miniature cars (!!) -- I could relate. My home is awash in miniature figures of all sorts, and while Smith focuses on buildings, cars, and the outdoors rather than on scenes focused on people, they are very evocative. A car door might be open, a newspaper sitting out on a counter - evidence that someone has been there. Except that they haven't, because the photographs are of miniature scenes he has staged to feature his collection of die-cast cars, many of them replicating historical photographs.
You can see a lot of Michael Paul Smith's art on Flickr, along with adaptations made by fans who have inserted themselves or other objects into his scenes. The book is not only a lot of fun to look at, but a great resource for anyone who might be interested in undertaking a similar project, as he details the composition of a couple of his scenes and what he used to put them together as well as how he photographs them to get the best, most realistic results.
I received access to this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2016
Brilliant and unique. That's worthy of five stars right there. This lovely photo gallery appeals on so many levels to the eye and heart. Life lived at 1/24th scale and once you look, you can't stop yourself from looking deeper into the images of a pre-1962 hometown, yours or one that never existed except in foggy communal memory.
This "old guy creating small things on [his] kitchen table" impresses on two levels, within his photographs, unexplained, and more so when his behind the scenes preparations and motivations are revealed through the text. He works silently, no radio, no music, no TV (he doesn't own one) it's very Zen.
Michael's been on Flickr since 2003, and has drawn millions of views, long intense attention from some of his friends there, who wait on tenterhooks for his next project. I know, because I've been a fan for a decade. This second book on the 'imaginary' town of Elgin Park includes comments from his photostream, and often, his responses which deepen and clarify the viewers’ understanding of the mechanics and the heart behind this nostalgic embrace of life before President Lyndon Johnson.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This "old guy creating small things on [his] kitchen table" impresses on two levels, within his photographs, unexplained, and more so when his behind the scenes preparations and motivations are revealed through the text. He works silently, no radio, no music, no TV (he doesn't own one) it's very Zen.
Michael's been on Flickr since 2003, and has drawn millions of views, long intense attention from some of his friends there, who wait on tenterhooks for his next project. I know, because I've been a fan for a decade. This second book on the 'imaginary' town of Elgin Park includes comments from his photostream, and often, his responses which deepen and clarify the viewers’ understanding of the mechanics and the heart behind this nostalgic embrace of life before President Lyndon Johnson.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
At first glance with the photographs in this book Michael Paul Smith seems to be an amazing photographer of a nostalgic era. What you really have is an artist that takes model making beyond the imagination and photographs his work to where you can't tell what is real or not. Amazing artwork that would appeal to anyone with a creative side, a love of classic cars, a more nostalgic time or model building
The text in the book was easy to read. The photographs are amazing. The models look so real it's hard to tell they aren't when looking at the photos. Highly impressive with what Michael Paul Smith has done with his work.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The text in the book was easy to read. The photographs are amazing. The models look so real it's hard to tell they aren't when looking at the photos. Highly impressive with what Michael Paul Smith has done with his work.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2016
You've seen them, I'm sure, the little 1/24th scale images that look so real, but were photographed in such a way to give that impression. This book collects all the photos that Michael Paul Smith has taken, as well as comments by people who have enjoyed them. When asked for, by his followers, he has also included shots to show how the photos were set up.
This is amazing work. The detail of the shots, the work that goes into setting these up, the research that went into making the photos work. It is an amazing hobby. It is an amazing thing he has done.
If you haven't seen these before, this is a great collection. If you have seen them, this is still a great collection.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is amazing work. The detail of the shots, the work that goes into setting these up, the research that went into making the photos work. It is an amazing hobby. It is an amazing thing he has done.
If you haven't seen these before, this is a great collection. If you have seen them, this is still a great collection.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
November 1, 2017
Arc received thanks to Animal Media Group and Netgalley. This is no way affected my review of the ARC.
Publication Date: 27th October 2015
Review Date: 01st November 2017
Photography books are not usually what I like to read. I like to settle down and have a look through an The Art of... book. I find them much more interesting, with a lot behind it such as character designs, where this character originally came from, things like that. After being auto approved for Animal Media Group, I spotted this on their shelves, and decided that hey! Why not read something out my comfort zone for once. I might even enjoy it.
I have to admit, I didn’t care much for the writing within this book. After trying to get through the large amount of information, I got quite bored, very quickly. Instead, I had a wonderful time flicking through the photos, and what was underneath the photos instead of the whole story of this book – I feel like I defeated the purpose of reading a book, but frankly, the photographs fascinated me more than anything else.
I’d never heard of Elgin Park before I found this book, and I didn’t exactly do tons of research either – Elgin Park is a small town in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The most I’ve ever done when visiting America, is just go to New York. I didn’t go anywhere past that. I don’t really want to go anywhere in America other than a few choice places for the ice hockey. However, Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale makes me feel nostalgic. I feel nostalgic for a place I never even existed. Looking through these photos, I can imagine myself and my childhood friends playing along these streets, I can feel the childhood I had thrown right back at me through these photos.
There’s a specific beauty about photography, and about craftsman ship. Michael Paul Smith has pulled it all together in an amazing way that truly shows that art is still a masterpiece. Photography and crafting are still a part of art, and Smith is the obvious show of that. Looking through these models that Smith created, 1/24th of the size of his home town, gave me a thrill. Seeing these tiny, intricate designed little houses and bungalows made me think about a time where things were… simpler. I don’t quite know how to explain it, but I’ve never felt… happy before when looking at images like this. But reading through this really gave me that soft, happy glowing feeling. I smiled softly, I felt like I was looking at my own childhood home.
Considering I didn’t read hardly any of the text within this book, I am utterly amazed at just how the photos in this have made me feel. Just the actual photos themselves.
When I get chance, I will definitely be looking through this again to read fully, with the text, but for now, it’s already a solid 4/5 stars for this book. Absolutely spectacular.
Publication Date: 27th October 2015
Review Date: 01st November 2017
Photography books are not usually what I like to read. I like to settle down and have a look through an The Art of... book. I find them much more interesting, with a lot behind it such as character designs, where this character originally came from, things like that. After being auto approved for Animal Media Group, I spotted this on their shelves, and decided that hey! Why not read something out my comfort zone for once. I might even enjoy it.
I have to admit, I didn’t care much for the writing within this book. After trying to get through the large amount of information, I got quite bored, very quickly. Instead, I had a wonderful time flicking through the photos, and what was underneath the photos instead of the whole story of this book – I feel like I defeated the purpose of reading a book, but frankly, the photographs fascinated me more than anything else.
I’d never heard of Elgin Park before I found this book, and I didn’t exactly do tons of research either – Elgin Park is a small town in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The most I’ve ever done when visiting America, is just go to New York. I didn’t go anywhere past that. I don’t really want to go anywhere in America other than a few choice places for the ice hockey. However, Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale makes me feel nostalgic. I feel nostalgic for a place I never even existed. Looking through these photos, I can imagine myself and my childhood friends playing along these streets, I can feel the childhood I had thrown right back at me through these photos.
There’s a specific beauty about photography, and about craftsman ship. Michael Paul Smith has pulled it all together in an amazing way that truly shows that art is still a masterpiece. Photography and crafting are still a part of art, and Smith is the obvious show of that. Looking through these models that Smith created, 1/24th of the size of his home town, gave me a thrill. Seeing these tiny, intricate designed little houses and bungalows made me think about a time where things were… simpler. I don’t quite know how to explain it, but I’ve never felt… happy before when looking at images like this. But reading through this really gave me that soft, happy glowing feeling. I smiled softly, I felt like I was looking at my own childhood home.
Considering I didn’t read hardly any of the text within this book, I am utterly amazed at just how the photos in this have made me feel. Just the actual photos themselves.
When I get chance, I will definitely be looking through this again to read fully, with the text, but for now, it’s already a solid 4/5 stars for this book. Absolutely spectacular.
March 28, 2017
Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale by Michael Paul Smith, Gail K. Ellison I am in shock and awe of what one man has done with a folding table, a toy car, and a doll house. This book is basically a behind the scenes look at how Michael Paul Smith builds his photography town of Elgin Park. What goes into making the houses and buildings. How he comes up with his backstory for the town. And a small introduction into the mind of a Photography Super Hero. Anyone who is into photography who sees this book will probably agree with me when I call him a Super Hero.
When I first saw this book I was thinking I was just going to get a book of photographs but I got so much more. I loved reading about how Michael Paul Smith came up with Elgin Park, how he builds his backdrops, how he twists a photo into a meaningful story.
I have a true love of photography.
I have well over 100,000 pictures on my hard drive I have taken myself but nothing like this. I see, I like, I take a picture of it. Michael Paul Smith see's with is imagination, takes a toy car from his vast collection, builds a house or building then goes out in the town he lives in to find the perfect backdrop for his photos. Whether it is a bridge, a set of trees, another building, or just in his driveway.
Michael Paul Smith has invented his own town called Elgin Park. He bases it on the town of Sewickley Pennsylvania, where he grew up.
Michael Paul Smith builds his own houses to 1/24 scale. He completely furnishes most of them all hand made mind you. He has thought of everything from the tiniest napkin holders in the diner to the tarps to cover cars.
His photos have no people but his captions added to each photo tells the story of the lives of the people in Elgin Park without their faces. Your minds eye can picture this town with people everywhere doing their day to day thing, shopping, working, kids playing, dogs barking whatever. It really makes you want to pack and move to this small imaginary town.
If you were to see these photos without knowing they were props you would think they were real life photo's taken in the 20's to the 60's when life was simpler. some of these photo's are taken on Michael's kitchen counter's but you would never know. Everything is done to scale. You cannot tell where reality and prop begin or end in the photo's. They look so real. This a a book I will be cherishing for years to come. I may even try some tips I learned in the book just to see what and if I can come anywhere near accomplishing even the tiniest bit of what Michael Paul Smith has.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
When I first saw this book I was thinking I was just going to get a book of photographs but I got so much more. I loved reading about how Michael Paul Smith came up with Elgin Park, how he builds his backdrops, how he twists a photo into a meaningful story.
I have a true love of photography.
I have well over 100,000 pictures on my hard drive I have taken myself but nothing like this. I see, I like, I take a picture of it. Michael Paul Smith see's with is imagination, takes a toy car from his vast collection, builds a house or building then goes out in the town he lives in to find the perfect backdrop for his photos. Whether it is a bridge, a set of trees, another building, or just in his driveway.
Michael Paul Smith has invented his own town called Elgin Park. He bases it on the town of Sewickley Pennsylvania, where he grew up.
Michael Paul Smith builds his own houses to 1/24 scale. He completely furnishes most of them all hand made mind you. He has thought of everything from the tiniest napkin holders in the diner to the tarps to cover cars.
His photos have no people but his captions added to each photo tells the story of the lives of the people in Elgin Park without their faces. Your minds eye can picture this town with people everywhere doing their day to day thing, shopping, working, kids playing, dogs barking whatever. It really makes you want to pack and move to this small imaginary town.
If you were to see these photos without knowing they were props you would think they were real life photo's taken in the 20's to the 60's when life was simpler. some of these photo's are taken on Michael's kitchen counter's but you would never know. Everything is done to scale. You cannot tell where reality and prop begin or end in the photo's. They look so real. This a a book I will be cherishing for years to come. I may even try some tips I learned in the book just to see what and if I can come anywhere near accomplishing even the tiniest bit of what Michael Paul Smith has.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
November 9, 2015
I don't even know how to begin to review this book. It is Five Stars times Five Stars to Infinity and Beyond. I have long been a fan of Michael Paul Smith's work on Flickr and loved flipping through his first book, Elgin Park: An Ideal American Town. It is possible he has topped even that one.
Michael Paul Smith creates tiny little scenes, usually including model cars, and photographs them in a way that confounds the brain in trying to believe they are not real. The only way to understand what he does is to look him up on Flickr or find one of his books - and I recommend you do so immediately. This particular one is ideal and a winning choice no matter how you look at it.
I found myself not only holding my breath while looking through this book, but just being overwhelmed with the love that it took to create these scenes, and that Smith continues to exhude as his process continues. Because it does not end after he takes the picture and posts it. On Flickr, commenters help create imaginary stories around each scene, which Smith also adds to or creates his own. In this book he includes several commenters' stories, comments and questions. Readers also add and/or photoshop their own pictures into the scenes, dressed for the occasion and participating in the action.
Reading through this book is a process:
1. Look at and take in the picture.
2. Appreciate it for the scene it creates.
3. Try to coordinate in your brain that this is not a real scene but one created by hand.
4. Read the comments and stories from Smith and other readers.
5. Turn the page and see how the scene was created.
6. Sit and wonder if you could do the same thing.
7. Take a closer look and realize no, no you can't.
8. Put on a costume and start 'shopping yourself into a scene.
The detail in these photos has to be seen to be believed. You can practically smell the rain in the wet streets. The lighting is gorgeous - just spectacular in most cases. There was one photo that included sun coming through a tiny chain link fence, creating a perfect shadow on the street - this is one of those tiny details that prevent your mind from accepting that this is 1/24 scale, and not full size.
Later in the book Smith shows how he made that fence, as well as many other details in the scenes. So many things are handcrafted just from small metal washers and spare earring parts. Interview questions are added throughout the book with several long sections included as well.
This book is for just about everyone:
Photographers
Lovers of old cars
Model train enthusiasts
Doll house creaters
People who love scenes from the past
Crafters
Make-it-yourselfers
People who appreciate hard work
People who appreciate perfection
Curious and intelligent teens
Any interested human being of any age
There are not just scenes of old buildings and beautiful cars, there are scenes with robots from outer space, and crashed flying saucers. Car and train crashes (with amusing stories to go with them all). Nostalgia and Americana. The photographs just fill your heart with wonder. You too will find your breath being held as you take in each scene.
This book is perfect as a gift - for ANYONE. And a perfect gift to yourself as well.
I was given access to an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - and this is about as honest as I can give: FIVE STARS.
Go here to view a documentary about Michael Paul Smith and his process: http://www.animalmediagroupfilm.com/e...
Michael Paul Smith creates tiny little scenes, usually including model cars, and photographs them in a way that confounds the brain in trying to believe they are not real. The only way to understand what he does is to look him up on Flickr or find one of his books - and I recommend you do so immediately. This particular one is ideal and a winning choice no matter how you look at it.
I found myself not only holding my breath while looking through this book, but just being overwhelmed with the love that it took to create these scenes, and that Smith continues to exhude as his process continues. Because it does not end after he takes the picture and posts it. On Flickr, commenters help create imaginary stories around each scene, which Smith also adds to or creates his own. In this book he includes several commenters' stories, comments and questions. Readers also add and/or photoshop their own pictures into the scenes, dressed for the occasion and participating in the action.
Reading through this book is a process:
1. Look at and take in the picture.
2. Appreciate it for the scene it creates.
3. Try to coordinate in your brain that this is not a real scene but one created by hand.
4. Read the comments and stories from Smith and other readers.
5. Turn the page and see how the scene was created.
6. Sit and wonder if you could do the same thing.
7. Take a closer look and realize no, no you can't.
8. Put on a costume and start 'shopping yourself into a scene.
The detail in these photos has to be seen to be believed. You can practically smell the rain in the wet streets. The lighting is gorgeous - just spectacular in most cases. There was one photo that included sun coming through a tiny chain link fence, creating a perfect shadow on the street - this is one of those tiny details that prevent your mind from accepting that this is 1/24 scale, and not full size.
Later in the book Smith shows how he made that fence, as well as many other details in the scenes. So many things are handcrafted just from small metal washers and spare earring parts. Interview questions are added throughout the book with several long sections included as well.
This book is for just about everyone:
Photographers
Lovers of old cars
Model train enthusiasts
Doll house creaters
People who love scenes from the past
Crafters
Make-it-yourselfers
People who appreciate hard work
People who appreciate perfection
Curious and intelligent teens
Any interested human being of any age
There are not just scenes of old buildings and beautiful cars, there are scenes with robots from outer space, and crashed flying saucers. Car and train crashes (with amusing stories to go with them all). Nostalgia and Americana. The photographs just fill your heart with wonder. You too will find your breath being held as you take in each scene.
This book is perfect as a gift - for ANYONE. And a perfect gift to yourself as well.
I was given access to an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - and this is about as honest as I can give: FIVE STARS.
Go here to view a documentary about Michael Paul Smith and his process: http://www.animalmediagroupfilm.com/e...
January 16, 2016
It is hard for me to differentiate what it is that I like most about Elgin Park by Michael Paul Smith. The book appeals to me on so many different levels. From the cover one gathers it is an art book containing photographs of scaled models but that’s like saying a book about Monet is full of pretty pictures.
This is the second offering from Michael Paul Smith displaying his incredibly detailed 1/24 scale models of scenes from the 1950s and 1960s – the years of Smith’s childhood. Originally discovered on Flickr.com and subsequently gone viral (he has over 14,000 followers as of this writing) the finished photograph of a scaled scene is shown first to the reader and then is subsequently built step-by-step with corresponding photos. To a dedicated hobbyist/artisan these photo series could easily serve as a “how-to” for pursuing similar artistic endeavors.
The book reaches another level of appeal as one reads the captions and text that accompany the beautiful photographs. Smith provides insights, commentary, and personal memories surrounding each of the finished photos in addition to including pertinent comments that were originally posted on the Flickr.com account. Having the opportunity to form your own thoughts and opinions about each photograph and then read Smith’s personal commentary and then others’ views is a unique and highly satisfying approach to providing an in-depth look at Smith’s craft.
As Smith’s work has matured and expanded he has begun spinning narratives around the different photographs creating the fictional town of Elgin Park. Elgin Park is populated with characters based on people from his own childhood and from his vivid imagination. Fantasy is also injected into the town with a section of the book reporting the crash of a perfectly scaled UFO! The entertaining narrative adds yet another level of creativity and enjoyment. Smith is also expanding into making faux advertisements that reflect the mid-20th century world of Elgin Park.
While Smith’s photos give the impression of a scene where a person has just stepped out of range of the camera lens, there are no “people” in his scenes. When asked why the scenes did not include a scaled population of Elgin Park citizens, Smith replied that it was an intentional decision on his part. Smith says, “Any time you can put yourself into a painting, film photograph, or story, it becomes a mirror for your own life.” ELGIN PARK: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale makes the reader and viewer long for the opportunity to somehow transport themselves into these photos and live the ideal life Elgin Park offers.
This is the second offering from Michael Paul Smith displaying his incredibly detailed 1/24 scale models of scenes from the 1950s and 1960s – the years of Smith’s childhood. Originally discovered on Flickr.com and subsequently gone viral (he has over 14,000 followers as of this writing) the finished photograph of a scaled scene is shown first to the reader and then is subsequently built step-by-step with corresponding photos. To a dedicated hobbyist/artisan these photo series could easily serve as a “how-to” for pursuing similar artistic endeavors.
The book reaches another level of appeal as one reads the captions and text that accompany the beautiful photographs. Smith provides insights, commentary, and personal memories surrounding each of the finished photos in addition to including pertinent comments that were originally posted on the Flickr.com account. Having the opportunity to form your own thoughts and opinions about each photograph and then read Smith’s personal commentary and then others’ views is a unique and highly satisfying approach to providing an in-depth look at Smith’s craft.
As Smith’s work has matured and expanded he has begun spinning narratives around the different photographs creating the fictional town of Elgin Park. Elgin Park is populated with characters based on people from his own childhood and from his vivid imagination. Fantasy is also injected into the town with a section of the book reporting the crash of a perfectly scaled UFO! The entertaining narrative adds yet another level of creativity and enjoyment. Smith is also expanding into making faux advertisements that reflect the mid-20th century world of Elgin Park.
While Smith’s photos give the impression of a scene where a person has just stepped out of range of the camera lens, there are no “people” in his scenes. When asked why the scenes did not include a scaled population of Elgin Park citizens, Smith replied that it was an intentional decision on his part. Smith says, “Any time you can put yourself into a painting, film photograph, or story, it becomes a mirror for your own life.” ELGIN PARK: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale makes the reader and viewer long for the opportunity to somehow transport themselves into these photos and live the ideal life Elgin Park offers.
October 15, 2015
Michael Paul Smith Is the kind of person that makes you wonder why you aren't more productive with your time.
I mean, maybe Elgin Park won't change the world - but it does make you look at yourself and ask "am I doing anything creative and awe inspiring?"
This book is truly fascinating. It would be quite enough to see the amazing pictures that Mr. Smith has created of a model city at a 1/24th scale. But to look at the background, the setting up of each scene, and to get into his mind a bit makes the book well worth reading. The minutiae of putting together some of the models is really amazing (like using ear bud wires for large cables).
I was really surprised, but reader comments from the original Flickr account (where he posted these pictures) also added to the text. I thought they might be filler and take away from it, but I guess they did a good job in pulling comments that would add to the book. (Not least because Smith makes interesting responses to a lot of the comments.)
It almost makes me want to draw, model, and build my childhood home. Almost. I don't think I want to spend that much time with my childhood.
And putting a backstory to the pictures of the people in the town just make them that much more interesting. He has some flair for writing, too. On page 129:
Even the interview questions in the back round out the book. They are less interesting than the pictures themselves, but give fascinating insight to his background and inspiration.
I don't know the dimensions of this book, but it would make an excellent coffee table book. It's not really a book to be devoured in a single setting, but one to be absorbed over time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Animal Media Group for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I mean, maybe Elgin Park won't change the world - but it does make you look at yourself and ask "am I doing anything creative and awe inspiring?"
This book is truly fascinating. It would be quite enough to see the amazing pictures that Mr. Smith has created of a model city at a 1/24th scale. But to look at the background, the setting up of each scene, and to get into his mind a bit makes the book well worth reading. The minutiae of putting together some of the models is really amazing (like using ear bud wires for large cables).
I was really surprised, but reader comments from the original Flickr account (where he posted these pictures) also added to the text. I thought they might be filler and take away from it, but I guess they did a good job in pulling comments that would add to the book. (Not least because Smith makes interesting responses to a lot of the comments.)
It almost makes me want to draw, model, and build my childhood home. Almost. I don't think I want to spend that much time with my childhood.
And putting a backstory to the pictures of the people in the town just make them that much more interesting. He has some flair for writing, too. On page 129:
Mimzi Cauldwell's 1936 Lincoln Zephyr, basking at the water's edge, has the appearance of some art deco amphibian that might at any moment glide gracefully into the river or quietly slip away through the underbrush. In the humid sunlight, the world is reflected and stretched along the vehicle's sensuous curves, and its color is enhanced in such a way that it resembles a ripe piece of fruit, ready to be picked.
Mimzi declared the automobile to be "the cat's pajamas." And who could argue with that?
Even the interview questions in the back round out the book. They are less interesting than the pictures themselves, but give fascinating insight to his background and inspiration.
I don't know the dimensions of this book, but it would make an excellent coffee table book. It's not really a book to be devoured in a single setting, but one to be absorbed over time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Animal Media Group for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2016
In 'Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th scale' by Michael Paul Smith and Gail K. Ellison, we meet a man who is a master at a hobby and how that has spawned a tremendous online following.
Elgin Park started as Michael Paul Smith's hobby. He has an extensive collection of diecast metal cars and he decided to photograph them. What he does with his photographs is what is remarkable. He takes the models outdoors and using the tricks of perspective, he shoots the cars as if they are on a street, or parked by a river. Adding to the illusion is his remarkable ability at making miniature structures. Some are facades and some are full buildings. He even made a model of his boyhood home. Along with this, he has created a narrative of a fictional town from long ago. The amazing trickery of his photography and the pure nostalgia are what draw people in the millions to his Flickr site from all over the world.
Along with the photos are pictures of his behind the scenes shots and some of comments by visitors to the site. It's amazing what he does with a cardboard table and no photoshop. And most of the perspective is done by him eyeballing the shot. His miniature skills are incredible and include details that often don't even show in the photos. The book concludes with an interview that has been pieced together from other interview sources.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Animal Media Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Elgin Park started as Michael Paul Smith's hobby. He has an extensive collection of diecast metal cars and he decided to photograph them. What he does with his photographs is what is remarkable. He takes the models outdoors and using the tricks of perspective, he shoots the cars as if they are on a street, or parked by a river. Adding to the illusion is his remarkable ability at making miniature structures. Some are facades and some are full buildings. He even made a model of his boyhood home. Along with this, he has created a narrative of a fictional town from long ago. The amazing trickery of his photography and the pure nostalgia are what draw people in the millions to his Flickr site from all over the world.
Along with the photos are pictures of his behind the scenes shots and some of comments by visitors to the site. It's amazing what he does with a cardboard table and no photoshop. And most of the perspective is done by him eyeballing the shot. His miniature skills are incredible and include details that often don't even show in the photos. The book concludes with an interview that has been pieced together from other interview sources.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Animal Media Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
August 19, 2019
This book reflects an interesting and unique project by artist Michael Paul Smith: he has created a fictional mid-century town. Using historically accurate car models (from the Franklin Mint and other sources), his own model buildings and roads, and his outdoor surroundings, he stages photographs that look remarkably real. It was especially interesting to see how he plays with the lighting in indoor and night scenes. Smith's photographs went viral on Flickr, creating a community of people who want to live in the imaginary world of Elgin Park. The authors have included some of the comments left on the photographs, but to me, these could have been skipped as the images and Michael's own explanations are compelling on their own.
In an interesting coincidence, I used to live in the next town over from where many of these photographs were taken, and have seen some of the featured buildings many times, so it was interesting to see them moonlighting in the dream world of Elgin Park!
I have several students who love to build models, so I plan to recommend this book to them as an example of how to share their work with a wider audience.
In an interesting coincidence, I used to live in the next town over from where many of these photographs were taken, and have seen some of the featured buildings many times, so it was interesting to see them moonlighting in the dream world of Elgin Park!
I have several students who love to build models, so I plan to recommend this book to them as an example of how to share their work with a wider audience.
Read
January 2, 2016What a remarkable person Michael is - his talent is truly amazing. Not only are the models fabulous but the perspective and effects in the photographs are works of art. With only an ordinary camera he is able to make photos come alive and one feels that we are right there in that street, in that age and sharing that memory. And it all started with his collection of miniature cars. Anyone that has any interest in photography should have a look at this book
This book was provided to me in return for a honest and unbiased review.
This book was provided to me in return for a honest and unbiased review.
April 18, 2016
As more libraries become "Makerspaces," this book should find a place in them all. Michael Paul Smith shares his unique craft and time-consuming details that will inspire others to create. The historic details provided about the cars and architecture also intrigue the reader. Thanks to Netgalley and Animal Media Group for allowing me to glimpse into a book that will be even more exciting to hold in a print copy!
June 5, 2016
Fascinating. I'd not heard of this before but it was such an interesting project to read about. I admit, I skimmed a lot of the writing so I could focus on the photos.
May 10, 2019
Elgin Park: Visual Memories of Midcentury America at 1/24th Scale by Michael Paul Smith is a Photography coffee table book, an arts & crafts book, and even a bit of a memoir all in one beautiful package.
This fictional place, Elgin Park, may have started as Smith's memory of his home town but has become many people's home town, even if they weren't alive at the time. The photographs, which has gained a large Flickr following, draws everyone in. Some are fascinated, some like to get lost in the realism of the images, and some simply find it hard to believe that these aren't real full-size automobiles and scenes without the use of Photoshop.
This book pulls aside the veil and shows the amazing work that goes into making these photographs. For readers, such as myself, who don't want to try to do something similar the details are still very interesting because this is a labor of love for Smith so looking at the detail work becomes a way of understanding him and his obsession. For readers who might like to try their hand at something similar, the ideas and tips, mostly through trial and error, will be very helpful. Before and after photos, for lack of a better term, also gives some indication for both kinds of readers of the need for trial and error as a planned part of the process. Finally, for those who simply enjoy the photographs, the prints are amazing, especially when juxtaposed with photographs that show the models outside of the scaled environment.
This book will appeal to a wide range of readers. If you see yourself as any one of the readers I mention above, I think you will love this book. It is beautiful, it includes some detail of the process, and it explains the love Smith has for the project, which ties it all together.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This fictional place, Elgin Park, may have started as Smith's memory of his home town but has become many people's home town, even if they weren't alive at the time. The photographs, which has gained a large Flickr following, draws everyone in. Some are fascinated, some like to get lost in the realism of the images, and some simply find it hard to believe that these aren't real full-size automobiles and scenes without the use of Photoshop.
This book pulls aside the veil and shows the amazing work that goes into making these photographs. For readers, such as myself, who don't want to try to do something similar the details are still very interesting because this is a labor of love for Smith so looking at the detail work becomes a way of understanding him and his obsession. For readers who might like to try their hand at something similar, the ideas and tips, mostly through trial and error, will be very helpful. Before and after photos, for lack of a better term, also gives some indication for both kinds of readers of the need for trial and error as a planned part of the process. Finally, for those who simply enjoy the photographs, the prints are amazing, especially when juxtaposed with photographs that show the models outside of the scaled environment.
This book will appeal to a wide range of readers. If you see yourself as any one of the readers I mention above, I think you will love this book. It is beautiful, it includes some detail of the process, and it explains the love Smith has for the project, which ties it all together.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 25, 2017
I am a huge fan of miniatures and I was aware of Michael Paul Smith's work through his Flickr gallery and references online. This book combines wickedly creative jaw-dropping camera perspective tricks and fiddles to thoroughly fool the eye.
Comment after comment in the book and on his website says 'Come on, these are REAL aren't they'?! Most miniature and diorama work can be distinguished easily; something just looks a little bit off. Very rarely, the eye really is fooled into having to LOOK for that 'one little thing that isn't quite right'. These pictures, and I mean -every single one of them- is so perfect that when the camera angle is shifted to show the scale models as models, it's the out of place hand or plywood base in the shot that looks out of place. The cover is a good example. It's a scene out of 'The attack of the 50 foot tall man! (in 3D)'. The cars are real, the house is real, the man looks photoshopped in!
I will always be in awe of Michael Paul Smith's utter mastery of perspective and his model building expertise is mind-blowing. I have friends who are professional architects and they're in awe of his structure modeling too.
If the artist were only a gifted miniaturist, that might get old after a while. That's just not the case here. The photos have a definite narrative. They resonate. It's easy to set myself in the scene and imagine what the people in the house would be doing or how the Dr. would spend his scant weekend free time. The use of light and photography filters is virtuoso. He's a wizard and I fervently hope we continue to be allowed to enjoy his magic for many years to come.
Five supernova stars!
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Comment after comment in the book and on his website says 'Come on, these are REAL aren't they'?! Most miniature and diorama work can be distinguished easily; something just looks a little bit off. Very rarely, the eye really is fooled into having to LOOK for that 'one little thing that isn't quite right'. These pictures, and I mean -every single one of them- is so perfect that when the camera angle is shifted to show the scale models as models, it's the out of place hand or plywood base in the shot that looks out of place. The cover is a good example. It's a scene out of 'The attack of the 50 foot tall man! (in 3D)'. The cars are real, the house is real, the man looks photoshopped in!
I will always be in awe of Michael Paul Smith's utter mastery of perspective and his model building expertise is mind-blowing. I have friends who are professional architects and they're in awe of his structure modeling too.
If the artist were only a gifted miniaturist, that might get old after a while. That's just not the case here. The photos have a definite narrative. They resonate. It's easy to set myself in the scene and imagine what the people in the house would be doing or how the Dr. would spend his scant weekend free time. The use of light and photography filters is virtuoso. He's a wizard and I fervently hope we continue to be allowed to enjoy his magic for many years to come.
Five supernova stars!
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
August 13, 2017
Elgin Park: Visual Memories of MidCentury America at 1/24th Scale is about a unique project created by Michael Paul Smith. He photographs "old-timey" model cars and handmade scenes to recreate childhood memories. These scenes are loosely based on the town of Sewickley, PA during the mid-1960's. This book is a behind the scenes look at where and how Mr. Smith creates these magical scenes. They look so real! He turned his hobby into preserving the past. "...represents a deep nostalgia for...the lost world of people's childhood and adolescence." Originally posted to his Flickr account, visitor comments are included which show just how much these scenes have impacted his audience. Captions contain dates, artist thoughts, and how-to information on what it took to create the shot. It is uncanny to look at the 1/24 scale models at the actual photo shoot and end photographs themselves. The attention to detail with minimal props is phenomenal! Additionally, he has added characters to each caption to build another layer of story without actually adding people to the photograph. "My photos are a one-frame story being told." This hasn't stopped fans from photoshopping themselves onto Elgin Park pics though! As a modeler, photographer, artist, storyteller, teacher, and friend, Michael Paul Smith has created a better world. As a bonus, you might spot Robby the Robot too!
August 24, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.
ELGIN PARK is a fictional town created by photographer Michael Paul Smith through his photography. It is representative of midcentury America, but on a much smaller scale. The book takes readers through a guided tour of what made him begin shooting his photographs, to creating his Flickr account, to why the book was created. It's a collection of his followers commentary as much as it is of the photographs he's taken along the way, which only adds to the work, letting us all relate even more to it. As one quoted person says: "It's art, but art brought to ordinary people's emotional lives."
The book is not only visually impressive, watching how Smith creates his photographs using model cars against the backdrops of homes he's created, etc, so that it truly is life at 1/24th the normal size, but it's stimulating because you can see how his work evolved based on interactions with those who found his work interesting. Definitely a great conversational piece and would make an awesome coffee table book.
ELGIN PARK is a fictional town created by photographer Michael Paul Smith through his photography. It is representative of midcentury America, but on a much smaller scale. The book takes readers through a guided tour of what made him begin shooting his photographs, to creating his Flickr account, to why the book was created. It's a collection of his followers commentary as much as it is of the photographs he's taken along the way, which only adds to the work, letting us all relate even more to it. As one quoted person says: "It's art, but art brought to ordinary people's emotional lives."
The book is not only visually impressive, watching how Smith creates his photographs using model cars against the backdrops of homes he's created, etc, so that it truly is life at 1/24th the normal size, but it's stimulating because you can see how his work evolved based on interactions with those who found his work interesting. Definitely a great conversational piece and would make an awesome coffee table book.
November 24, 2016
This is a really cool book - perfect for a coffee table and slow browsing.
Smith uses diecast model cars and his own handmade miniatures to set up scenes that appear incredibly realistic - he takes advantage of perspective by photographing the models in front of real, life-size buildings/scenes.
His work is so incredibly detailed! He includes photos of a house where he detailed the exterior and interior completely to scale - it took 4 months to build. This piece in particular really inspired me to be more detailed when I eventually build my dream doll-house.
Smith is clearly very talented and I'm glad I got this chance to see not only the result of his work, but all of the behind-the-scenes photos and details.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Smith uses diecast model cars and his own handmade miniatures to set up scenes that appear incredibly realistic - he takes advantage of perspective by photographing the models in front of real, life-size buildings/scenes.
His work is so incredibly detailed! He includes photos of a house where he detailed the exterior and interior completely to scale - it took 4 months to build. This piece in particular really inspired me to be more detailed when I eventually build my dream doll-house.
Smith is clearly very talented and I'm glad I got this chance to see not only the result of his work, but all of the behind-the-scenes photos and details.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
December 20, 2017
I didn't love the formatting of this book. Now that that's out of the way, I can point out that this book is incredible. The inclusion of the comments which were left on Michael Paul Smith's Flickr over the years, and the background and set-up shots, bring the viewer into the world of Smith, and of Elgin Park. This book is an incredible testament to this man's dedication to his art, and to history. The photographs are wonderful, and incredibly realistic. This book would look fantastic on your coffee table, on your desk, but most preferably, in your hands as you flip through the pages and watch a world come to life.
December 3, 2018
I remember seeing a piece on NBC Nightly News years ago - probably when the first book came out - and it's always been on my "to read" shelf as it is a little hard to find. So when this new book popped up in NetGalley I knew it was a must read! This one was quite interesting - presenting not only the finished photographs but much commentary on how he created each one, his techniques and the work involved and whatnot, as well as selected comments from Flickr from when the original photos were posted. Forced perspective is very cool, all around! I mostly enjoyed studying the pictures, but any budding modeler or photographer would love the explanations too.
July 24, 2017
This is a stellar collection of images, stories, comments, and background about Elgin Park - a constructed miniature town that is built and then photographed by Michael Smith. The spaces that Michael Smith's work fills is another fascinating element that shines through this work. From the work space where he builds his models to the real locations where he shoots the photographs to create real scenes and the digital communities that have engaged with the work. Overall, this is a very interesting perspective into Michael Paul Smith's work!
September 5, 2017
Wow, what a unique and interesting photo book. This book was so fun to read and look and re-look at that pictures. Taking miniature sets and photographing them in life size backgrounds was so cool. Learning how he did all of the staging, models and construction to make each of these photos happen was amazing. You will never look at a picture again without thinking how did they do that and is that the real size of everything.
Love of cars, places and things gone by make this a beautiful book to share.
Love of cars, places and things gone by make this a beautiful book to share.
January 29, 2018
Wow, what an interesting read! The intricate detail that goes into making these models is incredible and I am blown away by how amazing they all look! I am a vintage/rockabilly girl at heart and found myself smiling at these pictures, giving me the warm & fuzzies!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2021
I don't remember much about this, but the fact he recreated the photos without using photoshop is amazing. Anyone who loves mid century and photography needs this book.
January 7, 2017
The level of detail created by Michael Paul Smith is mind boggling. I have always been attracted to miniatures and dreamed of making my own house complete with furnishings and fixtures. This latest Elgin Park is a demonstration of commitment, pure talent and a wonderful desire to share the joy of loving what you do. Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.
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