Matthew Albanese

I came across Matthew Albanese's photographed dioramas a while ago and I think they're really impressive. He constructs these meticulously detailed models using various materials and then uses lighting and a mixture of photographic techniques to enhance and alter the appearance of the model. I've included a few examples below, click on the images to see them full size. Click here to view more of his work.

"Wildfire"

 Diorama made from wood, moss, yellow glitter, clear garbage bags, cooked sugar, scotch-brite pot scrubbers, bottle brushes, clipping from a bush in bloom (white flowers) clear thread, sand, tile grout (coloring), wire, paper and alternating yellow, red and orange party bulbs.

Detail

"Icebreaker"

25 pounds of sugar cooked at varying temperatures (hard crack & pulled sugar recipes) It's basically made out of candy. salt, egg whites, corn syrup, cream of tartar, powdered sugar, blue food coloring, india ink & flour. Three days of cooking, and two weeks of building.

 

"Willow Study 1"

First in a series of studies using a handmade willow tree. The tree is made from sewing thread, sticks, wood and hand dyed ostrich plumes. Construction took two months. The grass is made from a mix of preserved and faux potting moss and dip dyed cotton batting.

Detail

"Tornado" 

Made of steel wool, cotton, ground parsley and moss.

"Breaking Point"

Volcano made out of tile grout, cotton, phosphorous ink. this model volcano was illuminated from within by 6-60 watt light bulbs.

"Fields, After the Storm"

This model is simply made out of faux fur(fields), cotton (clouds) and sifted tile grout (mountains). The perspective is forced as in all of my images, and the lighting effect was created by simply shifting the white balance.

That's all for now, 

x