Matthew Albanese is known for constructing meticulously detailed small-scale models using diverse materials and objects to create landscapes. For example, the tornado scene above was made from steel wool, cotton, ground parsley and moss.

Notes by the artist:

Every aspect from the construction to the lighting of the final model is painstakingly pre-planned using methods which force the viewers perspective when photographed from a specific angle. Using a mixture of photographic techniques such as scale, depth of field, white balance and lighting I am able to drastically alter the appearance of my materials.

Salt Water Falls – a model made out of glass, plexiglass, tile grout, moss, twigs, salt, painted canvas and dry ice. The waterfall was created from a time exposure of falling table salt.

Aurora Borealis – It was  made by photographing a beam of colored light against a black curtain to achieve the edge effect. The trees were composited from life (so far the only real life element in any of these images). The stars are simply strobe light through holes in cork board.

Below: Behind-the-scenes photos of the making.

Link via Boooom