Cinematic photographs of America's rural Midwest at night look like stills from a sci-fi cult classic

Like something out of a cult sci-fi movie or thriller, these atmospheric photographs by Michael McCluskey are mainly captured "by the side of the road" in northern Michigan, during nighttime explorations of his home state.

All images courtesy of the artist. © Michael McCluskey

All images courtesy of the artist. © Michael McCluskey

Often picking out architecture and infrastructure against an eery backdrop of fog or coloured lights, Michael's images evoke nostalgic memories of the 1980s and '90s, hinting at the mystery and intrigue we so enjoyed in those alien or horror-filled films and television shows.

Michael usually drives for two or three hours from where he lives to find suitable locations to shoot. "You'd be surprised at the things you find when you are looking," he tells us.

Michael is a fine art, editorial and commercial photographer who grew up in West Olive, which is a rural area on the west side of the state and currently lives in Grand Rapids. Michael is a consummate storyteller with a cinematic eye.

In this particular series, now available in a new photobook, the scenes are "stories that only you the viewer can complete". It's no surprise that one day Michael plans to make feature films, but for now, these stills are yours to plot the beginning, middle and end.

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

© Michael McCluskey

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