Skernick believes that each US state has a specific, recognizable look. Although the Midwestern states have a certain sameness, each has features that make it unique. Skernick grew up in the Midwest, and photographs in his book focus on places and things he has seen while traveling on the back roads. Calling his work "environmental photography," Skernick revels in the freedom of panoramic photographs which convey what viewers would have seen had they been standing beside him when he took the picture. -- adapted from Introduction.