Mikhailov's photography started to appear abroad in 1980s, and soon the Kharkiv School of Photography was known on an international level. During the 1960s through 1980s, Mikhailov created several well-known photo projects, such as "Yesterday's Sandwich", "Luriki", and the "Red Series", but the two that made him a globally-recognized artist were "Case History" (published as a book in 1999) and "Unfinished Dissertation", which is listed among the 10 best photo books in the World. The "Case History" photo project, considered Mikhailov's most controversial work, was created at the edge of fine art and documentary photography. It portrays the USSR collapse and its influence on the life of Kharkiv society through pictures of homeless people. The "Case History" photos became Mikhailov's signature work, exhibited multiple times in progressive international museums and galleries, and Mikhailov's work in general is considered a classic of world photography. However, Ukrainian society still doesn't really understand or appreciate his art, and rejects it. Although Mikhailov emigrated to Germany, he often visits Ukraine on personal and public matters, such as working on projects, giving lectures, or participating in exhibitions.