Photo setup

I got questions how I took my pictures. Nothing fancy I am afraid. They are taken with a Samsung Galaxy A8 smartphone and my normal picture setup. This usually is a small diorama background I made specifically for that purpose or a sheet of grey wallpaper sloping up towards the background. 

Lighting is provided by daylight if I have it or my painting lamp. Using the lamp top-down takes care of most shadows since the lamp tube is circular and lights the object from all sides. 

I NEVER use flashlight because the shadows are hideous and it destroys all colour. 

The phone's software takes care of most of the rest. There are two zoom options. When photographing a row of figures you have to account for the fact that the strong curve of this small lens distorts the image at short range. Because of that, figures that you have positioned to look into the lens actually seem to turn away from it. So it is better to take the picture at a bit more distance. 

The software has some simple white range adjustments as well, but that part of the technique is better explained elsewhere. And by other, more knowledgeable people 😁

Photography Display base: jungle

I often photograph my minis on a display base, so that they have a nice background and seem to be placed in wargaming terrain or a diorama. With the Vietnam project I needed a jungle display base so I set out to make one.

The basis for the material was extended foam, cut with a hot wire cutter. A base, some props in the foreground and a printed background would form the basic plan.

It was basically extended foam and some things from the bit box, like an interesting piece of wood, some decorative foam rocks and an old Buddha statue I bought years ago.



The Buddha needed a pedestal. These handy clamps were printed by and bought from IBookBinding.

Trying out the printed background. A bit too dark it seems.



For those typical jungle vines I used wool, drenched in PVA glue and let dry. A brown base colour was added. No spray paint! Most spray paints will dissolve extended foam. And unfortunately I don't have an airbrush.

Then I made the surface in the foreground a bit more interesting by adding sand and structure to it. Trying not to overdo it as of course here is where the miniatures to be photographed must stand. 

Then it is time for more paint. Highlights and browns. 

And after the paint green is added. starting with the smallest, the flock to represent grass, then working up to moss, grass tufts and bigger plants until the background looks sufficiently jungly. 

Some details. The background print is intentionally curved to avoid disturbing shadows from lighting. When taking a picture that is close enough the result is quite realistic.

Place the figures in the center of the display. I use a fixed white light lamp instead of flashlight. This gets the best results in my opinion.



And the result is this. Not bad if I say so myself.

 More examples. A big monster works as well, but you have to position it more carefully.

I made another display a few years ago. Made from cardboard and printed patterns it represents a Victorian street corner. Or a modern one, if you blur the wall posters enough :) The same idea.