How to Photograph Painted Miniatures: Lighting, Angles and Long-Term Protection
Published by buzzadmin | March 9, 2026
Great miniature photos do two jobs: they show your paintwork clearly and help you track progress over time. You do not need expensive gear to start. Good light, clean background, and stable model placement are the core ingredients. Think controlled setup, not gadget pile.
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How to photograph miniatures with phone or camera: simple lighting setup
Use two diffused lights at roughly 45-degree angles and a neutral backdrop. Keep colour temperature consistent so your paints look true-to-life. Avoid direct harsh light that flattens contrast or blows out highlights. If your mini looks better in person than in the photo, lighting is usually the culprit, not your painting.
Best angles for showing edge highlights, metallics and blends
Shoot one straight-on hero angle, one three-quarter angle, and one close detail crop. That gives a full read of silhouette, volume and finish quality. Metallics from DarkStar or colour-shifts from Turbo Dork benefit from slightly varied light direction to reveal the effect cleanly.
Protecting models during photo sessions and social posting workflows
Handle miniatures by the base, place them on stable supports like the Citadel Assembly Stand, and keep a varnished finish to resist minor knocks. For extra protection before events or transport, reinforce with a final matte seal from Citadel or Colour Forge.
