You have spent weeks perfecting the highlights on your latest squad, but every time you try to share a photo online, it looks blurry, dark, or washed out. The "foam case burial" is the enemy of the proud hobbyist—if you aren't showing your models off properly, why spend all that time at the painting desk?
Pro Tip: Stability is King
Even the slightest hand tremor will ruin a macro shot. Instead of holding your miniature, place it on a stable surface. A stadium seating layout is ideal here because it allows you to focus on one model while the rest of the squad provides a cinematic, out-of-focus background.
1. Lighting: Avoid the Harsh Flash
The biggest mistake in wargaming photography is using the built-in phone flash. It flattens the details and creates "hot spots" on the paintwork. Instead, use two light sources: a primary hobby lamp from the top-front and a secondary light from the side to fill in shadows.
If you are using a professional desk display setup, you likely already have great overhead lighting. Position your phone at a slight downward angle to catch the highlights on the shoulder pads and faces of your models (compatible with Warhammer 40,000®).
2. The Glare Problem: Open Stands vs. Cases
If you have ever tried to take a photo of a model inside high-cost acrylic alternatives, you know the frustration of seeing your own reflection in the plastic. Acrylic panels act like mirrors, bouncing light back into the lens and obscuring the crisp details of your paint job.
For photography, open stands are vastly superior. The matte black finish of the WarSplay modular display system is designed to absorb excess light, ensuring the camera focuses entirely on the model. To see the full breakdown of why open systems win for active hobbyists, check out our guide on acrylic display cases vs open stands.
3. Phone Settings for Wargamers
- Focus Lock: Tap and hold the screen on the model’s face to lock the focus. This prevents the phone from hunting for focus between the front and back rows.
- Exposure Control: Once focused, slide the brightness sun icon down slightly. It is easier to brighten a dark photo later than it is to fix a "blown-out" white highlight.
- Portrait Mode: Use this carefully. While it creates a nice blur, it can sometimes "eat" parts of thin antennas or spears common on models compatible with Age of Sigmar®.
4. Use Tiers for Cinematic Squad Shots
Don't just photograph one model at a time. Using stadium seating allows you to stagger an entire squad. By focusing on the Sergeant in the front row, the rest of the unit provides a sense of scale and "army feel" that a single model shot lacks. This turns your display into a repeatable showcase for social media or competition entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tripod for phone photos?
A tripod is helpful but not essential. If you use a stable, tiered stand, you can rest your elbows on the table to create a "human tripod" for sharper images.
What is the best background for miniature photos?
Keep it simple. A curved piece of grey or black cardstock works best. Avoid busy backgrounds like messy hobby desks, as they distract from the paintwork.
How do I stop my models looking "flat" in photos?
Lighting from the side (at a 45-degree angle) creates subtle shadows that define the muscles, armour plates, and textures of your model, making it look three-dimensional on screen.
Disclaimer: WarSplay® products are independently manufactured. We are not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Games Workshop Limited or IKEA® AB. Trademarks such as Warhammer 40,000® and Age of Sigmar® are used solely to indicate compatibility.