How to Photograph Miniatures: Tabletop Tips for Warhammer and Collectors

September 25, 2026

You spent twenty hours on the cloak highlights - a dark, blurry phone photo does them no justice. Miniatures need even light from several sides and careful focus.

Honest note: we design and print cards, badges and prints in the UK. The light box is a recommendation from elsewhere.

Even light

This setup is perfect for dedicated tabletop gamers and hobbyists who want to showcase their painted models online. Use this lighting method before sharing your latest project on social media to ensure every paint stroke is visible. For the best results, try adjusting the brightness levels to find the sweet spot that highlights your metallic paints without creating glare.

30cm photo booth with 120 LEDs. A 30cm portable light box with 120 LEDs gives even, shadow-free light from above, with a plain backdrop behind. It folds flat into a drawer, so there's no need for umbrellas or softboxes.
Light from above and all round removes the harsh shadows that hide detail.

Focus and framing

Ideal for miniature collectors aiming to capture the intricate details of their individual heroes, this technique is best used during solo photoshoot sessions at your desk. A great tip is to keep your camera lens completely clean and level with the model's eyes to create a natural, engaging perspective that brings your tiny characters to life.

Put the model on a small stand so it sits mid-frame.
Tap to focus on the face.
Step back and crop in rather than getting too close - phones struggle below a few centimetres.
Use a grey or gradient backdrop to make colours pop.

Shots to take

This approach suits tabletop gamers preparing to sell their armies or enter painting competitions where judges require multiple angles. Use this structured sequence whenever you finish a new unit to build a consistent digital portfolio of your work. As a handy tip, try keeping a notebook nearby to jot down the specific camera settings you used so you can replicate them for future projects.

Front, back and three-quarter.
A close-up of the face.
A group shot of the full squad.

Key things to remember

Use a timer or remote to avoid camera shake.

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Frequently asked questions

What background is best for miniature photos?

A plain grey, white or gradient background.

Why are my miniature photos blurry?

Usually not enough light or being too close. Add light and crop in.

Do you sell the light box?

No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges and art prints in the UK. The light box is a recommendation from elsewhere - only the things linked to our own shop are ours.

What is a good example of how to photograph miniatures?

"Light from above and all round removes the harsh shadows that hide detail." is one of 9 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

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