Getting that perfect model train shot isn’t just about the angle—it’s all about the lighting.
Do you go natural with daylight near a window? Or do you use LEDs, spotlights, or DIY diffusers to get the right mood?
Whether you’re after crisp detail, soft shadows, or dramatic night scenes, share what lighting setups have worked (or failed) for you.
What’s in your lighting kit?
Do you use backdrops or reflectors?
Any editing tricks you swear by?
Lighting really makes or breaks a model train shot, no doubt. I used to rely on daylight near a window, but it was hit or miss depending on the time of day—too harsh or too dim. Now I’ve moved to adjustable LED desk lamps with warm and cool settings so I can fine-tune the mood.
I’ve also started using DIY diffusers made from parchment paper or white T-shirt fabric stretched over a frame—super cheap and softens the shadows nicely. For backdrops, I use a printed sky scene with a slight gloss so it catches just enough light to give depth without glare.
My editing go-to is Snapseed (for phone shots)—especially the “Selective” tool to tweak brightness in specific spots without affecting the whole image. Makes a big difference!
Still experimenting with night shots—getting those tiny warm glows in buildings without blowing out the scene is a challenge, but so worth it when it works.
What setups are others using for realistic moonlight or golden-hour vibes? I’m always looking to upgrade my mini lighting rig!
