Activity › Forums › Photography and Video › Capture Stunning Model Train Photos | Photography Tips & Techniques › What Works Best for You? › Reply To: What Works Best for You?
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!