Taking Photos of Your Models
A change to the rules below: We recognize that most modellers will want to adjust some of the basic image settings. Under VMX 25 rules it’s OK to adjust exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, sharpness, and so on. We ask that entrants don’t alter any of the model’s actual features though, as we want to see your work exactly as you created it. Advanced techniques like focus-stacking are also permitted but not really necessary, as you’ll be submitting photos of your creation from different angles, allowing the judges to see your model from all sides.
You can submit up to 10 photos with each model entry. The quality of the photos you submit is really important – whether your model is entered for display or evaluation. These photos are the only way visitors and judges can appreciate all of the hard work you put into your model! You don’t need a professional camera – modern phones take amazing pictures. See some tips below on taking great photos.
MWB’s judging system is additive (we add points to your score based on how well you’ve satisfied the criteria), not subtractive (we don’t deduct points for flaws). This means that the judges can only award points for what they can see in your photos.
Photo Format and Orientation
- All photos must be in png, webp, or jpeg format.
- Photos may be in landscape or portrait orientation.
Modifying your Photos
Under the contest rules for VMX 25 it’s important that you DO NOT alter your photos in any way. Submit them exactly as they were taken by your phone or digital camera. Don’t adjust the exposure, brightness, contrast, sharpness, or colour.
Background
Try to take photos of your models against a neutral background. (white or light grey are best) so that viewers aren’t distracted by other items in the background. Some modellers like to take photos against a black background for dramatic effect, but a really dark background may make it hard for the Judges to see some of the great work you’ve put into your model.
You don’t need a fancy photo booth… a simple sheet of poster board curved to form a seamless background between a horizontal surface and a vertical surface behind it works great.
Lighting
Lighting is probably the most important factor in taking good pictures. Make sure your models are lit properly using more than one light source. The warmth or coolness of the lights you use is also very important. Using lights with traditional incandescent bulbs will make your model look too yellow, while taking pictures under fluorescent lights will give it a sickly green/blue colour. Lights that use proper “daylight” bulbs works best.
Diffused lights work best, as they don’t cast harsh shadows. Shadows can hide some of the detail you worked so hard to create, and again, the judges can’t give you points for what they can’t see. If you have to use direct light, use multiple lights from different angles to get rid of dark shadows.
If you don’t have access to daylight bulbs the simplest solution is to take photos outside in actual daylight. You want to avoid bright, full sun, and try not to take pictures early or late in the day (the reddish sunlight at that time of day will alter the colours on your model). Taking pictures between mid-morning and mid-afternoon on a cloudy day will give the best results.
Camera Angles – Most Model Classes
Unlike a traditional model show our judges can’t examine your model in person. That means that they depend on you to provide them with views of your model from enough different angles that they can do a fair evaluation. We ask that all model entries (except dioramas and figures) include photos taken from 9 angles. The tenth photo can be a close-up of details you’re particularly proud of, or it can be a photo that inspired your model.
Try to make sure that the front, back, left side, right side, and top photos are take looking straight at the model.
Camera Angles – Dioramas
Dioramas can contain a lot of amazing detail, and so we ask that you submit 6 photos looking slightly down at the diorama from front, front-left, left, right, front-right, and top. The remaining 4 photos should be closeups of the most important elements of the diorama – the main subject (people, vehicle, animals, etc.) – and any details of environmental elements that you want the judges to see.
Camera Angles – Figures and Minis
Most figures are small and can be difficult to photograph well. Ideally your camera has a macro setting, which will allow for good closeup photos (look for an icon that resembles a flower). Try to fill as much of the image as possible while keeping the figure in focus. It’s OK if you have to move the camera back a little to maintain focus, as long as the lighting is good and the camera’s resolution is high enough that the judges will be able to zoom in to see detail.
We ask that you submit 5 photos looking straight at the figure from front, left-front, left-back, right-back, and right-front. The remaining 5 photos should be closeups of the figure’s most important elements – the face and any details that you want to show off to the judges.
It’s really important that your lights don’t cast strong shadows on the figure. The judges need to be able to see how you have used painting techniques to emphasize the figure’s forms, and if your light casts strong shadows on the figure they won’t be able to award you as many points for your hard work.
