TRACKSIDE TIPS AND TRICKS

Chris Nevard explains how you can capture photorealistic images of model railways on a budget

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My aim is to make model railway photos look as realistic as possible, and the process I use to shoot miniature worlds is very different to how I’d shoot reallife ones – and it has its challenges. You’re limited as to where you can angle the camera to avoid including the real world beyond, and shooting close-ups means you’ll be dealing with very shallow depths of field.

Fortunately, you have complete control of the weather and lighting, and nothing is moving, so you can shoot at slow shutter speeds and take the time to manage your scene. You can also achieve elevated, ‘aerial views’ without an expensive drone! And finally, expensive kit isn’t a necessity – you don’t need 20fps bursts or super-fast AF. In fact, I prefer manual focus, so you can even make use of vintage lenses if you like their ‘look’.

EXPERT TIP

Avoid framing the edges of the layout or any glimpses of the real world. A good workaround is to obscure such views with a miniature, such as a wagon, or even a piece of terrain. And, perhaps most importantly, remove any dust. Even the smallest amount will stand out and test your cloning skills; a sensor-dust blower is ideal.