1. Camera
   1. Capacity
      I’d recommend a minimum of 3 Megapixel camera, which allows flexibility for both digital work and printing. If there’s an intention to produce A4 size prints then a 3 Megapixel camera is essential to avoid graininess. If snapshot size photographs up to approximately 6” x 4” is the maximum to be produced then a 2 Megapixel camera will be sufficient. You can go above 3 Megapixels, but this is unnecessary and can complicate things.
   2. Focal length
      With 1:172 models you need to get in close for detail. This means you need a camera capable of allowing you to focus within 75mm to 100mm (3” to 4”) of the subject. A three to four times zoom capacity is also desirable to allow you to back off from the subjects for greater depth while remaining sharply focused for detail. I use a Casio Exilim 5megapixel, with 5x optical zoom and capability of 1cm macro shoot.
      
2. Lighting
   Good photography is primarily about lighting. Halogen lamps produce ‘white’ light that’s essential for indoor photography. A minimum of 2 lamps is required. These used to be beyond the reach of most point-and-click enthusiasts because of cost. Now they can be purchased for as little as $8 each from stores.
3. Photographic Table
   A table 0.6m wide x 1.0m long (2 feet x 3 feet) is ideal, placed against a wall. This is deep enough to assemble 1:72 dioramas, wide enough to position the desk lamps, and the wall allows easy mounting of back-drop prints.

Now it’s play time! Set up your diorama, load up your camera and off you go. Two words of caution.

It’s quite normal for even professional photographers to accept and approve of only 1 out of every 20 snaps. So, if you start by rejecting 59 of every 60 snaps, but get one pearl, you’re on the right track.

Photography is all about fun . . . HAVE FUN!