Photo & Video Requirements
Everything you need to know before you start shooting. Bookmark this page and refer back to it when you're ready.
Required Formats
We need both photo formats. Video is optional but encouraged. Shoot more than you need and let us pick the best.
Square photo — 1:1
- Set your camera to 1:1 aspect ratio.
- Shoot in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Leave a little space around the terrain so it doesn't feel cramped.
Portrait photo — 4:5
- Set your camera to 4:5 or 4:3 aspect ratio or set it to portrait mode.
- Shoot in portrait orientation.
- Leave a little space around the terrain so it doesn't feel cramped.
Video — 9:16 vertical
- Set the resolution to 1080p and 30fps.
- Shoot in portrait orientation.
- 15-60 seconds.
- A slow pan around the terrain or a simple turntable shot.
- Upload without editing. We’ll edit and remove background noise.
Composition Guidance
We're not looking for studio photography. We're looking for terrain that looks like it belongs on a real gaming table.
DO
- Place terrain on a gaming mat, felt, or textured surface.
- Shoot from a slight angle rather than directly above.
- Get close enough to fill the frame.
DON'T
- Include a miniature in the scene.
- Shoot on a bare white table, kitchen bench, or carpet.
- Include clutter in the background.
- Submit photos where the terrain is out of focus or blurry.
Lighting Guidance
Lighting is the single biggest factor in photo quality. Bad lighting can't be fixed in editing.
DO
- Shoot near a window with natural daylight.
- Use a cheap LED lightbox if you have one.
- Shoot on an overcast day if shooting outdoors.
DON'T
- Use the phone's flash.
- Shoot in a dim room under yellow ceiling lights.
- Shoot in direct harsh sunlight.
TIP
- If you can clearly see the texture and detail on the terrain in your photo, the lighting is good enough.
- If you're struggling to see the detail you painted, find better light.