The Glittering Host - A HE Plog

[NiallCampbell]

Hey folks,

I got a Photo Tent for Christmas, something I haven't ever used before and I've only just had some spare time to set it up and try and take some pics.
What do you think of the setup below?
The pics were taken with an iPhone, but the camera I'm using to actually photograph the models is a FUJIFILM FinePix S8200.
It has about a million settings and I'm at a total loss with respect to how to use it properly.
I've taken some photos already but until I crop them and tidy them a bit I won't bother posting.

[Jimmy]

Looks like a cool new toy! Looking forward to seeing some pics with it.

[NiallCampbell]

Hey guys,

Just a minor update - finished the banner itself. Now working on the staff and arm. Once gems are done that'll be it finished Hopefully done in an evening or two!

[NiallCampbell]

Evening all!

Here he is, my HE Noble complete with Battle Standard.
I haven't bothered to paint the sword arm yet as I'll be using this guy as a BSB for the foreseeable future until I get a mounted version
Loved the model, lots of fun to paint! So much character in the pose.

The photos were taken with my new FUJIFILM S8200 'FinePix' Camera and the photo tent. Lots of practice needed with that but the macro mode seemed to handle it OK

As always, please feel free to give me some tips!

Next, Ellyrian Reavers!

[solith]

He looks great! I especially approve that you didn't go overboard on the Phoenix on the banner (i.e. you didn't highlight it up to bright yellows etc) which helps keep the attention on the BSB himself.

I'm not 100% sure if you've added the white dot(s) onto the gems because of how the light is reflecting on to the model, so if you have added them I'd make them a tiny bit bigger and more obvious; and if you havn't added them then I'd suggest doing it.

The other thing is the white dots on his shield. I'm guessing they're stars? It just seems a little strange to me having them on just the one section, have you thought about adding them across the entire shield?

I love how well you've done the eyes though, they give him a really intense stare.

[NiallCampbell]

Thanks Solith

Gem Highlights - Yup I added the dots, I'll make them slightly bigger
Shield 'Stars' - I thought about it, I just think it might be a bit fiddly to pull off but will try!

The banner is actually a bit better in person, more variation in colour that seems to have been lost in the photo, but yes I haven't highlighted right up to bright yellow. But there's def more going on in person hah.

Anyway, onwards!

[Ptolemy]

Just some tips with using a light tent. I always put two extra light sources beyond the two you have. One is another light on the right side which lights up the area in front of the model. The second is directly in front of the tent aimed at just before the models feet.

[Tzineris]

Solith covered my thoughts (again)! Also i agree with Ptolemy, you need more light it is true. I suggest to paint the forhead of the helmet(with the gem on) another color than gold, blue or white maybe! I think this will add more to the total image!

[NiallCampbell]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your tips. Now that you mention it, the 'forehead' of the helm does look a bit flat.
I'll try and get another couple of lamps for the photo tent

It's my first attempt at using it, it gets very hot kneeling down beside those lamps!

[Galharen]

"Give them nothing, but take from them everything!~"

He looks like true hero, I like it. Very clean paintjob, but I agree with points mentioned above about light, dots on gems.
Personally, I would shade a bit the white parts, to give them more 3d effect. It would make your bsb more dynamic imo.
Nevertheless - great job and it's always a pleasure to see such models

[NiallCampbell]

Thanks, I'll take your tips onboard...but not tonight!
Finished off the alternative arm tonight. Now I can field him as a Prince/Noble on foot with Magic Weapon if the mood takes me
The blade isn't perfect, but it'll do as an alternative arm and it's fine for the TT!
Never tried shading a blade like this. First time for everything! Needs some practice

[NiallCampbell]

Evening folks,

So here's my first bash at the IoB Reavers. Man these models are intricate. A lot of detail, and I'm not too fond of how I've done the horse but hey, it's a start. Not that experienced with painting animals! Need to practice feathering my paints and blending the layers more. I also think my colour transitions go from dark to light too suddenly.

Anyway this one is nearly complete, a few more highlights to do and tidying up here and there. But yes...I'm sad enough to have strung the bow haha



Done a couple more Skaven too... die rat things!

[beencounter]

The reavers are lovely, having just completed a unit I know how time consuming they are to paint, you have done a lovely smooth job there my friend.
One small suggestion if I may, The drakest tones on the skin would benefit from being darer still, the areas where the fingers on a hand meet on a clenched fist for example, these would be lined really dark in the deepest recesses, it would help define the area more and make the nice reddish shade tone look even better.

[NexS]

Nice looking Reaver, mate!
Can I ask your process for the woodgrain on the bow? I've always had trouble with woodgrain effects!!

[Nyeave]

I know exactly what you mean. I used 3 months painting up 5 of those - nearly killed my hobby... For comparison I just completed 3 dragon princes and my generals horse in a month.

[Tzineris]

That is indeed a very smooth result! Have you tried glazing?You could use a light grey glaze on the horse's skin to blend the white highlights more with the basecoat color! As for the skin i could recoment another lighter colored highlight and not deeper shading! But that is just a matter of taste and patience! Have strength for the rest!

[NiallCampbell]

Thanks!

Glazing scares me... I have no idea how to pull it off while avoiding flooding the miniature :/
Need to look up some tutorials!

Also, none of my models are varnished yet as I don't know what product to use :/ any recommendations?

[NiallCampbell]

Just added a few highlights, did the gems etc.
Done - don't think I'll spend much more time on this. A bit ropey here and there but this one tested my patience. Four to go 0_o

[Gandalf_82]

I think he looks fantastic - great work!

I'd also be keen to hear what people suggest with regards to varnishing models as I'm not sure what to use either.

[solith]

I like the highlighting style you've used on the Reaver, the model looks really good! There are a few spots on the sword blade that I think could be neatened up.


For glazing, begin with really really thin mixes - you can always add more paint as you get the hang of it but to begin with you want something that's almost clear. I find GW's Lahmian Medium to be great for creating glazes (I imagine other paint companies will have something similar) because it makes the paint thicker without making the colour stronger when compared to just using water. Using a higher proportion of Medium makes the glaze feel and handle more like a wash which I find makes it easier to use only in the areas I want.

The idea of using glazes to tie colours together basically involves making a glaze out of one of the darker shades of that colour. (So for your horse for example you'd use either the main colour, the shadow colour or anything in between) Paint the entire section with a thin glaze of that colour and it will make the difference/edge between each shade and highlight slightly less pronounced, and it'll look slightly smoother and slightly more coherent.

To begin with use very thin glazes made of almost entirely water/Medium and with hardly any paint. Paint that onto the model and let it dry completely. Then you can decide if it needs another coat. If it takes several coats to get the result you want (let it dry completely between each layer, if it's only half dry it can splotch horribly) then you know you're mixing your glaze too thin, and you can add a bit more paint to the mix next time.
Also, because the results can be quite subtle, it might be worth taking before and after pictures so you can compare.


For varnishing, I use Army Painter's Anti Shine Matt Varnish. I make sure I don't use it if it's too hot, too cold or too humid outside (I'm terrified of it leaving that dreaded white snowflake effect) and I've had no problems at all. It does leave a faintly rough feel to my models compared to pre-varnish which I'm really not bothered about. It also reduces the shine of just about everything. I honestly have no idea how durable it is or how effective it is at protecting my models because I've not put them under that much wear and tear.


I hope that all helps.

[NiallCampbell]

Thanks for the tips Solith - as helpful as ever! I'll give it a bash on a 'better' unit when I improve!
I was hoping to have all five of these finished before the next update but oh boy these are killing my love for painting!

Two down, three to go!

Think I'll take a break and do a Wight King for something totally different

Anyway, I strung the bow (took ages!) and fashioned an arrow out of a brass rod. The keen eyed among you will notice the arrow is longer than the ones in the quiver But that's not my fault, GW designed it!

I think I'll maybe go back at the end of this unit and give this second horse some more highlights. The tail and mane are a bit boring.

P.S. Yes, some of the highlights are a bit sloppy. That's why I need to take a break on these guys...

[richiefuzz]

Those reavers are looking fantastic. Well done

[NiallCampbell]

So close!

Four down, one to go and then I'll have finished Island of Blood WIP shot below of the four finished ones. Only other update I have is that all my trays and minis are now magnetized so that eases set up and casualty removal Hopefully got a 1000 point game with a mate this Thursday, he doesn't mind me playing with grey plastic so I might throw down a unit of Archers/Spears from the Battalion Set. Don't have my Silver Helms ready to go yet.

Anyway - enjoy Crappy iPhone photos but they'll do for just now.

[RE.Lee]

Very nice, as always

[solith]

Strung bows and varied horse colours? That alone would make me a fan, but then you're painting them so well also!

[Tzineris]

Really nice work on the reavers mate!!

[NiallCampbell]

Good morning all!

...Can it be true? Can I actually have just finished the last model in the IoB set!? Why yes, yes I have! Thank the Gods! It's only taken me since about June 2013 (lol) but I'm finally done with it. What a journey! Thanks for your advice and encouragement along the way, Ulthuan.net

Here's a few pics of the last Reaver, along with the unit and an army shot to finish it off. I'll take some better light box pics of the army at home tonight but work calls at the moment This will have to do for now!

Next on the list, twenty archers! Need more core Then I'll need to get some Elite Infantry or something. White Lions maybe

[Antheron]

Lovely work. I actually really like all the minis in the Island of Blood box, and you've done a very good job on them. How many hours do you think you've put into just that small group?

[NiallCampbell]

Oh I honestly couldn't say. The Griffon easily took 20+ I reckon.
The Swordmasters were quickest as they had the least level of detail. The LSG & Reavers tested my patience though and while they probably didn't take the longest individually, I dragged it out as I didn't enjoy painting them as much as I thought I would!

[Antheron]

A lot of people feel that way, especially about the Reavers - but it was clearly worth the effort.

What's next?