Photographing the Red Poppy Railroad: Finding Story in the Small Stuff

Recently, I spent a quiet afternoon photographing the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad, a miniature recreation of Georgetown, Texas, hidden behind Mulligan’s Restaurant in Sun City. I was brought on to document the scene, especially the newly remodeled City Post Chophouse railcar placed in front of its mini counterparts: the courthouse and the restaurant. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d enjoy getting lost in this small world.

It’s 3,800 square feet of handcrafted nostalgia. Every tiny building, train, and street has a story- you can tell this project was made with care. Some scenes feel rooted in history, while others are playful or totally unexpected. It’s the kind of place that slows you down. That invites curiosity.

The Challenge of Photographing Miniatures

Photographing miniatures forces you to think differently. It’s not fast, and it’s not forgiving. The scale alone introduces challenges that make even simple compositions more complex. But it’s also a great way to sharpen your eye and slow down your process.

1. Get your perspective right.

The biggest giveaway that you’re looking at a model is the angle. Shooting from above flattens the scene and makes everything look like a toy. I found the best results came from getting the camera down low, close to the same level as the buildings. Even a few inches of difference can change how believable the shot feels.

2. Depth of field becomes more dramatic.

At this scale, even small aperture adjustments make a big impact. I used wide apertures (f/2.8 or lower) to isolate specific buildings or subjects and create that natural, shallow depth that mimics how we see the world. If I wanted more detail across a wider scene, I stopped down and made sure my focus was locked in manually.

3. Autofocus is unreliable.

Tiny subjects with lots of fine detail can confuse most autofocus systems, especially when there’s motion like a train moving in and out of frame. Manual focus gave me better precision. I also recommend using focus peaking if your camera has it. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re locking on to the right spot, especially when working fast.

4. Watch your background.

It’s really easy to break the illusion. A perfectly composed shot can be ruined by something like a hose, fence, or someone’s shoes creeping into the corner of the frame. I made small physical adjustments—moving my feet, shifting my angle, or even using nearby props to block out distracting elements. You don’t always need to Photoshop something out if you catch it early.

5. Use natural elements to your advantage.

Even though it was midday when I shot, the large green canopy overhead diffused the light beautifully. It acted like a softbox, giving the entire layout soft, even lighting. If you’re ever shooting something like this outside and don’t have a canopy, look for open shade or bring along a small diffuser to soften harsh light. Light makes or breaks the realism.

6. Slow down and let the scene guide you.

This kind of work rewards patience. I gave myself time to just walk around and observe before even pulling out my camera. What stood out? What details felt interesting? Where was the light hitting? Those small observations made a big difference in what I chose to focus on.

7. Don’t forget to move your feet.

Zooming in is tempting, but it flattens things and exaggerates scale in weird ways. I got better shots when I physically moved closer or repositioned myself to find a better angle. It also helped uncover new compositions I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Light, and a Bit of Luck

One thing that worked heavily in my favor that day was the lighting. There’s a large green canopy overhead that acts as a natural diffuser, softening all the light across the layout. I didn’t have to fight with harsh midday sun or deep shadows. The whole scene was evenly lit, which gave the details a chance to shine without distraction. I still kept an eye out for moments when the light shifted slightly or a corner was catching the right kind of glow. Even diffused light has its sweet spots.

Seeing Differently

What I liked most about this shoot was that it made me approach things a little differently. I couldn’t rely on my usual instincts. I had to slow down, move with more care, and think about what story I was telling with each frame. What do I want someone to notice first? What’s hidden in the background? What detail feels easy to miss?

It reminded me of why I enjoy photography in the first place. Not for big, flashy moments. But for small ones that ask you to really pay attention.

Final Thoughts

The Red Poppy Railroad might be small in scale, but it’s huge in character. And honestly, it was refreshing to photograph something that felt like it was made purely for the love of it. That’s rare.

If you’re curious, you can see some behind-the-scenes and final edits from the shoot over on my YouTube channel. And if you’re heading to the Red Poppy Festival this weekend, it’s worth swinging by the railroad to take a closer look for yourself.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best stories are found in the smallest places.