Which photo is better?

[Gearhead]

Just what the title says. Which picture is a better portrayal of the miniature, mostly with regards to color, clarity, and lighting? I'll remove the loser:

#1

#2

 

[cassar]

voted second no shine off the back of her head.

 

[supervike]

Photo number one looks harsh.

I vote for two!

 

[GreenOne]

Number two, not even a contest there, the glare really kills a mini.
Number two still nned exposure correction tough.

 

[Gearhead]

I should mention that the shine in photo 1 is because I'd varnished the mini by then, and not in photo 2. The stuff I have isn't as 'matte' as it claims to be. 9_9

But, photo 2 is the clear winner! I'd accidentally posted both to the gallery (I thought I'd removed the first before posting the second,) and there was a full 1.1-point difference in score, with an almost-equal number of votes! I think combining what I'd done right in each pic would result in the best final product. Live'n'learn!

[EDIT] Okay, how's this one?

 

[freakinacage]

seems easier. any chance of using a non textured background?

 

[Gearhead]

I'm working on it. So far I'm just using whatever I have in the house, like a sweatshirt or a towel. Some good-quality colored paper or even a swatch of black velvet should help.

 

[supervike]

I think that dark background helps a bit. I'm not as bothered by the texture, but I guess it would be nice to see the difference.

Please come to my house and photograph my minis, your pictures are nice and crisp!