Taking photos of layout helps model a scene better

So true, Josef.  Part of being a great photographer is honing one's skills so composing a picture DOES represent what others will see.  Too often, we quickly snap away without composing, per se.  And then when WE look at our own photos, our eyes are drawn to something that we didn't see while capturing the photo.  This same kind of phenomenon can help us create better scenes on our layout in sort of an iterative process.  But as we get better at it, we'll see where those improvements are needed -- even with our bare eyes.  It comes with experience.

BTW, another helpful technique I would suggest is capturing photos WITHOUT direct on-camera flash.  Years ago, cameras didn't have the sensitive sensors they have now.  So special lighting or flash was often used to help the camera "see".  However, today's camera's have MUCH better existing light capabilities, so there's much less need for flash -- especially on-camera flash which tends to wash out the subject and/or create unnatural shadows.

Having said that though... nothing beats great lighting to optimize a scene.  And usually that lighting is off-camera.  For example, I have over 40 lights above my layout -- some provide overall ambient light, while others are on tracks that illuminate the backdrops or are focused on special scenes of the layout at varying angles.  Additionally, ALL of the lights are Phillips HUE LED's that can be programmed in an amazing array of colors to simulate various daylight/nighttime effects.  No need for on-camera flash at all anymore, because the lighting comes from what are essentially "theatre lights" -- quite similar to what you'd see on a real theatrical stage, just a much smaller version from those in real life.

I xould not agree more, photos make a huge difference.

“ I have over 40 lights above my layout ”

Probably my biggest “wish I had.” I would have much more lighting than I do now. Don’t know how I missed that one.

Nothing shows up crooked like a camera.

Agree 100%. Those pictures of yours look great.

I take pictures constantly. I think of the layout like a 3D painting, well many 3D paintings.

But, sometimes the opposite is true too, where something looks amazing in photos, and is less than impressive in person. Maybe that is usually the case, but I am fine with it because its all part of the hobby.

Another think I noticed is that weathering on rolling stock and engines is difficult to accurately photograph. I like more subtle weathering, but that doesn't really show up in photos. So sometimes when I see a really weathered car in a photo, that in real life it might look really over done.