Fogie,
You seem more interested in the photography than the miniature. My hobby is figure painting, not photography. I make adjustments to the pics to try to make them as accurate a reflection of the way the figure looks in person as I can. That is what is important to me. The pics are sometimes a bit dark, but I'm ok with that as long as the colors look right (or almost right, in this case). The black background is just part of my painting desk. No attempts to be fashionable or moody. Your version of my pic is certainly brighter, but you've washed it out and altered the colors. THAT is what, in my opinion as the creator of the piece, is doing the work no favors.
Jason