Images are bright because I use strong lights. One covers front and upper sides of miniatures, two others are directed against background itself, on sides. They have much lesser output thought. Images are then processed in Picassa, contrast is autoimproved.
Highlights on buildings are very easy. After initial coats of basecoat paint and two or three layers of progressively lighter shades being aerobrushed, I just drybrush lighter and lighter tones. Three gently stages of drybrushing is enough. Some parts are additionally weathered with greens and beiges. Hourglass was just drybrushed (being gentle and light is the key here).
Backgrounds are part of the photo itself. They are just some printed images from the net.