A method for preparing a 3-D impression or replica of small objects. It is particularly aimed at the dental field and provides improved optical texture of an impression or replica of a small object to enable imaging by photogrammetry. A composition useful in the method comprises a liquid curable polymer; macroparticles having a size greater than about 1 μm in diameter and microparticles present in a size range of less than about 1 μm such that the macroparticles and microparticles are present in a ratio in the range of between 5:1 and 15:1 (by volume); wherein the impression or replica formed from the composition has a surface particle distribution effective to allow imaging by photogrammetry.