How do you get such good pictures?

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Cazkaboom, Oct 24, 2011.

  1. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    Okay, So I am trying to take some pictures of my coins, and I just can't figure out how to get the lighting right! Do you have some high-end cameras or a special setup? Help.
     
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  3. bigjpst

    bigjpst Well-Known Member

    There are some here who have expensive cameras and setups, but I use a sony cybershot. Couple of things...your camera must have a macro setting (icon is a little tulip looking thing) I use a couple of flex head desk lamps and move them around to find the best light direction for each coin. Also I use a small tripod that I bought at BestBuy for $10 and shoot straight down. It takes practice and some here are definitely better at it than I am, but I get better with just about every pic.
    4847280111 obv (Medium).JPG
    3488834-036 obv (Medium).JPG
    Also photo editing software is very helpful,(for things like cropping and making nice display pics)
    I use Photoscape, it's free to download and does just about anything I need. Green18 did a great thread about how to use it to make things like this
    1940 d reflection.jpg
     
  4. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    What type of lighting set up are you using Cazkaboom?

    Upload a few pics and we'll try and help you out.
     
  5. gbroke

    gbroke Naturally Toned

    I agree with everything bigjpst said here. I use a $100 camera and it works out pretty well. Just takes practice. Different lighting and settings on the white balance on your camera will result in different 'looks'. Mostly how the luster is caputred.

    These two images are of the same coin:

    myCoin.php?a=9&c=img4e8e87e069201.jpg
    myCoin.php?a=9&c=img4e99242b95387.jpg
     
  6. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

  7. gbroke

    gbroke Naturally Toned

    Thanks Cazkaboom! Your pictures are decent when it comes to showing the details and condition of the coin. They do need to be more direct to the coin however. I do prop up my coins, completely dependant on the lighting setup and the luster, toning or even strike type. Start trying some more direct shots, continue trying different lighting situations and keep us posted!
     
  8. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Nothing wrong with that coin that a little "cropping" wouldn't fix........:)
     
  9. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

    Have a link to the Green18 thread?
     
  10. bigjpst

    bigjpst Well-Known Member

    I had lots of problems in the beginning using only one lamp and background lighting. Especially if the room light and the desk light are different types. That's when I bought the second desk lamp. I think you will find the color will be more accurate if you turn off the room lamp and focus the desk lamp directly over the coin.(this works best when coin is laying flat and you are shooting straight down.) Also the cheap tripod will lessen the camera shake and stop the blurriness. Your pics are pretty good already, and with some minor tweaks, you could really get some good shots.
     
  11. bigjpst

    bigjpst Well-Known Member

  12. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

    Thanks, but does that link work for you? I get a blank screen.
     
  13. gbroke

    gbroke Naturally Toned

    I just checked it, works for me.
     
  14. bigjpst

    bigjpst Well-Known Member

    yep works for me
     
  15. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

    LOL Guess I'm destine not to take those pics. I'm showing I'm in the link, but nothing there, completely white.
     
  16. bigjpst

    bigjpst Well-Known Member

  17. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

  18. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    Okay. I went and borrowed my grandmother's ridiculously nice camera and took more pics. Here are some. Cannyn's Coins 021.jpg Cannyn's Coins 046.jpg Cannyn's Coins 047.jpg
     
  19. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    and some more:
    Cannyn's Coins 043.jpg Cannyn's Coins 045.jpg Cannyn's Coins 057.jpg Cannyn's Coins 060.jpg Cannyn's Coins 049.jpg
     
  20. NorthKorea

    NorthKorea Dealer Member is a made up title...

    First thing I would do is turn off the flash. Make sure you have a steady light on the coin directly, in lieu of the flash.
     
  21. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    There is one thing that helps me the most. My camera is hooked to the PC so I can see the image as soon as I take it. That lets me play with lighting and zip off several images in no time. I probably average 10 shots per coin and pick the best to save.
     
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