taking pictures of coins

just a question to throw out there because i am new at this: what is the best way to get a good photo of a coin? Also, i do not see where to post pictures up on threads. How to do this?

Thanks

 

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In the coin chat forum you probably will see three threads that are always at the top. They are stuck there at the top for this purpose. One describes how to post photos in a thread.

You may also search the word photo or photograph to review previous threads describing coin photography techniques.

Basically, you will take the photo with your camera in the macro setting and then crop the photo so that the coin covers most of the photo area. Then, make sure you name & save a copy of the photo that is less than 250 kiloByte in size. When you post a thread, you can "go-advanced" & then go to "manage attachments" & then browse your photos & select the one you want to post.

There are other ways to post photos but this BRIEF instruction will allow you to post a 250k photo from your computer.

 

thanks for your imput. i will try this.

 

To photo a coin.
Create a stand so the camera focuses on the coin not the background. I personally use a golf tee in a slab of wood with that i painted grey.
Use indirect lighting either halogen or fluorescents.
Don't let other sources of light cast shadow or reflections.
Have a tripod or a way to steady the camera other than humans natural unabiltity to hold perfectly still.
Focus and Capture.

 

I just learned how to do this. I took this photo with a mark III 1DS

 

Are you a pro photographer?

 

I recently asked the same question.
Here are the answers I got.
​http://www.cointalk.com/t193984/

 

I used this template to insert my coins into the photo. I am not sure what photo editor you use, but you have to just crop it as a circle and insert it into the gray spaces. The bottom ones you have to flip it horizontally and vertically. Then you can play with it and do all kinds of extra little stuff with it. At least that is the way I do it, I am sure there is an easier way.

 

No, not really

 

I crop using photoscape. It is a free photo editor many members use. Here is a link on downloading it and using it: http://www.cointalk.com/t175157/

 

i wish they had photoscape for my IMAC

 

That's why I like my PC:yes:

 

Tons of info on the forum already, quick summary:

1) Decent camera with a macro mode
2) Proper lighting

 

That about sums it up.:yes:

 

Yeah that will get you there.....



BTW reading this book also helps.....http://www.amazon.com/Numismatic-Ph...al-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1321195465&sr=1-1-catcorr

 

Here's one using my Dino-Lite & Photoscape.

Dino-Lite USB Digital Microscope

 

Um, nice pic, but if you aren't a professional, then why do you have a $6000 camera??

 

Correction, 7000$ + cost of lens + flash + I do not think it is easy to use ..

I have a 4 years old canon 400D + Sigma 150 mm F2.8 lens, I just need to get some cheap lamps

 

You can buy the Mark IIIDS body and a decent lens used for around $6000. Your prices are spot on for new equipment. I have a Canon 50D and a nice 150mm Macro lens, but I never use these for coin photography. I use a $140 point and shoot Canon. Anyone who says you need professional equipment to take a good coin photo is mislead. IF you are a professional numismatic photographer, that is one thing. If you are trying to document your coins and/or show others your coins online, you need not spend more than $300 max on a camera plus a good copy stand/tripod.

 

I already have them + a heavy duty tripod set, using them for free is cheaper than buying a point and shoot .

But as you said, using a good point and shoot would be easier and faster than my current kit.