Open the file with the two images in Paint. Use a paintbrush to just cover up the seam. Less than 5 seconds.
Are you shooting in Manual mode or an Automatic mode? If the camera is in automatic and metering differently for the obverse and reverse, this would make sense. In Manual, you should end up with the same black on each photo (assuming they were shot in the same lighting).
I will...hate to hijack the thread...but it will be later. Busy right now, only time for casual internetting between chores...
Dave M has the answer. Always use Manual White Balance and Manual exposure. If you must, you can darken one side after they are joined but a 000000 black will be the same if you shoot them that way.
Thanks for the good questions and answers. Please feel free to post anything photo or editing related. I have had good luck getting my backgrounds to match as long as I don't change the lighting in between as Doug has said.
Thank-you (again) for the instructions, but you didn't cover what I do if it is not a round image, such as a badly struck Roman coin? Can you please cover that?
I'm afraid that one is outside my wheelhouse. I've tinkered with it as much as I could but no luck. My recommendation would be to put your coin on a black surface when photographing. That way, when you crop a round image, the excess part is already black. That, or use Microsoft Paint. Or only buy round coins. Sorry I couldn't be more help!
Man, you photo-guys are awesome ... such attention to detail and such ingenuity => my current strategy is somewhat less high-tech ...
I have just bought an A6000 and have been very impressed so far, even in auto with its 179 focal points it does amazing things. I actually like the Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro, you have to get close but not too close, it appears to do a very good job.
Turn on element to medium-high and brown the coin ... drain grease ... then find camera and head-lamp ... *click*
That's what I was missing. I mistook the coin in the pan for a hole. It all makes sense now. Thank-you.