Photography at Coin Shows – Your Experiences?

I’m curious—how many of you have had your coins photographed at a coin show?

I understand there are coin photographers on this forum that shoot at shows. Have any of you used their services on-site, or do you usually wait and send coins off to a photographer later? Who do you know that’s had coins photographed at shows, and what did they offer? Was the price reasonable? How did the quality of the images turn out?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and whether you think show photography is worth it. Are there certain types of coins or situations where it really shines?

For Canadian collectors in the GTA, here’s a couple of local opportunities: I’ll be photographing coins at the National Coin and Stamp Show in Mississauga on September 6–7. and again at the Toronto Coin Expo on October 3rd and 4th. I’ll be capturing raw coins, slabbed coins, bullion, and historic pieces. You’ll be able to preview images on-site, and the high-resolution edits will be delivered after the show.

In Mississauga, I’ll be at Table 87, near the entrance—but more importantly, as I get closer to the show, I’d love to hear what your experiences have been with coin photography at shows. Who’s tried it, what did you think, and would you do it again?

 

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I have had images taken many times. I drop the coins off and pick them up later that day or the next day. This saves me the shipping both ways. The images are emailed to me after the show.
This has always worked out great for me and I'm always happy with the images. I had two counterfeit IHCs imaged at the ANA show last week. The price will vary based on the number of images I want for each coin.
Years ago a friend of mine would do the images and keep the coins in his safe until the last day of the show for me to pick up. It was nice to not have to worry about leaving my coins in the hotel room.

 

It's good to hear it's working the way it should. How did you find out the photographer was there? Did you know in advance, or did you find out at the show? Were the coins ones you owned and brought to the show, or did you purchase them there? Who did the imaging at the ANA show? So many questions..

 

They have been trusted friends that have been on the coin forums for many years. I brought coins and added coins I found at the show.

 

I did have the dime below professionally photo graphed at FUN this year by a fellow that regularly posts here on the forum. I knew he was there because of this forum. I tracked him down and he photographed my coin while I stood there making small talk. Sent it to me later the same evening. I don't remember the cost but it was very affordable.

 

Having recently set up at the ANA, as well as a couple other big shows each year for the past several years, to shoot some coins, what seems to work best for everyone is if they know you're there ahead of time and are prepared to bring stuff for photography at a specific time.

 

As much advance notice as possible would be wise. When you say "bring stuff at a specific time,' do you mean setting an appointment?

 

That's a nice-looking dime. Obviously, it was certified. Was your site photographer also taking shots of raw coins?

 

Well… I don’t know. It was @messydesk that posted above. If anyone could answer that it would be him.

 

@messydesk is the best there is at doing coin images. He has earned the trust of most everyone at the shows. Because of this he is able to image coins that few ever get to hold in hand.

It's going to be tough for someone new to do well at shows. Most folks want to know and trust who they hand their coins over to. That all comes with working the shows for many years.

 

Most coins I shoot at shows are certified. If I do raw coins, they tend to be stuff like early dated coins from @tibor or a collection of small Anglo-saxon coins (sceats and the like). I was talking to John Dannreuther about GC letting me shoot the first 1794 dollar last year at the ANA show and he said, "You really need to see that coin out of the holder." I asked him if he had a hammer handy.

If at all possible. Predictability can save everyone a lot of time and make it easier to budget time at a show. If someone shows up without an appointment it's also no problem. Chances are I can shoot their coins shortly if not right away, but like any "walk-in" situation, there's a little risk involved that I'm already stacked up or stepped away for a much-needed stretch.

 

The last few years I've asked @messydesk to photograph my coins. I ask John to image my most recent purchases. Usually 75-100 coins. I'll contact him a couple of months in advance and let him know the approximate quantity. We agree on a time and meet at his table. Always does excellent work. He even honored me by using one of my coins in his calendar. I highly recommend his work. I will post a few examples in the coming days.

 

That's good to know. Thanks for the tips. How many coins do you shoot in a day?

 

Yes, it might be, but everyone was the new guy at one time. Besides, I'm not new to coin photography; I'm just new to some people on this forum. I photograph coins every day for coin dealers; this is just my first foray into coin shows. I want to meet more coin collectors, swap stories, and capture the coins they’re passionate about. I want to feature those on my website.

 

It sounds like he made a lasting impression. I'm always happy to see the craft being elevated across the board. We all bring something unique to the table. What do you like about his work? What makes it the best?

 

It varies widely. Some days I'll shoot 100 coins, others fewer than 10. I only set up at three shows per year and they're multi-day shows. Most of my work is on the first day I'm there, which is usually Thursday. I seldom shoot stuff on Saturdays as most people are done with the show by then and attendance is more people that are "tire kicking" or not as intensely engaged in the hobby as those attending earlier.

 

Just curious — does the work cover the cost of getting a table at the show?

By the way, I saw you’ve got a link to Variety Slabbing Service. I noticed on your site that you were at the Pittsburgh ANA show in 2023. I was there too, just visiting, and I must’ve missed you. I thought I had visited every table.

My name is Denis. Based on a comment above, your name is John? Pleased to meet you. I've read your comments in many photography-related posts on this site. Do you work in coin photography full-time, or in numismatics in general?

 

Denis, John (MessyDesk) IS VSS.

One of the things to love about VSS is the key pickup point right on the label! None of this, "oh, go look at such-and-such a site!"...

Now he does need to update the site; it still has him setting up at three 2023 shows, but, hey...

 

Burton, thanks for that... I like learning more about the people behind the comments, and John has a lot of history in this industry. I mean, this has to be a highpoint.

GreatCollections Now Recognizes VSS Variety Attributions

John, I suppose you've been too busy attributing coins to update that part of the site. A good problem to have.

 

Looks like I need to update the site. I'll be at the same shows in 2024, too.

My full-time job is in software engineering. Coins and photography are a self-supporting hobby. I never take my own table, since the photo work pretty much just covers the trips. I share space with another dealer who gives me a corner of their booth.