Quick photo how-to question

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Neosynephrine, Jan 31, 2021.

  1. Neosynephrine

    Neosynephrine Member

    Is it better to A: Take a coin photo outside on a sunny day, cloudy day, or partly cloudy day; or B: Should I use artificial light indoors adjusted as best I can? This would be for silver, clads, coppers and maybe paper money. I have a cool setup for my camera (not phone) that allows light from any angle and direction.
     
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  3. ksparrow

    ksparrow Coin Hoarder Supporter

    I prefer to use artificial light, and with 2 lights can control contrast and shadows.
    Since I use a heavy copy stand setup with an SLR, natural light would be a difficult proposition . Why don't you try both and post your results here?
     
    Lueds and -jeffB like this.
  4. Lueds

    Lueds Well-Known Member

    Diffused light is usually better, using a thin white cloth (or even supermarket plastic bags work) over the light source to soften the shadows and give a more even light.
     
  5. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Jansjo lights work best for me. I can never seem to get 'out door' lighting to work for me.
     
    serafino and robec like this.
  6. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    I have used several types of lighting. With a proper white balance, the images turn out about the same. Reveal bulbs seem to help capture color a bit better for me.
     
    serafino likes this.
  7. kanga

    kanga 65 Year Collector

    I use Ott-Lite white bulbs.
    If you look in Goodman's book you'll se he has measured their output as pretty much the same color and temperature as the sun.
     
  8. messydesk

    messydesk Well-Known Member

    Always better to use light you can control.
     
  9. kanga

    kanga 65 Year Collector

    Proof coins were giving me fits.
    I knew they were special cases, but I couldn't get things right.
    So I added a second Ott-Lite and moved them closer AND almost looking straight down.
    It's an improvement but I've still got plenty of room for more improvement.
     
  10. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank


    I'm glad to see you here.

    How's it going?
     
  11. Silverpop

    Silverpop Well-Known Member

    sometimes i use sunlight to take pics of coins but most it's my 3 LED lights and a LED desk lamp (if needed)
     
  12. Lueds

    Lueds Well-Known Member

    A friend of mine uses his flatbed scanner to do proofs and slabs, they come out a treat, even lighting and great detail.
     
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