Plays with axial lighting

I think it was Goodman's book that mentioned camera vibration.
Anyway, I got a wireless remote shutter release when I bought my camera so that I could remove that as a possible source of vibration.
The other possible source mentioned was the mirror flipping out of the way on a DSLR. I haven't dealt with that but at the moment it doesn't seem to be an issue. But if I want I think(?) I can delay the shutter for several seconds after the mirror moves. I know my wife's camera has that option but mine is less expensive.

BTW nice image.

 

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Have you had any luck with slabbed coins and your axial setup?

 

No, everytime I try to use the setup with slabbed coins I get all these bizarre reflections. I think Kanga had the same experience.

The remote release is an excellent idea. I usually use the timer so the camera has a chance to settle down before the shutter trips, but I had a window air conditioner and fan going at the same time in the room, and I think that's what did it. Also, the shutter speed was about 1/10 second.

 

Let's see if this one is a little better. The blue head makes me want to nickname this coin "Miz Smurf."

 

and here is a new Trade Dollar:

 

Yep, same problem.
I'll play with it somemore but I don't expect positive results.
The two surfaces of the slab (outer and inner) cause all sorts of reflectivity probelms.

 

I have learned alot from your thread when taking pictures thanks again!

 

I love what you get!

Unfortunately, I've become frustrated trying to duplicate what you're achieving.

This is about as good as I get and it's still not doing justice to the coin.





They're good enough for photos, but they don't grab you like your axial lighting does.

 

You really do get a fantasitc 3d effect and fantastic light distribution but you do also notice a little warping and fuzzinessthru the cheaper non optic quality glass. Great reference point though.

 

Hi Marshall, are you using an axial setup too? (nice large cents, BTW!)

 

I try, but my setup isn't too stable and keeps falling apart. Combine that with unwanted reflections from the stand or even the camera and I'm pulling my hair out most of the time. I tend to resort to the old two source direct lighting.

But I know that axial is the best solution if I can get it stable and find a way to avoid unwanted reflections. It's just frustrating getting there. I thik I need a copy stand so I can get more working room between the lens and the holder. My tripod just doesn't allow room for my glass to hinge properly.

 

You're welcome!

 

Marshall I think your pictures are good just needs a slight tweak on the lights. It looks like a little more light is coming from below the coin. Also I might go one step or 2 faster on the shutter speed as it looks like youre a tad overexposed.

 

A copy stand is definitely superior.
It gives you so much more room to work with.

I had trouble with a reflection from the upright on the copy stand so I had my wife make a sleeve for it from black corduroy.
That took care of that.

Make sure your light source is the ONLY one.
Windows or other lamps can be interference sources.
Shiny surfaces around your setup can cause problems.

Sometimes I have the overhead lights on during setup.
Then I forget to turn the off before the photo session.
I REALLY hate myself after ruining an hour's work because of something stupid like that.

 

My copy stand has a chrome plated upright, so I draped a piece of the dark blue velvet I use for a background around it to prevent reflections. My overhead lights are on a dimmer.

 

Really nice images.
Have you ever tried dark toned proofs or just proofs with color?

 

Errrr no, I actually don't own any!

 

Get some and image em', and post it here pronto. :goofer:
Fantastic images my friend.

 

Well I thought I'd been trying the axial lighting and I just discovered that when I removed the glass, the lighting didn't change. Somehow I still got direct lighting from background/reflective lighting.