I have been trying to figure out this challenge for the past 2 weeks. I have posted several pictures and each time the coins luster seems to be the lacking factor. I am a newbie and have tried to use this forum as a learning tool for my grading skills. I have posted great detailed pictures, but the main challenge has been that my pictures do not show the full luster that the coin contains. I have tried to arrange my lighting and still no luck. I have used a white background and nothing. Basically what I have done is this: Place the coin in the center of a white background(sheet of copy paper) I use a small tripod approx 6 inches atop of the coin. I use a desk lamp in front of the coin in a 45 degree angle approximately 1'1/2 feet away. I also have an overhead light source and am using a three lamp post fairly close the coin. The three lamp is about 2 ft away and the over head is about 3-4 feet away. I have used several arrangements such as: No overhead light, over head light and desklamp, desklamp only, and of course all three light sources. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. This is getting a little frustrating as I am trying to take the best pics that I can in order to fine tune my grading skills. I really do need some help. Thanks.
Turn off all other lights except the one by the coin - two lights by the coin are better but all others need to be off. Then just experiment with the angle of the light/lights in relation to the coin. Showing luster or color on a coin is no different than when you look at it - you have to tilt & turn the to see it. Well, the camera merely takes the place of your eyes. But you can't turn or move the camera. You can't move or turn the coin. So you have to move or turn the light to get the right angle. That's all it is.
Thanks GDJMSP. So then play with my light angles and this should fix the challenge. I will do that now and take pics. I will post pics soon. Again thanks.
You might also need to play with the background color. It also seems like NGC white holders cause me problems with copper. Oh well I also need more practice.
Not at all disagreeing with Doug, but with my camera (the only one I have ever played with), I find more light shows the luster better. i.e. using 100W bulbs in stead of 60W or 40W. Also, in stead of 2 lights, I use 3. It has been so long since I have not used them, but my recollection is the going to reveal bulbs also made a significant improvement in my pictures.
I am currently using 40 watt reveal. I may have to increase the wattage to about 60+. I hope this fixes the challenge. I have plenty coins that I need help with.
You have got to set your white balance and get a larger picture. I suspect that you are showing some luster, but until you get that balance it is herd to tell for sure.
I agree. If your background is white your white balance is off because the background appears to be brown in your photos.
Do we have ESP? Give us some info. What is your camera? Nearly every one I have read about has a white balance.
If you can get them you might also want to try a clear bulb rather than a frosted one. Cartwheel type luster is best created with a point source type light. The frosted bulb or a fluorescent bulb speads the light source over a larger area like a diffuser does. Great for area lighting, even lighting and removing harsh shaows but not for displaying luster. If you understand how luster is formed youy can understand why the point source works better.
