Direct, Indirect, Diffused Lighting. The differences when photographing coins.

By no means am I a good photographer, but here are my favorite proof photos. I flooded the coin with light using two OTT lights.

Chris

 

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This thread got me playing again

Thank you to Dutchman...this thread has me playing again. Changed my light setup...it has led me to reflecting lights off white, then diffusing them from above the coins and taking a photo straight on....this is the best setup I have tried yet.

 

I agree with the general consensus: Diffused light for proofs and direct or mostly direct lighting for UNC coins. Attached are a couple of my favorites.

 

Informative Post!!

Good Information Doug!

I might add that multiple lamps with separate controls can really alter the quality, as can the adjustable object base recently shown in a thread. A camera mount with fixed 4 axis control (X, Y, Z, Theta) can significantly improve results.

One must also remember where is the camera flash button, as a flash can reverse the positive effects of other features.

I'm really a dolt when it comes to photography, have admired the results of many posts on this site, but found that as Doug has stated, with the aforementioned features, can allow the most incompetent a tolerable image. :thumb:

Rich

 

What is the fourth axis theta?

 

Excellent posts. To me it proves a photo of a coin can never be relied on for either authoritative grading, or authentication. I would have called the third one a counterfeit.

 

Btw Doug Smith of CT has a lot of information on coin photography for those who don't know that:

http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/

 

Theta Explation.

Thanks for the query. In the sciences, etc., the angle of action relative to a target is generally noted by the eighth letter of the greek alphabet, theta.

Simply stated, if the camera angle, relative to the target, can be adjusted and fixed, many distracted influences can be attenuated, or desirably features amplified. A preferable mount will have ~45 degree (0 to -45 degree) vertical rotation, with ~90 degree (-45 to +45 degree) horizontal rotation.

This angle of adjustability, in conjunction with the other degrees of movement, will often allow that seen by the human eye when rotating an object relative to a light source (e.g. surface uniformity/irregularities, cartwheel effect, luster, relative profiles).

My observation has been that most photos are taken at right angles to a target, which generally fails to convey depth information and other features.

 

I have been experimenting a bit with lightning today.
These are the results
is my ligtning any good?

 

The only time I use diffused lighting is when I photograph toned proof coins. The diffuse light allows you to see the color which is hidden by the mirrors of proof coins. Here are some examples.

Diffused Lighting



Direct Lighting



Diffused Lighting



Direct Lighting



Diffused Lighting



Direct Lighting




I only use diffused lighting on the most difficult toned mint state coins as diffused lighting destroys any appearance of luster as can be seen with this Kennedy Half Dollar.

Diffused Lighting



Direct Lighting

 

Great post,

What bulps " brand and info would be usefull " do you use Dutch ?