Not sure which I like best; normal lighting or axial lighting. For proof coins, normal lighting gives a very stong black & white cameo look. But detail seems to be lost due to clipping (both black and white). Axial lighting has a very cool look, and seems to avoid exaggerating scratches, nicks, and other little bits on the holder and coin. Seems more details can be seen with axial. What do you think? Normal lighting followed by axial lighting. Keep in mind this is only my second axial lighting photo, so there are sure to be improvements as I play.
One more post for tonight. I know I have been blasting the forum lately with my pictures, but hopefully you guys are liking it, and I have not crossed over into annoying territory. (let me know if I have). Non-axial: Axial: I am just really excited about this axial technique!
Fantastic images geekpryde! I actually like the non-axial lighting images more. They show off the cameo, and the luster so much better. I bet the non-axial lighting images represent the coins better. Would you say that's true? The axial lighting really does bring out the surface detail though. edit: Do not worry about blasting the forum with images. As long as they are web friendly, keep em coming. Obviously I am not shy about posting images. Coin collecting is visual, and imaging is part of the fun.
Thanks for the compliment, coming from you means alot. I 100% agree with you, the non-axial photographs are by far more accurate and represent how the coins look in hard far better than axial lighting, at least with the coins I have tried so far. Yes, and this is why I was so excited that I figured out a basic axial lighting setup. Stole some glass from a frame, and decided facial tissues would work as a light diffuser, presto. The axial lighting really shows much more surface details and just avoids all the glare and other distracting artifacts, and really lets you see the surface of the coin. However, the color is not accurate, luster is mostly gone. Another great benefit of axial shooting, since the glare and hotspots and lighting placement issues all go away, you can really just blast though alot of pictures and coins once you get the glass and lights setup. No need to fiddle between every shot. I would say that perhaps having BOTH kinds of photos for your very special key coins would be worthwhile, so you see the whole picture, so to speak. If I had to choose one, it would be non-axial though. Thanks for replying! :thumb:
Yes, I wish I could transform a generic proof into the 1998-s SP! Last coin I need for series!!!! Freaky how axial lighting can really change the look of a coin, I wonder how many online sellers use this to their advantage?
I have notice in a few images that my axial lighting setup is introducing very faint rainbows in the images, where the coins have no rainbow colors. I think this must be from the cheapo glass I am using. You can see the rainbow here:
Would it be possible to take a photo of your setup? Photographing coins drives me crazy, especially proofs. Axial lighting looks like the way to go when you don't have highly reflective surfaces to deal with or luster.
Yes, I can do that for you and anyone else who is curious. I just cant do it tonight, as I have spent too much time on coins this week. Need to go watch some Dexter with the wife. I will try and get a shot of it tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some links: http://coinimaging.com/photography.html (see Fig. 11: Axial lighting, this is how I sent my coins up) The absolute key is to diffuse the light with thin white paper / tissue paper / facial tissues. http://www.coinnews.tv/Secret-is-in-the-lighting.htm
You may want to try diffused for cam proofs if you cannot get the right look with direct. There are certain applications where axial can give more eye-friendly results... PL coins are a fine example, but all depends on your taste and reason for shooting the coins. As you now realize, axial can be an excellent way to display surface details, and while this may not always look pretty, it definitely has its purpose. One more thing with direct lighting and using your Peace photo as the example.. try not to leave the facial details in a void. While quite nice overall, if you simply move the lights to a different position, I believe you get much better results. Good luck.
Your pics are very good. This is another good lesson on how sellers can change the look of coins depending on how they photograph them. I have seen some sellers use both of your methods which to me is the most honest. The axial to show detail and the non-axial as you say, to show the luster. Both are helpful in determining what the coin looks like in hand. Sometimes you will only notice things after you see them in a different type of pic. Both pics are valuable IMO.
