Milk Jug Photography?

Greetings Fellow CT Members!

Yes, it's another photography question/thread...lol

Anyways, I have heard through several coin forums that gallon milk jugs make great light diffusers for slabbed coins and toners. I tried a little experiment with both, a slab and a toner. I can say that I was very impressed with the outcome as you can see below. I would like to gather some more tips on numismatic photography, especially slab and toner imaging if anyone cares to share. As always, all comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

Merlin feel free to join the fun! Your suggestions are always welcomed and greatly appreciated!

My "Milk Jug" Experiment Images

 

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Wow, they came out nice! What type of light did you use?

 

Just good old fashion sunlight as recommended by my great CT friend Merlin. Thanks Merlin, you're the best!

 

Very nice results........

 

Great pics, but. . . I need more detail. Where exactly are you placing the coins in relation to the gallon jug?

 

I simply cut the top of the jug off where it would sit level, and then I cut a circle large enough for my camera lense to fit in on the bottom. That's about it, it's actually quite simple. I will snap some images of my setup and the jug in a little bit so you can get a better ideal.

 

So i guess i don't understand. You just put the slab in a milk jug and set it in the light and it will tone?

 

do you drink the milk first?

 

Really guys? Come on! Of course you drink the milk and the coins are already toned. The milk jug acts as a light diffuser.

I'd much rather drink a jug of Beer but it don't come in translucent plastic...lol

 

Good Info. I am going to try this. Thanks

 

I'd appreciate pics of the setup. . . Still ain't gettin' it!!!

 

Whatever you did, the pics look superb. :thumb:

 

Very cool


Dusty

 

Thanks everyone! DUNK, I will post some images shortly and then I believe you will figure it out.

Join Short Snorter #2 - http://www.cointalk.com/t228407/#post1716188

 

cool, good results can't wait to see the set up, are you just using a macro setting on your camera or are you using any filters or anything?

 

I have a Kodak easyshare Z5010 SLR with macro, that's all, no special filters. I basically point and shoot making adjustments for exposure from time to time depending on the coins composition. I find that proof coins are the hardest to image IMO.

 

Nice job VAM, the milk jug trick is a good one. Those photos are oustanding! :thumb: It works really well to diffuse bright sunlight, and as you can see it works wonders with toners. It cuts the glare from slabs and those blast white silver proofs. You can use artificial lighting with the jug as well but I just could never find a bulb that didn't impart some color. I swear by natural light.

This is all trial and error like I had metioned before. All I did was make the process work the way I needed it to. I'm thrilled that is is working out for you too!! The process I use is nothing more than bits and peices of info I learned here that I made work for me.

Anyway, your doing great VAM lets see more!!!!

 

I had good luck with this using Reveal bulbs and doing a custom white balance once everything was set for the shot. If I changed anything after the white balance setting, I lost some of the color. Never understood that. Fun to play with.

 

Let's see those pics of the setup VAM!

 

I will make sure I post them before I go to work this evening, you have my word. I have to catch a little rest because I will be pulling a double shift tonight at station 10, the busiest firehouse in the city! Fun!! :hail:

Here's a good image of my truck for now: Evansville Fire Department 1Q10