I have a digital camera with the macro lens. When I get really close to the coin of course the camera draws a shadow over the coin and totally screws the shot up. How do you get really good lighting when the camera has to be that close? And I'm sorry if this has been hashed over a hundred times, I just don't have time to look right now. Thanks for any advice.
I have the same trouble while taking pictures with my camera. It casts a shadow over the coin you're trying to take a picture of. I tried putting a light behind me but it just glares off of the coin. Im still experimenting also. I still havent gotten it right.
Here are some links that might help you http://www.tabletopstudio.com/documents/coin_photography.htm http://reviews.ebay.com/How-To-Take...-Things-That-Shine_W0QQugidZ10000000000920498 http://dougsmith.ancients.info/990nikon.html
I use two gooseneck lamps, one on each side of the coin at a low angle. (I still get lousy pictures, but at least there are no camera shadows in them. )
Good lighting Hi. I use a lamp with 100 watt bulb and flexible neck. I bring the light right down to the coin and it seems to work every time. I attached some coin pictures that i took recently.
magnifying I have a digital camera with a macro setting that is not real good, so I found two sizes of magnifying glasses at a camera shop. they look like shot glasses, I put the coin under and put the camera lense on the glass and snap the shot. if you can get natural light it works great for halves and smaller. Also putting the lense on the shot glass also eliminates my shakes and lets the camera focus properly.
Here is something that seldom fails. Take the photos outdoors. On a bright day, not raining of course, place your coins on a black surface. Not in direct sunlight but in a place where there is lots and lots of lighting. Usually ourdoors light comes from all sides and you will not have the shadows of the camera on the coins. I usually use a black Bar-B-Que grill and the patio type umbrella stops direct sunlight from creating glare. With sufficient lighting from all sides you can move as close as you want without shading. As already noted that link to table top studios is great. As to camera equipment, so much depends on the lens of your camera. If the front lens is threaded for filters, you could look into the filter ring type magnification lenses. Most camera stores would not have them but photography supply houses should pending your filter ring size. I always suggest asking for a catalog from www.bhphotovideo.com Largest supplier of photo equipment I know of.
