Does anyone use a light-box to photograph coins. I have a MS67 1941 S Mercury dime that I have lots of trouble photographing. I can't get the coin's luster to really pop without getting glare on the holder or getting a bad photo. I was wondering if a light-box would help to make the luster blind you. These are my current photographs for the dime... And I would like for the pictures to look more like this...
To me the last photos are the worst of the bunch, but one key difference is the light position. Your lighting needs to be higher & closer to the lens. You can move them a fair bit before the glare will be reflected in the image. Can't help with the light box, sorry.
I'm not speaking from a lot of experience, but to show luster, you want directional light. A light box is designed to provide omnidirectional diffuse light, which is the opposite of what you want.
No, you don't want photos like the given examples. Even if you think they look good now, soon enough you'll change your mind. Also, you may want to start by familiarizing yourself with white balance. Getting more light upon the surfaces would also help. I assume you're heavily cropping? Work with what you have before considering additional equipment. The grass isn't always greener....
I hate say it but lately I've been using my phone. I'm happy with the results, and that's all that counts. I did this one yesterday. And this one too.
A light box will do exactly the opposite of what you hope to accomplish. The diffuse light will mute the luster and the large light source will cause quite a bit of glare washing out any contrast. I notice in the images you provided that you are using slightly larger desk lamps. The reflectors tend to soften the light a bit, you may want to try small light sources and get them closer to the lens. That will bring out the luster and the smaller light sources will cause smaller areas of glare.
My light source, a wall mounted swing arm lamp with GE 150 watt Reveal lamp on a dimmer. Wow I guess I'll take a beating on this. That's right it even has candy canes hanging from it.
