I have a new method for taking pics. I am now using a halogen lamp, that has a bendy neck, and is a breeze to use! Here are my coins, now using the halogen lamp! I think I finally have some good pics! What do you guys think? And that would be it! All my slabbed coins that needed makeovers, got them!
They're good, the specular highlights really show the lustre. The chin area on the Morgans is a little dark though. Are you using just the one light? I think if you had another diffuse light source to fill in the darker areas they would be even better.
Hey thanks for the tip. The only ones that really bother me, are the 1884 and the 1886, the obverses. They are a little too dark, but they still showcase great details on the coins, so I think I will stick with those pics for now anyways. I am using one halogen light source, and of course natural light that I let in through the windows.
Yeah T$, lots lots lots better! I think if you have another of the same lamp from the opposite direction you can balance out the light even more as it still seems a bit heavy and directional but it's looking real good compared to the last comparison shots you posted. Also, the additional ability to direct and work with the position of the light (bendy neck lamp) has given you MUCH more control. If the details are still getting blown out due to the proximity and strength of the light you can try diffuse lighting by placing some trace paper or gift wrap style tissue paper over the lamp (just be sure it wont burn from the heat of the lamp.), this will eliminate the intense glare of the light and give more even, or diffuse coverage. You may need two lamps if the paper you use diminishes the power of the light too much or else you can set your camera for a longer exposure. Good work!
Man, this makes my old pics look just terrible! The bendy neck helps out SO MUCH, and the 20 Watt bulb in the lamp, isn't as bright as the flash, but it showcases more details, and is more controllable to photograph off the coin Thanks for your help
Much better! Glad to see you took my advice with the lamp. You still have a bit of a focusing issue on some of them, but these are a vast improvement over your last attempts.
I have gotten the suggestion many times for a dual light source, this may do the trick, who knows... Can't wait to find out... But I think I will stick with these pics, I'm not ready to see them go. LOL
I have better luck with two lights on silver coins. One placed at 10 O'Clock and the other at 2. Keep them at a high angle to the coin (close to the camera). This is what I get. Maybe a bit too bright.
Nope that is perfect! I think when I take newer photos I am going to shoot for something like that! Thanks!
And also tried it on the 1884 O It shows the strike a heck of a lot better, and also fixes my darkness problem
Here is a good example of why I think cointalk is such a good site, the practical knowledge that is shared by its members. Just from this thread I have learned that in taking pictures two light sources are very helpful, that placement of the lights can be key. I wonder though, when taking pictures wether if when the coins stated grade is accurate but you take the picture to make the coin look as good as you can make it look is that an ethical question. I do not mean photoshopping scratches or rim nicks out, I mean it like one would take a picture of a beautiful woman, you are naturally going to try to accentuate her beauty, not point out her flaws. I think it might be a question with some highly divergent opinions, some people might ignore the grade given and rely or bid according to a flatteringly lit and angled photo, and then become angry that they paid a ms price for an au coin, but if the seller plainly stated the condition but took the picture to put the coin in its best light, would they have a case to make?
You see, this is why I felt fond towards me original crappy photos, because they showcased the main marks, and showcased some marks that couldn't be seen, and all of this was done using the flash. Now my pics are much much better, and I am pleased with them, and the showcase everything nicely. I think what you mentioned, about a seller taking pics, yes I do think he has a case, because he mentioned the grade of the coin, and people who are buying coins should know what a certain grade of coin looks like, and if they don't they need to do some more research, to learn their series. Now on SOME cases, it could be that the coin is undergraded, if that is the case, then the buyer should bid accordingly, and if the buyer is smart, and buys from a seller that has a return policy, because the seller should have nothing to hide. I think it would be the buyers fault if he is mad, because he/she decided to buy that coin, without a return policy and they are stuck with it, regardless of the photos.
Great pics T$.... the only little thing I see is that you need to get a little light down to the bottom of the coins, the tops are great, just a touch dark around the date... but otherwise keep up the good work!!!
I think that looks a lot better, that is for sure. The left side of the obverse still seems a little overexposed and bright, but all is good, it shows details well, and it is a good pic. But there is always room for improvement on any pictures
You can always decrease the highlighting on a photo editor but I definitely see what you mean. Very true.
