Cameo Proof Washington

Hey gang, anybody know how do bring out the Cameo in a pic like this one? I know It's a nice coin, but holy cow, they make it look freakin primo...how?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200169331416&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

THANKS !!

 

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Jack:
Sorry, but are you asking is they photo-shopped the coin's image?

 

I think the Black & White is helping bring out the contrast as well. Definitely best to use a tripod to find the angle GDJMSP is referring to and experiment until you find the angle and distance that works well. The trick is to do that without ending up with a slanted perspective from using too drastic of an angle.

 

No, not at all. I meant special lighting or something like that. Like GDJMSP says, I can do it " in hand, by eye" but cannot capture the same effect on film.

I asked seller same question, waiting for reply.

 

Florescent lights.

 

Shoot the coin straight on, but adjust the angle of the light.

 

Heres my examples of florescent shots. The first is a deep cameo quarter, the second is a franklin with barely any contrst.

 

Find a some black cardboard (shoe box) or black construction paper, cut a hole just big enough for the camera to see the entire coin, put the camera setting on macro mode and take a picture with a very steady hand.

Make sure, before you take the picture, that the fields look "black".

 

The seller is a very well known poster on the PCGS forums, and I hold his auctions in the highest regard.

However, you should know that the photographic technique he uses (he calles it "the lampshade method", which is essentially diffused radial lighting) makes the cameo/contrast on proof coins really pop more than they will in-hand. He has not manipulated the photo, but uses a lighting technique which results in the "look" you see -- and you can take that to the bank.

If you are interested in the coin I say bid away, as Russ'/Compucheap's reuptuation as an ethical eBayer is almost without reporoach and he has a great return policy...Mike

p.s. here's a coin from my collection photographed using the same technique:

 

p.s. if you'd like to experiement yourself do this:

1) get a lampshade
2) place a coin on the floor
3) place the lampshade with the small end up over the coin
4) place lights along the outside
5) put the camera directly above the coin and pointed down from the top.
6) viola

Instead of a lampshade, you can use two pieces of white paper and some tape to make a paper cyllinder -- that's how I do it. Undersand that using a lampshade or paper will put a color cast on your photo which will need to be corrected either in-camera or in post processing.

 

Yep, he's a great seller. :thumb: Here are some of mine...no photoshop whatsoever.

 

I've found it's best to have indirect light rather than direct when trying to capture cameo effects.

 

Dan, what camera do you use???

 

Sony Cybershot DSC-V1.

 

Oh yeah, you told me that one time

 

Now what do you do with the light? Shine from where and what watt bulbs or flourescent or whatever?

I'll post a cpl of my efforts on my Cameo's after this

THANKS !!

 

I use florescent for PL/DPL morgans and proofs.

 

I use a regular desk lamp...shining from about a foot and a half away from the coin on it's northwest side--not directly on top or in front of it.