How do you present your photos.

Again, I've done a quick search with no hits on this topic. I apologize if this has been discussed. So how do you present your coin photos in the digiworld? I've been concerned with the unrealistic images of proofs in particular. this goes for PCGS real view. I'll talk less and represent my issue with some images. I am just going to put this in your head first, ".gif "

 

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Most of us aren't professional photographers. It depends on the equipment one is using. Fortunately or unfortunately, photos can easily be manipulated. Buyer/viewer beware.

 

I only have my cell phone camera. It takes time and practice to get decent pictures. Sometimes no matter what one does you just can't get good photos.

If the coin is not represented for what it is in the listing just return it.

 

I still use my iPhone 6S and I get great results. I just focus as close as I can and crop the remainder. Resolution isn't spectacular, but my purpose is not to produce pictures that you can blow up microscope-style.

I'll definitely angle the light and object itself to get the most desired image. I will sometimes edit, mainly to even out white and dark balance. Sometimes boost contrast if necessary. I try to represent my coins as generally realistic as possible, if a little "nicer" than most angles.

 

Multiple photos with different angels would be Ideal. I see little of that. A small GIF. file could show luster and cartwheel better. One of the Trusted members had asked me if I could represent CW effect and I found it very difficult if not impossible. I was not given feedback on my attempt.

 

I think the second image I posted is a more honest angle, as opposed to how most proofs are represented. Again even PCGS does this.

 

Of course, but it shouldn't be unreasonable to request more photos before you dedicate to the frustration. More angles or better yet a video or .GIF?

 

I admit I have a bit of a photography bug. I don't expect everyone's photos to look like this...
But a little more honest maybe?

 

I'm sure you will get many different opinions on this subject, so I think you might want to get yourself a book by one of the better numismatic photographers in the business.



Chris

 

I think this is a beautiful photo!

 

For a photo, it is very good. To represent the coin...not as much.

 

Thanks. It got second place in a macro challenge at dpreview. It's a stacked macro image. Requires several images at different focal lengths + software to combine them.

 

Well I was replying to somebody that inferred professional photography. You are making my point. Different angles are more important with different light sources.

 

Absolutely, but being able to evaluate a coin is best with a perpendicular shot.

 

I agree but! It greatly depends on the angle of the light also. Note the black field of the first image, indicating a mirror like finish. This is how most proofs are portrayed. Now look at the second photo. The light source has been lowered to illuminate the field. I think this is a more honest representation.

 

Yes! Another perfect example. What a difference!

 

That coin is gorgeous.

 

Anyway, now that we've cleared up the topic of how a coin could be perceived with different angles of light in still photos, let's get on to the solution. What is the first thing you do when you are examining a coin? You rotate it. This is how you get different angles of light and different perspectives of the coin.
Maybe it's time to start becoming more .GIF capable. I think a low Res. .GIF could give a more realistic impression than a few high Res JPEGs.

 

Here's another thread on the subject.
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/animation-and-coin-photography.297411/