Three coins are shown here lighted in exactly the same manner (distance, elevation angle, bulb type etc.) but the coin was rotated 90 degrees between each shot so we have the light coming from Left, Top, Bottom and Right. The purpose is to show the importance of orienting the coin to the light direction according to characteristics of the coin. Obviously, it would be perfectly possible to adjust the coin between these quarter turns and, in many cases, this will produce better results than any of these. Rarely, if ever, will the light from the bottom be most pleasing ('ghoul lighting' named for a Halloween character lighting its face with a flashlight from below). The coins are selected to show a bit of variety. The Ptolemy I tetradrachm (top) is toned silver while the Septimius Severus denarius (bottom) is bright. Between them is a Gordian III and Tranquillina bronze with less than perfectly even green patina. It was included to illustrate the effects of direction on left and right facing portraits on the same coin. Most people will probably prefer examples with light from top or right (unless the portrait is left facing where top or left is probably better). Since we expect top or right lighting to be better, these six images show the effect of more minor adjustments within those ranges. In fact, the difference made by very minor adjustments can be greater than expected. The ease of previewing this is why I prefer to use continuous lights rather than flash. These six are not exactly evenly spaced and the yellow arrows only approximate the direction. The coin, a silver tetradrachm of Side, has a number of surface problems and scratches which show more strongly in some light angles than in others. I prefer the example in the lower left corner (roughly 1 o'clock angle) for this coin but every coin is an individual and the best results will be found by turning the coin until you see what you want. These images vary (intentionally) only in the light direction. Other changes could be made by raising or lowering the light (a single CFL bulb) or changing the reflectors used with that bulb. Unfortunately there is accidental variation introduced by the fact that this ancient coin has a reverse that makes it hard to sit perfectly and consistently flat as would be possible with a modern coin with flat relief and raised rims. Also the imperfect alignment of the camera to the coin becomes obvious when comparing the various images. These differences do not become troublesome until you try to shoot matching images.
great post, I have much to learn about photographing coins. I have problems also because of the relief of one side. Also most of my indoor lighted pics are blurry and show little detail, so I try to use the sun. Though the posistion of my house put limits on this. heres an example of inside lighting. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-51156 sunlight http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-51310 and heres sunlight on a cloudy day (which I had to alter brighten) http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-51501 and heres an example a a coin in driect(top) and indirect sunlight (bottum) the top pic is more accurate
It has snowed a lot here today so I spent the time inside playing with coin illumination schemes. I decided to try bouncing the light off a large white card placed above the camera so the coin received diffuse light from all sides. This resulted in good light for some silver but was less pleasing with darker coins. The next stem was to mix in a little direct light with the bounce making a compromise. This was done by allowing some of the bounced light to spill onto the area with the coin but most still was directed at the card. The top row on the image shows a 'normal' direct lighting result. The middle row shows the bounce light. The bottom is the mixed. Each has some merits depending on which coin was used (I did this on more than these three) so I am still unable to find one set up best suited for every coin. Overall, the mixed light seems to work well with bronze or dark coins while there is more room for different opinions on which looks best for silver. Opinions?
Wow - you guys are almost making me want to go buy an ancient. Nice examples and a good post on lighting.
As lighting is the hardest thing to get right (at least for me) when photographing coins this post really opened my eyes...:bigeyes: Thanks Dougsmit!
Been playing with different things, still tough to get one that shows all the best features of the coin (while on a budget) each pic has an aspect I like and dislike :/
