My first attempt at photographing coins

Hi,

I'm a semi-pro photographer. I've been an "amateur" coin collector for over 30 years. (Less than 10 posts in 8 years in this forum, so you get the idea)
Yet somehow, I never tied those 2 together.
Until now. This is my first attempt at photographing coins. Sorry to disappoint in the coins themselves but this is only a test
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE disregard the grading. That is only for reference. I SUCK at grading and I know it.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.






Thanks,
Ismael

 

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I think they look excellent. Mine so far have been poor quality. Could you tell about your equipment and how you set up to do the pics ?

 

I think the photos look great! I also prefer the way you chose to show the shadow from the coin slightly below which makes it look as though they are floating in air.

The only thing you have wrong, which is no big deal, is that MS (Mint State) is used for coins that are graded from 60-70. AU (About Uncirculated) is used for coins graded 50-59, and EF or XF (Extra Fine) is used for coins graded 40-49.

Good job!

Chris

 

The actual images of the coin are good. I suggest you crop out all the area around it. There is too much dead space. I am not sure why anyone ever wants a reflection or a shadow. It takes away from the point of the photograph--->the coin.

This is what I mean:

 

You should photograph and visit here more often.......

 

At least I don't need a telescope to read his print.

Chris

 

Oops, I should have adjusted using the AARP guidelines.

 

Thank you all for your comments!
As I said I suck at grading HA!
Here is another version based on your comments





As for the setup:
I used a homemade lightbox with 2 remotely triggered photo slaves, one on each side
The coins were standing/resting on a piece of acrylic at about 60 degrees
I handheld the camera but a tripod is definitely needed.
The camera is a Pentax K20D with a DA 18-55 AL II lens
For the next attempt I'll try a K100DS camera with a 50f1.7 lens to improve on sharpness.

Time! My most precious commodity! It may be a while before I can try it again.

Thanks!
Ismael

 

Give it a couple shots without the lightbox. I find diffused lighting to greatly reduce contrast on coins and then will often lack depth afterwards.

 

Thanks! I'll try some natural light shots.
By the way, I visited your website and it is excellent! Very Nice work!

Regards,
Ismael