Photo opinions solicited

I'm working on lighting techniques for coin images an produced the image below showing four versions of the same coin shot with the same camera and lens and the same two lights. The difference is the balance or relative brightness between the two lights. I would appreciate comments on what differences you see between the images and, if there is a preference, which image you consider most/least appealing. Don't ask which looks more like the coin. They all look like the coin did under those light settings.

Images 1 and 4 show only one light in use. Images 2 and 3 show a mix of the two using more of the light used in 1 in image 2 and more of the light used in 4 in image 3. If you see no difference, it is OK to say that as well. I am working on an image showing the set up that made these and will shoot some other coins with the same settings before deciding on what to make of the evidence gathered.

Thanks.

 

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#3 has all the high points of the devices evenly lit and seems the most aesthetically pleasing to me. The angle on #4 is a little too much under the bust. 1 and 2 are ok.

 

I, too, agree that image #3 shows the best combination/balance of observable detail with sharp highlights. Image #2 is good as well, but some of the shadow details are a bit less clear.

 

All are very good, so any preference I express is by a rather trivial margin.

That said, I prefer 4, followed by 3, then 2, then 1. The angle of lighting of 4 could be improved (or not, if this one was shot with a ring light). 3 has better direction and balance of lighting but I slightly prefer 4-- with tweaks .

 

Was gonna type the same thing, I like #4 best, follow by 3, 2 ,1.

 

Well, I agree with TIF. Image 4 is my preference followed by 2 and 3.

 

#3

 

#4.........

 

#3 for me. #4 is too flat, maybe from a ringlight, and is next to #5 which would have been to put the coin on a scanner. 1-3 show dimension.

 

Let me start by saying I own about 3 ancients so I am like the guy at the horse race betting on the prettiest horse. I think #3 has the most "honest" representation of the coin and that #2 makes the coin look the best. #4 has great lighting but it almost shows too much of the coin.

 

4

 

Yes, but in the case of coin photography, the prettiest horse always wins.

 

touché, good Sir.

 

I like #3. It has a good balance of light and shadow. The contrast in #4 is a little strong.

I don't see much difference in 1 and 2, but they aren't as exciting as #3.

 

Foe me it would be 4, 3, 2, 1 in terms of preference. In my opinion 3&4 show the wear more honestly than 1&2.

Very nice job with the photos.

 

I see virtually no difference between images 1 and 2.

 

# 3 and then # 4

 

#4 but I do not know ancients.

 

3 or 4 are my favorites

 

Light one is a bar shaped Ott light bounced off a white foam reflector curved behind it. Light four is an LED ring light. Both lights are adjustable brightness. #1 uses only light 1; 4 only 4. The other two are with both on but #2 has brighter light from light 1 and #3 has brighter from light 4.