I have a 2018-D Kennedy half I'm putting into my binder. The reverse has nice proof-like fields (though the obverse misses the mark). I took three different photos for my database. None of them do the coin justice, but I'm just curious which one of the three others prefer (and I know that it's hard when you've never seen the coin "in hand"). Right now, my camera setup is set for circulated coins. And, I will be taking better photos of the coin in the future. Any suggestions on lighting positions that may be best for a PL coin? I am sure that my normal setup for deep-mirrored proofs won't do the coin justice either, and I usually do not have the opportunity to photograph non-cameo proof (or proof-like) coins. It's been so long since the last one that I completely forgot how I set it up.
None. 1 is oversaturated. 2 has a reflection and 3 is a bit dark. All three don't have very good focus. Use a tripod and 5 second timer when taking photos to get the best focus. Almost there! Keep experimenting
# 1 is the best of the three, though as you noted, I'm sure none do them justice. For these kinds of coins I often place a single light at 12 o clock, about a foot away from the coin, at about a 30 degree angle above the table top, and I use a piece of 12" x 12" white translucent Plexiglas, 1/8 " thick, placed between the coin and the light, at a 45 degree angle (with one edge of the plastic resting on the table top) to diffuse the light. You will need to play with the angle and position of the plex to give you the shadows you want. But that technique gives me images like this.
