THE IMAGING SETUP:5; The Light Source. posted by The Artist's Collection

[CSJournals-migration]

Surfaces and dimensionality elucidate the coin for honest coin photos.

 

The empirical elucidation of a coin depends on the extent of 3-dimensional and and 2-dimensional depiction combined through the use of two light sources.

 

Two sources of illumination combine to bring 3-D sculptural depth with 2-D surface depiction. Thus one has the means to accurately depict a coins reality without resorting slight of illusory, visual computer trickery.

 

Positioning the upper and lower light sources frontally, direct or laterally, indirect

can reveal surface color and blemishes with life-like, device relief.

 

One flood-light source above for overall coverage and one spot-light source from the bottom or side combine whole coin details for objective truth.

 

Remember light sources are adjustable and should remain behind the lens & hood casting no stray light on camera, lens, or operator but solely on the coin.

 

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[Yevrah1]

I photograph my coins in a down and dirty fashion. In less than 5 minutes per coin.

 

I have no special equipment and a cheap camera but my images rival those with expensive set ups and cameras.

 

I use a macro setting and a piece of white paper taped over the flash to diffuse the light. Other than that I only edit my images for size (cropping out what I don't want). I never enhance the image digitally.