Man! This coin photography is tough stuff!

[EZ_E]

I find that there was lint on lots of the photos that make the coin look impaired and that it is very tough to show the true colors of the coin.

 

This two cent piece has much more magnificent colors than are shown but is kind of close. These are the only hand held images, hence the motion.

 

 

This proof 3 cent silver looks nothing like the photos. Can't see any of the colors:

 

 

This 3 cent nickel is that most gorgeous, homogenous glacier ice blue proof but you can't see that by these:

 

 

This 1870 AU 58 Seated Liberty dollar shows none of the irredicent colors on its proof like fields:

 

 

This proof Shield nickel is pretty close though:

 

 

The reverse of this 1898 IHC proof barely even touches it beauty:

 

 

I used a tripod angled straight down to table top using the Canon Proshot 1 in super macro mode with an OTT light shining axially from the right with an overhead light on. I couldn't use an angled glass over the image since the lens was so close to the coin.

 

One lesson that I learned was to get compressed air or something of the like to blow the lint away.

 

I have all 3 denominations of Proof Barbers but none of the images even came close to capturing their likeness.

 

Like I said, this coin photography business is tough stuff!

[michael]

i love all the photos victor!!

 

you got to keep trying till you get them to look outstandinglike they do in person

 

i know nothing about phototogs

 

you got to wait till some experts can chime in here

[midwest]

First you generally need more than one light for photography. I'm not sure what you mean by an "overhead light" but if you mean the lightbulb that lights the room your in than that does nothing. You may also want to try puting a piece of white printer paper over the lights to get the real colors to come through.

 

Here is an example of using a sheet of apper over the ligthing. The first is using the paper the second one doesn't.

 

 

Notice that while all the colors can be seen it kills the luster. This is why you have to mess around with your lighting untill you can get a shot that shows color and luster.

 

Hope this helps

[EZ_E]

Coolness....but I want MORE!

 

Amazing: the before and after pictures, Travis! Excellent work!

 

I used an OTT light. I thought that was realistic lighting.

[midwest]

Coolness....but I want MORE!

 

More what?

[EZ_E]

How is your setup? Tripod with camera straight down on a tabletop? Light placement? What do you use to blow away the lint, etc.

[jom]

To add to this I think you BADLY need a different background for the coin. Quit using that yellowish whateveritis and put a piece of BLACK cloth under your coins or slabs (especially if it is a PCGS or other see-through slab). Try not to use white as that makes the white-balance screw up. If shooting an NGC or old ANACS maybe you can put some cloth over the slab and use a cut hole. Even if you don't the white of the slab is better than what you have here.

 

jom

[Jazzy]

Nice work, EZ. I just don't have the patience for photography. I've got too many hobbies (and jobs) as it is.

 

Still, I have to say, I'm all for cracking out some coins, but should you really be cracking out old proofs? I hope you keep them in non PVC flips in a humidity-controlled safe.

[Here]

Better than what I can do which is zip! I did manage to take one picture, put it on a host site, and then retrieve it. Now, I can't even figure that part out. So, it is a real treat when I see pictures like yours! They look pretty good to me!

 

 

 

Jerry

[midwest]

I used an OTT light. I thought that was realistic lighting.

 

I'm sure it is but you still have to diffuse the light sometimes with a piece of paper to get the true colors of a coin. Truthfully the OTT lights seem over rated. For the price of one Ott light you can get 4 lamps and enough GE Reveal bulbs to last for 2 years. I'm sure Ott lights are probably better than GE reveal bulbs but for the price it seem like a bit much.

 

How is your setup? Tripod with camera straight down on a tabletop? Light placement? What do you use to blow away the lint, etc.

 

Here are a few pics of my setup. It's just three desk lamps, a tripod, and one black jewlers pad.

 

 

For lighting I use two $6.00 desk lamps from target with GE Reveal bulbs. My third light is a halogen desk lamp which I'm soon going to replace with a lamp just like my other two. As pointed out by Jom you really need to change the background. That's why I use the black jewelrs pad for the reasons he stated. As far as lighting placement they're located at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock. They have tilting heads so I can tilit them untill I get he best picture. Along with all of this I use Photoshop Album Start 3.0 to edit pictures which is free.

 

Now really I don't have a problem with lint. I just shoot all the coins in whatever they're in wether it be a slab or a mylar 2*2. every so often I'll have a problem with glare from the mylar but that's pretty rare.

[EZ_E]

Excellent info, Travis. I pretty much had mine set up like that but I need more lighting and a better background, as mentioned. That is wood on a TV tray. Too many tones in it.

 

I think that I'll go another round tomorrow.

 

Here is my Randall hoard large cent. Lint is all over it, though.

 

[kryptonitecomics]

I use the same setup as Travis as far as 2 or 3 cheap goosenecks from walmart with GE Reveals.........but I never shoot straight down on any coin...I angle the coins and angle my lens to compensate as I find that I don't have as much difficulty with blocking out the light when my lens is real close to the slab.

 

I usually don't even use a tripod as my hands are real steady but sometimes you can see just a tad bit of focus problems with part of the coin so I have begun to use the tripod a lot more lately.

 

Bottom line is that practice makes perfect.....those that saw my images a year ago would laugh vs what I am able to produce now.....same camera just trail and error techniques that allowed me to hone my skills.......same will happen for you.

 

 

 

Now I can capture this type of color:

 

[EZ_E]

Great setup! You mention the purpose of the white paper in the frame but I forget. Is that for background?

 

p.s. I didn't resize the images since I haven't even checked out the new software, yet. But, I will eventually learn the whole shabang.

[kryptonitecomics]

When I want strictly color shots without worring about luster...I will place the frame with white tissue paper wedged between the panes of glass between the lightsource and the coin. So I will have two lamps shinning right down on the backside of the frame and then place the coin on the other side so the lighting coming through the tissue paper is difused which reduces the slab glare.

 

I now prefer using my patented KryptoviewTM so I don't use the fame that much as the picture with color and luster rolled into one are much more impressive and give a better sense of what the coin looks like in hand.

 

Without the diffused lighting....color and luster

 

 

with the picture frame in between the coin and lightsource.....great color....zero luster!

 

[EZ_E]

I now prefer using my patented KryptoviewTM

 

Ok, guy, spill the beans. How do you mangage to capture both the luster and the color??

 

p.s. I just joined the registry (first time) under USA Type Set as EZ_E. Most of my coins aren't even certified but the ones which I did enter entitled me a ranking of 70. There are alot of slots that I will never fill since I let the Dansco 7070 guide my steps. Plus motto, no motto and arrow & rays types of the Seated Liberty issues are more than sufficient for my needs. Geez, these registries sure can create a market for those wishing to complete the whole darn thing.

 

Oh, I just noticed, the PCGS points haven't been added yet so that will boost me up. Geez, I guess that I need my early copper graded now. It's a vicious cycle.

[jom]

I can get color and luster. Just using a "swirl" type OTT bulb. Works for me.

 

 

jom

[EZ_E]

No doubt, Jom! Nice photos. I have two swirl OTT lights. How do you set up the lighting and direct it?

[cpm9ball]

Thanks to both Shane and Travis for the info. I've still got to work on my techniques, too.

 

Shane.........you're 34.......right? What is the "U.S. TOYS" box doing on your table?

 

Chris

[braddick]

 

Luster and color are difficult to shoot through slab plastic but if you set up in a dark room you'll have better results instead of during the day with ambient lighting all around you complicating the camera's settings with your own lighting.

[kryptonitecomics]

Luster and color are difficult to shoot through slab plastic but if you set up in a dark room you'll have better results instead of during the day with ambient lighting all around you complicating the camera's settings with your own lighting.

 

I agree with Braddick...I know Lucy and others swear by taking pictures during the daytime but for me......dark room with just my reveal bulbs gives me the best images........nice images as usual Braddick!!!!

 

P.S.

 

It's not a Toys R Us box Chris.......though I used to shop there for myself all the time ......

 

It's a Fun box that had a bunch of party toys for my daughter's birthday party....now it houses more of my Sportscards

[jom]

Luster and color are difficult to shoot through slab plastic but if you set up in a dark room you'll have better results instead of during the day with ambient lighting all around you complicating the camera's settings with your own lighting.

 

Yes, it is a pain not only to angle the damn slab but then you have to fight the ambient light all around. Darker the room the better.

 

As to how I direct the lamp...I certainly don't have a permanent set-up. It depends on the coin, the slab (and its scratches) and the size of the coin. I "wing it" as it were.

 

jom

[Bruceswar]

EZ all I can say is you will need alot of practice.. in time your shots will get much better.... you are not off to a bad start.... Here are some images I took using 2 OTT Lights and my Digital Rebel... As a side note... I use a white napkin to set my raw coins on... I never have a problem with the white balance...

[EZ_E]

Sincerely, gents, I appreciate all of the feedback! I reckon that I'll make the 50 mile round trip to WalMart to get some black felt and a camera lens blower and give it another attempt.

 

Besides, since I am now a registry type of guy, I'll need to input some photos.

[EZ_E]

To add to this I think you BADLY need a different background for the coin. Quit using that yellowish whateveritis and put a piece of BLACK cloth under your coins or slabs (especially if it is a PCGS or other see-through slab). Try not to use white as that makes the white-balance screw up. If shooting an NGC or old ANACS maybe you can put some cloth over the slab and use a cut hole. Even if you don't the white of the slab is better than what you have here.

 

jom

 

I took your advice, jom. Thanks! I had to buy a whole yard, though. Perhaps I can make you a pair of purdy, black felt panties with the scraps?

 

 

 

[HaydenTubbs]

 

I took your advice, jom. Thanks! I had to buy a whole yard, though. Perhaps I can make you a pair of purdy, black felt panties with the scraps?

 

 

 

 

Victor, why don't you use some tact you twit! Go be a spoiler on someone elses thread like your own!

 

 

 

Oh wait, it is your thread....

 

 

 

 

 

[EZ_E]

Gee, that was pretty harsh...

 

But it was a personal assault! I didn't talk about his mama, his wife, his daughter or his girlfriend, you, you.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fine, young man, you. See, you thought that I was goin' to say twit, didn't you, you twit.

[paperchaser-migration]

Well, I used to use a copy stand (with two lights) that I purchased from a local camera store. I made an inverted funnel from a thin sheet of translucent plastic. The pointed end fit over my macro lens. Thus all light was "filtered" by the plastic and I had no glare of any kind. Used black and sometimes red backgrounds.

Cheers

[EZ_E]

Well, I used to use a copy stand (with two lights) that I purchased from a local camera store. I made an inverted funnel from a thin sheet of translucent plastic. The pointed end fit over my macro lens. Thus all light was "filtered" by the plastic and I had no glare of any kind. Used black and sometimes red backgrounds.

Cheers

 

Interesting concept that makes perfect sense! Thanks for the input.