Critique my coin photography
Josh32
Posts: 138 ✭✭✭
I've been experimenting with coin photography for a couple weeks. @rmpsrpms set me up with an awesome microscope stand and has given me some great advice. Here is what I've been able to come up with so far. I'm shooting through slabs for most of these. I use a sony a6000 mirrorless with pentax bellows system and a nikkor 75mm enlarging lens, jansjo LED lights for lighting, and photoshop and illustrator for post processing. Let me know what you guys think.
One thing I've noticed that makes a good coin photo is the direction of lighting and where the light is hitting specifically. Since most coins have portraits, which tends to be the focal point of the design, I try to illuminate it in the best way possible, which is usually from the front of the face. I'm also trying to capture color and toning as accurately as possible. This has been quite a challenge and the best results have came from lighting directly over the coin from 3-4 different light sources. I've also learned not to rely on auto white balance as its always inaccurate, so I adjust that accordingly to the lights. I also use a bit of dodging and burning in photoshop which helps adjust areas of the coins that aren't exposed correctly. The photos are then taken into Illustrator where I crop them out and put them on black backgrounds. 
Comments
Very nice...I like 'em!
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I have shot hundreds of weddings and sporting events. Toughest photography is small shiney objects.
Love the fact you used a bellows
Well done!
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Nice pics. I would try more light.
WOW they are marvelous! Lighten up the field a bit and you're there ........
Wonderful images as good as anyone here, a dime is the right of passage. If you can nail down a dime, you can can shoot any series. Well done keep it up!
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Great depth of field on these. You are getting good shadows that make some features pop. Biggest problem: Images need a lot more lightening up. I'd experiment with a longer exposure.
My strategy is about collecting what I intend to keep, not investing in what I plan to sell.
might be as simple as adding some "fill light" during editing.
"How many times can a man turn his head and pretend he just doesn’t see?” - Bob Dylan
Very nice, I'd hire you in a minute.
Awesome Photography, lighten em up a little bit.
Cool!
I agree with the others. Can't beat Ray's system. Just need to brighten up the subject and make the lighting a little more even. Keep practicing.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
I think both the pics and the coins are fantastic.
It's quite the juggling act trying to get detail, lighting and color all in harmony.
If these were my coins and I was planning on keeping them, I really like the darker pic.
If I was a buyer, I would like these and a slightly brighter pic as well.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Excellent photography! Definitely better than mine.
My YouTube Channel
Very nice! Just make sure to keep the coin in proper rotation. Most look good 1946 is a little crooked.
Ray is a great help. I have leaned on him in the past for much guidance.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
The pics look great. But there really is no way for us to know how accurate they are to the coin in hand.
Outstanding work! Just goes to show that with all the technology our smarty-pants phones have with these 20 megapixel cameras and all, you can’t get the quality and presentation of the real thing. Anybody can take a picture, but not everyone is a photographer.
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
Great work, just a bit more light as the others have said.
They are a little dark but you have captured the color and detail well.
“I may not believe in myself but I believe in what I’m doing” ~Jimmy Page~
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
A little enhancement with Microsoft photo editor....
Nice . A little dark.
I'm guessing the colors aren't as vibrant in hand. Try positioning lighting higher with and without diffusing the light (wax paper or the like should work).
Haven't seen it mentioned yet, but you might try:
Been there, Done That!
Honestly, he should become a self-employed full-time internet coin dealer with mad photo skills like that
Thanks for all of the input! I'll try more lighting and try using some diffusers as some have mentioned.
I never use diffused light
It seems to wash out the surface and take away luster and color, but maybe I'm just doing it wrong.
You are doing it right. Diffused light is wrong for coins.
The colors are pretty close to in hand. The dimes are beauties.
What lighting set up do you use?
Old school quartz modeling lights on the strobes.
Direct light.
If you're using Jansjo LED lights you'd better use diffused lighting . They are right for coins.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Ok here are some updates. Same RAW files, just adjusted exposure and lightening.
Question: Why are you bringing them into Illustrator to crop and add background when you already have them in PhotoShop? You can crop and add backgrounds there.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
I find it to be easier that way, but I'm sure theres many ways to do it.
Very well done, thanks for sharing.
The color on the 1946 S dime is improved a few percent. The lighting is a little better, Still a bit more lighting should help.
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"After" shots are improved. To maximize the color you see, you need diffused light. To maximize the luster, you need hard light. For the best picture, you need to find the optimal compromise.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
They have a slightly dark appearance but your photos look great.
Yup