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Photographing Mirrors on Classic Proofs?
C0inCollect0r
Posts: 374 ✭✭
Hi folks,
I have been trying to photograph the toned mirrored surfaces on Classic Proofs (mainly Seated Coinage) with very little success - I cannot seem to get anything but a "flat" look that does not show the mirrors. Does anyone have any tips on how to do this? I have tried tilting the coin while photographing it - That seems to work a little better but I still have glare and the photos aren't great.
Thanks for any advice.
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Florescent light will remove the glare.
Is the coin raw or slabbed? If slabbed, which TPG?
Color and mirrors on slabbed coins are very difficult due to the glare from the plastic.
Below are two images of the same coin. The top one was a rather poor compromise at showing the toning. Some serious manipulation of the lighting and coin angle were necessary. Note how the focus suffered (6 o'clock). And the contrast is diminished.
The bottom one is a better quality photo (with nice cameo) but does not show the impressive colors.
If yours is a PCGS coin then your best bet is a TrueView, which is shot raw and doesn't have the downsides of plastic glare.
Lance.
I believe one of our members (Todd?) published a book on coin photography..... Might help to PM him for information.... Cheers, RickO
Shading it from top light helps.
You're thinking of Mark Goodman, @Ricko. His book, "Numismatic Photography", is quite good and should be read by every aspiring coin photographer. I bought it twice! (Lost the first one.)
I don't think Mark frequents this forum much anymore, FWIW.
As I said, the slab is the problem and there's little you can do about it.
OP might turn to Todd, @blu62vette, for pictures. Todd has broad, extensive experience and many happy customers. I'm sure he'd give it a good shot, so to speak.
Another excellent photographer is @messydesk. John always impresses and has amazing skills and creativity.
Lance.
Try getting the desired effect showing in the viewfinder. Then move a shade around over the whole thing without changing the position of everything and see if the effect gets better.
Top shade with good all around light seems to do okay.
It doesn't quite have a "mirror" effect, but it shows contrast.
Too much mirror will sometimes reflect the camera.
It takes many tricks this one is similar in nature.
I've heard that using a black piece of foam board (or equivalent) with a hole to fit the lens help keep the mirrors on the coin from reflecting the camera in the image but I haven't tried it myself yet.
Proof Buffalo Registry Set
Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
Try axial photography!!!! it works.
there is a member here who wrote about it.