I have had this idea about a coin photography exhibit that I just wanted to share.

WaterSport

In this digital age of coin collecting we have seen the art of coin photography expand significantly. You need not go any further than the forum PCGS to see the amazing TrueView images. Prior to the advent of the digital age, coin photographs where only seen in auction catalogs and printed periodicals. Yet we collectors rarely saw coins for sale photographed. And sadly, many of those great photographers are unknown to us but we still appreciate their art when we thumb through past books, periodicals, catalogs, etc.

On these very PCGS forums and numerous numismatic web sites the posting of coin photos both amateur and professional happen every day. Not to mention, the pressure is on for many dealers to have coin photographs if they want to be competitive. We cannot even imagine Great Collections, Stacks Bowers Galleries, or Heritage having an auction without photographs. Even on eBay a photo is necessary if you want to sell a simple wheat cent.

The indirect push of coin related photography can be seen in the creative formats, backdrops, exploded views and microscopic pictures now used to demonstrate and educate fellow collectors on a myriad of topics from counterfeits to repunched mint marks. And then there is that absolutely insane 3-dimensional coin photography of Ray Parkhurst! Ray goes by rmpsrpms on the coin forum. He puts together photography equipment exclusively for coin photography. Many coin forums discussions stop in their tracks if the poster cannot produce a photograph of a coin in question.

Now when you go to a show, a professional coin photographer like Todd (BluCC) are readily available to photograph your coins. Vendors can also be found selling microscope and digital stereoscopes that connect to your monitor so you can take pictures of your coins. The advent of photo software has also enhanced the opportunities for collectors to try coin photography at home and even cell phones now has amazing lens attachments to take coin pictures – who knew!

So where am I going with all of this? I think the next big show should consider a coin photography exhibit that embraces this art form and the many people and types of photographs that are part of today’s collecting experience. Allow me to describe what I envision and granted it does not take into consideration financial cost, business barriers, or what it would take to make it a reality – it’s just my idea.

First there would need to be a professional photo exhibit planner or committee. The group would hold a public invitational of professional and amateur photographers to submit 2-3 of their best coin pictures for consideration. I want to emphasis this is not about pictures of rare coins but rather what it takes to capture an amazing large format photograph of any coin. After the selection of photos is done each photographer gets a max of one paragraph describing themselves as a collector and type of photograph equipment used. These will be posted near the 2-3 pictures from each photographer selected for the exhibit. Even non-collectors would be blown away with the art, design and beauty of our coinage in high resolution large format coin pictures.

The exhibit could premiere at the ANA Headquarters for the numismatic press and regular press to attend. Black tie, wine and cheese, etc. From there its promotion gathers steam until its first launch at FUN, followed by shipment to each of the major shows in the year. This way it travels the country. Maybe even PCGS uses some of the best pictures in their annual calendar?

Funding can be raised at all levels with everything from forum donations and show solicitations. Dealers would gladly pay promotional advertising at the gateway of the exhibit hall.

Anyway, you get the idea- A world class coin photography exhibit to promote another avenue of the hobby as well as the photographers behind it and gives whoever wants to take the lead credit in the hobby who understands how this once minor activity has now become and will continue to be a major part of the hobby.

And lastly there is the education component. I understand there is a book being written about photography copyright by Kevin Flynn? Other coin forums I visit have strict rules in place about posting coin photographs. Maybe all this is leading to a subject that needs to be discussed more fully and this exhibit may be the vehicle to get the word out.

I just want to plant this seed and see if in the future it takes root. Thanks for reading!

WS

Jimnight

I love this stuff!

keyman64

Interesting. I'd rather see photography competitions at a major show like Winter FUN where everyone photographs the same couple of coins. It puts everyone on an even playing field. Like a grading competition but photography instead. Yes, I realize hauling gear would be a pain but I know I could do it.

I know people have organized things like this in the past on forums where the same coin was shipped from photographer to photographer. That would also be fun to see happen again.

BryceM

I like it, and it could attract some attention in larger photography circles. It could easily get a write-up in a photography magazine. For me, it's a fun hobby-within-a-hobby. It would also be a fun way to get together and share information and ideas.

keyman64

Or...in the leading up to a major show like FUN or ANA... a coin or couple of coins could be shipped around to the different photographers that wish to participate...everyone can take their photos and then submit those digital files to the organizer. Then at the convention the coins can be available for viewing. The photos can be viewed online leading up to the show where people vote for the winner...either ahead of the show or at the show? As for incorporating some type of gallery, maybe top 3 people could be invited to submit some of their favorite coin photos along with their contest submission photos...and the photos from the Top 3 Participants get printed for a display?

Lots of different fun ways to do a photography competition and exhibit.

nwcoast

I love this idea!
As a former professional photographer, I can very much appreciate the attention that might go into a great photo as well as a showcase specifically honoring the craft of the photo- as a separate entity from the coin itself.

It would indeed be fascinating to compare photos of the same coin taken by different coin photography specialists! Both lighting and the ability to capture colorful toning and luster together are challenges not fully appreciated by many that haven’t dabbled in it.

Beautiful work there Bryce!

Humble and honored recipient of the “You Suck” award 11/2014

BryceM

A bunch of us mailed a textile-toned Morgan around a few years ago. Here’s the thread. Some of the photos don’t show anymore.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/923211/1883-o-morgan-imaging-informational-contest-official-post-images-and-info-starting-to-be-uploaded

keyman64

@BryceM said:
A bunch of us mailed a textile-toned Morgan around a few years ago. Here’s the thread. Some of the photos don’t show anymore.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/923211/1883-o-morgan-imaging-informational-contest-official-post-images-and-info-starting-to-be-uploaded

Yup, that's the thread I remember! That was really cool.

emeraldATV

I also thought about this endevor.
Being in printing, from press to sales, ( and this is not a pitch or cold call)
You could have a photographer taking the photos, and the customer can pick which is preference for a large format print. Yes..Print it' also on 1/8 thick foam board, gloss or matt stock. The large format press(75''x ?) is so compact and easy to transport. Also the ink needed can fit into a milk crate.
We do this for the Univ. of Penn ,very high end product.
Advertising or just a photo on your wall.
I'm glad you thought so much to post this thread.
OR... just a fire stick (file) for the customers PC.
Don't get me started, I'll never shut up about this style of printing.
Cool.

emeraldATV

No Film or wait, on site.

DelawareDoons

@emeraldATV said:
I also thought about this endevor.
Being in printing, from press to sales, ( and this is not a pitch or cold call)
You could have a photographer taking the photos, and the customer can pick which is preference for a large format print. Yes..Print it' also on 1/8 thick foam board, gloss or matt stock. The large format press(75''x ?) is so compact and easy to transport. Also the ink needed can fit into a milk crate.
We do this for the Univ. of Penn ,very high end product.
Advertising or just a photo on your wall.
I'm glad you thought so much to post this thread.
OR... just a fire stick (file) for the customers PC.
Don't get me started, I'll never shut up about this style of printing.
Cool.

I plan to have some images of my coins printed out and hung. Would you send me some details on this kind of stuff?

emeraldATV

http://www.fidelitygraphics.com
Ask for Gary.
A childhood friend of mine. He has my phone Number.
I'm David from MNT Graphics. Just say David sent me
But talk to him and explain your goal.
No commission on my part if you have any questions, I can guide you in any aspect of the process.
I'd rather have my foot in this door.
Cool.

ricko

Coin photography has certainly come a long way. I remember when the first pictures hit this forum...While in no way were they the quality we see today, members were excited to see coins that were being discussed. Now, the pictures displayed are incredible, the quality of which was not even considered twenty years ago. Cheers, RickO

darth_morgan

@keyman64 said:> I know people have organized things like this in the past on forums where the same coin was shipped from photographer to photographer. That would also be fun to see happen again.

I would like to take part in something like this. How would we get this started?

robec

I hosted a contest in 2009/10 in which a colorful proof Lincoln was sent to almost 30 participants in 20+ states. It took 9 months to complete from start to finish. It would be fun to join in something like that again.

Hydrant

Good idea.

messydesk

@BryceM said:
A bunch of us mailed a textile-toned Morgan around a few years ago. Here’s the thread. Some of the photos don’t show anymore.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/923211/1883-o-morgan-imaging-informational-contest-official-post-images-and-info-starting-to-be-uploaded

That was a fun one. I'll have to upload the pictures I used somewhere else and edit my post so that the pictures are once again visible.

messydesk

@robec said:
I hosted a contest in 2009/10 in which a colorful proof Lincoln was sent to almost 30 participants in 20+ states. It took 9 months to complete from start to finish. It would be fun to join in something like that again.

Was it this one?

robec

@messydesk said:

@robec said:
I hosted a contest in 2009/10 in which a colorful proof Lincoln was sent to almost 30 participants in 20+ states. It took 9 months to complete from start to finish. It would be fun to join in something like that again.

Was it this one?

No, that was Lasvegasteddy.

It was this one:

Here are your photos which won the contest.

JeffMTampa

Love the idea!

BryceM

I wonder maybe if our host could identify a handful of coins in their possession that they would be willing to send out to 10-15 people here on the forums for a photography contest. The could host it, define the rules, do the judging (or organize a way to vote for winners) and we might all learn something. It would take a little coordination and there would be some issues with potential loss or theft..... or deadbeats who sit on them for too long, but if the coins weren't terribly valuable it might be doable. I would absolutely love to be part of this. Calling @HeatherBoyd.

keyman64

I would want to participate this go around. I think I was too busy for the one in 2014 but enjoyed following the thread and missed the one prior to that.