Numismatic Photography advice?
CentSearcher
Posts: 226 ✭✭✭
I was recently given a new camera (Canon EOS Rebel T3) along with several lenses, so I want to start working on my coin photography. Does anybody have any advice? And does anybody have an affordable lighting system that they recommend?
I'm mainly going to be working with toned Lincoln Cents, circulation strikes and proofs.
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There are some excellent photo threads that you can locate by using the search feature. Good luck. Peace Roy
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There is a Micro camera listed on many sites . The cost is approx. 20.00. Micro only as far as I know covering 2/3 of a us cent.
Very easy to figure out (in 2 min.). The app is automatic. It comes with a plastic stand which I broke the first week.
That was a blessing because it made me design a better way.
Can't go wrong spending 20 dollars for the education with PC storage.
Hopefully, the Canon SW came with your setup.
If so, load it on to your PC and then use the mouse and your monitor to take close-ups.
However, it would be a good idea to use a true macro lens.
Look forward to any photos you share as being able to take great coin pics for posting is something I myself am interested in. I just can't seem to get the quality I want with my phone.
Pocket Change Inspector
Get yourself some dedicated LED lights. I have these and they are great. https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Dimmable-Adjustable-Tabletop-Photography/dp/B07T8FBZC2
Get yourself either a copy stand, or a tripod with a pan head that can point straight down (you may have to counterweight the tripod if you have a heavy lens).
Find the minimum focus distance on your longest telephoto lens (macro lens if you have it).
Plug your T3 into your computer with the USB cable and use the remote shooting software. Shoot RAW if you have the disk space. Maxium JPEG is a minium for image quality and resolution.
Elevate the subject coin to that distance from the lens.
Experiment with the camera's manual settings. Most lenses are sharpest from f/7-f/11 which you need a longer shutter exposure time. Use mirror lockup so the camera doesn't shake and cause blur. Don't use an ISO above 100 if possible.
Gimp.org is a free software app
pixlr.com is a free web photo editor
Use software for basic cropping and exposure fine tuning. Don't over manipulate the photos.
Youtube has lots of basic camera setup instructions for macro photography and the software tools.
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Jesse C. Kraft, Ph.D.
Resolute Americana Curator of American Numismatics
American Numismatic Society
New York City
Member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), British Numismatic Society (BNS), New York Numismatic Club (NYNC), Early American Copper (EAC), the Colonial Coin Collectors Club (C4), U.S. Mexican Numismatic Association (USMNA), Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC), Token and Medal Society (TAMS), and life member of the Atlantic County Numismatic Society (ACNS).
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If you want to test what's your pictures look like oh, go to the testing for him and you can load your pictures there and see how they show up. You can test all you want and some members May comment on your photos but this is a great place to hone your skills and see what they actually look like on this forum. Good luck as I know taking pictures isn't my strong point but it is still a work-in-progress for myself as it is for many others too.
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