Trio of 1921 PL's recent purchases better images

Morgan13

I can't resist buying 1921 PL's.
I recently purchases these 3. The one in the PCGS holder is by far the nicest of the group.
I know my images stink. I've given up on trying to improve on them.
Edited to add better images, I think.

sellitstore

Top images don't really show the PL surfaces at all while the others show somewhat. I'll bet the coins look a lot nicer in person. Focus on the focus and bringing out the PL surfaces better.

There's plenty of photographic expertise here. What are some basic tips for @Morgan13 to get better results? Those with useful advice, please share some basics. What's he doing wrong and how can he easily improve picture quality?

gumby1234

I prefer the NGC 63 over the PCGS 63 with a fingerprint. What are you using for taking your pictures? What kind of lighting also?

Mediocrates007

Here’s the simplest way to photograph coins I know of … just use a shutter timer or off camera trigger to control hand-shake. Lighting is important, so spend some time experimenting with light and shadows until you get a result you like. I wouldn’t go chasing equipment and copying someone else’s technique unless you really want to have another hobby.

Morgan13

PL and DMPL coins a> @Mediocrates007 said:

Here’s the simplest way to photograph coins I know of … just use a shutter timer or off camera trigger to control hand-shake. Lighting is important, so spend some time experimenting with light and shadows until you get a result you like. I wouldn’t go chasing equipment and copying someone else’s technique unless you really want to have another hobby.

That is what I do. I should probably refrain from taking images for a while. My phone has 3 lenses and one of them is cracked.
That and the fact that taking pictures of PL or DMPL coins is not easy. I'll try again later today before I put them away at the bank.

Morgan13

@gumby1234 said:
I prefer the NGC 63 over the PCGS 63 with a fingerprint. What are you using for taking your pictures? What kind of lighting also?

I'm glad you found one you like!
I think all three are great. Fingerprints on Morgan's don't bother me. Smaller coins like the Roosevelt's you collect they might.

Morgan13

It's all about the lighting as far as my camera goes. These were just taken with natural light. I suspect the cracked lens has something to do with exposure. I think you guys will agree the images are better. Not perfect but better.

gumby1234

For PL and DMPL sometimes a slight angle helps. Try putting something about 1/4 of an inch under one end of the slab and see if that helps.

Morgan13

@gumby1234 said:
For PL and DMPL sometimes a slight angle helps. Try putting something about 1/4 of an inch under one end of the slab and see if that helps.

Can you show me an example with one of your coins?
I took them the same way @Mediocrates007 suggested. I think they look pretty good. They match up with the coins pretty well. I find when I angle them they "flash" distorting the light. I'm not set up as a professional nor do I have the interest.

Morgan13

Woops
I thought I was texting a friend about all the snow I think were going to get in New England this year.

Morgan13

I responded to the wrong thread.
I actually thought I was texting a friend. LoL

Mediocrates007

@Morgan13 said:
It's all about the lighting as far as my camera goes. These were just taken with natural light. I suspect the cracked lens has something to do with exposure. I think you guys will agree the images are better. Not perfect but better.

Those new images are just fine and already better than a lot I run across. When taking pictures of multiple slabs, especially with a cell phone, it’s difficult to control lighting, etc. so I would do what you did and show them off individually or make a composite.

You’re right in that PL & DMPL coins have their own imaging challenges, but I wouldn’t get too caught up in that. Once you start making images you like, then you can experiment to try and get more from them.

gumby1234

Here's a proof quarter pic I took with a slight angle with my cell phone and the regular light in the room.

blu62vette

I feel your pain. At one time I had 13 of them.