Russ(or others)--help with photos

tompkins

Well, my new camera showed up (Ricoh RDC4300--same one Russ uses for his great pictures, sniped for $103.50). Got any advice as to lighting or whatever else to make these look better:
1964 JFK obverse
1964 JFK reverse
1964 accent hair obverse
1964 accent hair reverse
These were all done in natural sunlight (but out of direct sun). Higher resolution would help a little when you look closely at it, but my main problem is to figure out a combination that gets the coloring and contrast right. Neither of them have any toning at all, yet the obvers of the 64 appears toned through the hair on the photo. Obviously, I'll have to play a little this weekend, but any pointers that save me some time would be appreciated.

Pete

Russ

Pete,

That's a hell of a good start. Much better then my first attempts!

I use GE Reveal bulbs for my shots. I have them mounted on those table edge clamp style articulated lamps; two of them. I use a 60 watt overhead aiming down at the coin, and a 40 watt for flood lighting coming in from the right. I also swivel the aperture at a slight angle aiming down at the coin. Helps eliminate glare; particularly on coins with deep mirrors.

With the Reveal bulbs, set the white balance to incadescent.

Russ, NCNE

Russ

PS:





Yum, yum.

Russ, NCNE

tompkins

I'm going to ask this publically because the answer may be of interest to others, then I'll take this to PM: where does one buy a GE reveal bulb? Can I get it at a normal supermarket? Or do I have to drive to a photo store or the like (which means a 40 mile round trip from my house)? Once I figure this all out, I'll post some better pictures of those and some of the rest of my coins---in honor of Russ, who pointed me to this camera, I'll start with the Kennedy's.

Pete

Russ

Pete,

Office Depot has them for sure and, in my area, so does Safeway (a grocery store). They're about a buck a 4-pack more then regular bulbs.

Russ, NCNE

IrishMike

Pete, any grocery store that sells GE bulbs should have them.

Fairlaneman

I'm not sure what you are striving for with your picture taking. Myself I strive to take the photo as the Coin would look if you were viewing it in person. If I was to sell you the pictured coin you would get exactly what you are looking at right now.

tompkins

I'm getting closer:
1964:

1964 Accent hair


Pete