Photos: Comparison of same lights on proofs vs. MS... (lots of pictures will download)
ursabear
Posts: 1,888
Folks,
I thought I'd take a shot or two of some of my favorites. All these shots were with the same basic set-up, with very few adjustments between shots. I used my dark paper technique on both the proof and MS coins. Take a look at what the same lighting techniques have on different metals and finishes...
Now a couple of proofs
Take a look what happens to Steel:
Next test up, a light array from the bath vanity!
I thought I'd take a shot or two of some of my favorites. All these shots were with the same basic set-up, with very few adjustments between shots. I used my dark paper technique on both the proof and MS coins. Take a look at what the same lighting techniques have on different metals and finishes...
Now a couple of proofs
Take a look what happens to Steel:
Next test up, a light array from the bath vanity!
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Comments
I couldn't get laid in monkey whore house with a sack full of bananas!!
Was there a thread on this issue and could someone at CU come up with a better way of posting pictures.
NEVER LET HIPPO MOUTH OVERLOAD HUMMINGBIRD BUTT!!!
WORK HARDER!!!!
Millions on WELFARE depend on you!
I've been playing with lighting too, and think I like some shadow to help the eye see the proof image like we do in person. Do you have any thoughts about this? It is just diffuse reveal bulbs, and a slight camera angle.
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
DHeath - where did you find that oval coin?? Is that a mint error??
Thank you all very much for your really nice comments. I appreciate the praise (it makes this stuff fun to hear good stuff).
Mr. DHeath, I think the shot is great. Sometimes mixing the light at an angle in the black mirrors give the watery impression you get through a glass. I love it. I've got a silver proof eagle from a previous auction I can post with the same technique (I didn't post it because I'm worried about promoting my auctions in the right place - I did it by mistake recently, and everyone cut me some nice slack). Your shot is great. nice and clear.
MBBiker, I've taken a few pages from your book in my photo experiements too. Thanks!
The "dark paper" technique is really a matter of allowing uniform darkness on the reflective surfaces. Some folks use deep brown for copper or metals like the Sacagawea. Although, I like white on true RD Lincolns and brown on Sacagaweas.
What you do is you place your coin/slab on bright paper (preferably white). Next place the paper and coin on a table about a foot away from the base of a tall lamp, or about half foot from a small lamp (closer to the coin). I also take a second lamp that clips on the table and has a snake neck to flex and point at the coin from only 6 inches away, but almost horizontal to the table surface (and the coin). I don't put the second lamp right over the coin, because it helps accentuate the depth. Some fellows will also use a third lamp positioned similar to the main lamp. Reveal bulbs DO make a difference.
Now for the dark paper part - I set the camera on a prop or tripod over the coin - but not right over it. The camera is usually off several degrees so the reflections don't ping-pong on the mirrors (proofs) or fields (UNCs). Once I get all the stuff set up, and I'm ready to shoot several coins, I just put the camera on timer (my hands aren't that steady). While the camera is counting down, I take a letter-sized sheet of black or dark brown paper and hold it directly over the coin.
Here's the key: don't put the paper between the lights and coin or the camera and coin. Just holding the paper two feet over the coin is enough to liquify the mirrors and give dance to the MS devices.
I know this is wordy, but I don't know how else to describe it. If you'd like me to maybe draw a picture, I'd be only too glad to do so - drop me a PM and I'll do it soon.
Thanks for asking about the technique. I hope it helps someone enjoy their coin photography more.
09/07/2006