Need your help on some pictures! No auction links, I promise!

mnmcoin

Please look at these two pictures (both are the same coin) pic 1 is the coin with the flash and digital camera (shows the luster, but washes out the colors, fairly accurate on color, where the colors show) pic two is with two GE reveal light basically on top of the coin, one at around 3 o'clock and the other at around 9 o'clock (95% accurate on the colors and detail, just doesn't show the vibrance of the color)

tell me anything you feel, but specifically...

is there anyone that you hate
is there a preference to either pic
would it confuse you if you saw both pics on the auction
which one would more likely feel comfortable with the purchase
would you use neither of them, and go back to the drawing board
or anything else.

pic 1

pic 2

thank you so much for helping...I have spent the last three days sweating and crying trying to get accurate but flatering photos of some of my coins, I just couldn't seem to get anything accurate, mainly to much light (washing out the colors), then not enough light or at wrong angles (getting shadows, that hide colors in areas)

Once I get it to where we all like the photos, I would be happy to share my setup and experiences

thanks again

morris <><

Cam40

I prefer pic #1.It shows the luster and the color where #2 only focuses on the color.

coinguy1

Morris, why not post both pics with an explanation as to how/which one is truer to color and the other to luster, etc.?

Barry

The picture posted to the auction should look as much like the coin as possible. I wouldn't want to see two pics, so different, in an auction. It would just cause confusion as to what the coin really looks like.
My suggestion is - get some decent image editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro and adjust the colors until it looks like the coin. With those programs, and a little practice, you should be able to get an accurate representation of the coin.

mnmcoin

<< <i>Morris, why not post both pics with an explanation as to how/which one is truer to color and the other to luster, etc.? >>



I might not be 100% clear on the question, but I'll give it a whirl...

both pics are with the same digital camera, the nikon coolpix 995, the only difference is the first pic I used the flash directly at the coin (I have been told to get a back flash...and don't know really what that is, so I am checking into that) about a foot away from the coin and used the zoom to get close. the second pic I didn't use the flash and just two lamps with reveal light in them, basically pointing down at the coin, with the coin at about a 30 degree angle and the coin about 4 inches away. Pic one shows the luster 95% accurate but washes away alot of the color, where pic 2 doesn't show any of the luster, but is really accurate about 95% so on the color and the the placement of color and pattern etc.

I like both photos, but am just wondering in the luster vs. color battle, which is more important, since I haven't been lucky enough to capture both really accurately at the same time.

morris <><

coinguy1

Morris, my point/suggestion was to post both pics, with an explanation, just like the one you presented here, for potential bidders.

mnmcoin

I see, you are suggesting using both pics in the auction with a description...right? that's not a bad idea. What do you think of the pics?

morris <><

BNE

Howdy, Morris!

As for me, I prefer picture 1; you can see a wider variety of colors in it, and you can also see the detail of the coin. Picture 2 washes out the coin's detail, and is so orange one begins to wonder about the authenticity of the color. Picture 1 looks "real," and using that one would also prevent a buyer from saying "the coin I bought looks nothing like the pic."

Just my twenty-five cents.

cscoins

Well, I don't know a whole lot about coins yet but I know a thing or two about photography

I prefer pic1. It seems more natural and real.

You didn't specifically ask for any photographic advice but I'll share some anyway. Coin photography is, as you've found out, harder than it seems. The trick is getting even light all the way around. Sometimes it can really help to get some reflecting surfaces around the coin like small mirrors, white cards etc. If you're going to be doing a lot of this you might look into getting one of these (or something similar):

Cloud Dome

I've even seen people make something out of old tupperware. Anything that will diffuse the light around the coin will help. Be sure the tupperware is empty and clean first

If you don't have one already I'd strongly suggest getting a copy stand or at least a tripod. Either of these will allow you to use much longer shutter speeds. My last piece of advice is to use the camera in aperture priority mode and select the smallest aperture possible (largest number...like f/32). This will really help keep the images in focus.

Anyway, good luck and good start.

CS

TomB

Looks like the reverse of a '57-D, is it?

airplanenut

I would say use both... say that one is to show the coin's luster, the other to show the color... I'm sure in real life the color and luster are combined.

Jeremy

satootoko

Those of us who don't like tarnished coins would probably be unanimous in support of Pic 1.

Seriously, either Pic 1 or both, but definitely not Pic 2 by itself.

keets

i'd keep working and get as close to the true appearance of the coin as possible. you seem to have kept notes on what you're settings are so try different light, perhaps a lower output bulb. i shy away from reveal bulbs because they seem to add to much color and i don't like to adjust color with a photo program. get close, give the best brief description and keep working.

there are several members who use the same model camera, maybe they can help in progress via PM. post a thread to that effect.

al h.