New pics (I think I'm improving!)

nwcs · March 7, 2003 6:17AM

I was toying around with a new setup and took some nice pics. I think I'm getting better at this coin photography thing. What do you all think?

Neil

The first is mbbiker's coin I got from him a few weeks back. I think these images finally do it justice. It's ANACS 62dmpl.

The next is a nice morgan dollar, 1900 o in PCGS 65. See, I do collect untoned coins!

The next is my favorite peace dollar. This is the best pic I've taken of it yet. PCGS 64.

The next is my only slabbed buffalo. Very nice coin, subtle pastel color

The last is my only proof gold coin, bought it for $145 back in 2000. It's PCGS 68DCAM

MadMonk · March 7, 2003 6:22AM

Those are looking pretty good!

bulloncoins · March 7, 2003 6:25AM

Great job!!! Hope I learn to do that someday, until then I guess I'll have to pay guys like you when I want pictures.

JLW · March 7, 2003 6:25AM

Neil,
Good job indeed! That Buffalo is sweet.
Joe

mbbiker · March 7, 2003 6:26AM

They look good, i agree it looks pretty good but there is still more color on the rev. than what the pic shows.

KlectorKid · March 7, 2003 6:27AM

Great pics, I think the MS-65 morgan is my favorite.

nwcs · March 7, 2003 6:31AM

The buffalo is also a RPM on the D. But alas, PCGS doesn't recognize that variety.

Oh, and you're right about there being more color on that 1880s! I haven't got it solved yet, but I'm closer!

K6AZ · March 7, 2003 6:32AM

Those look really nice. Looks like you have got all the settings down pat. I am still fine tuning the Nikon I bought Monday, but have been happy with the results. What type of camera and lighting are you using?

nwcs · March 7, 2003 6:39AM

It's actually a very simple setup. A little bit of what I knew + what I've read on the board.

I have three desk lamps. Each perpendicular to the others (one on left, one top, one to right). I have 60 watt bulbs in them and a sheet of typing paper taped over the bulb to soften the light.

Next, I use a 6" travel tripod to steady the camera (a Ricoh rdc4300). Then I set the white balance to incandescent bulb. This does most of the color correction. People, I keep telling you: you don't need reveal bulbs!! Set the white balance on your camera, takes care of 90% of your color issues! And much less expensive.

To keep from the monster pixellation problems, I set the camera to take the biggest possible picture with no compression. Makes for a nicer image (though I didn't do that on these pix) and more data to play with. Then open the pics in Photoshop for a little mid level balance, white point adjustment, and gamma change to make it look more correct in Windows.

Voila! Tres magnifique!

Neil

Barry · March 7, 2003 6:47AM

<< <i>People, I keep telling you: you don't need reveal bulbs!! Set the white balance on your camera, takes care of 90% of your color issues! And much less expensive.
Neil >>

I've been saying the same thing. Reveal really aren't full spectrum bulbs, either. They just add more blues.

K6AZ · March 7, 2003 6:48AM

<< <i>Next, I use a 6" travel tripod to steady the camera (a Ricoh rdc4300). Then I set the white balance to incandescent bulb. This does most of the color correction. People, I keep telling you: you don't need reveal bulbs!! Set the white balance on your camera, takes care of 90% of your color issues! And much less expensive. >>

Exactly. I use plain old house bulbs in my copystand. Most good cameras have excellent white balance control. Here is my setup, you can just notice the plain old house bulbs in the reflectors. Setup

JT · March 7, 2003 6:51AM

Hi Neil,

I don't know you (I don't think), but I will say the photos look pretty damned good. From one who is known for good photos (at least I used to be), I think I can be a good judge. Your photos could be used in any auction catalog.

On my former web site I have a monograph on some photo tips. Its entitled "Coin Photography Made Simple." I spent about 3 years and about $10,000 in the early 80s trying a lot of different equipment and techniques for coin photography, so I was trying to save some people some time, grief and expense.

http://www.stantonbooks.com/articles/index1.html

Digital is a little different. However, most facts and tips are the same. Feel free to use the information, or not, as you see fit. I'm also open to suggestions for updating the monograph, which has been reprinted hundreds of times.

Again, I think your photos are excellent. Keep up the good work!

JT

nwcs · March 7, 2003 6:52AM

Yep, yours is pretty close to mine. You might try the paper over the lightbulb thing (Across the front) to soften the light. I'm going to keep playing with it later this evening.

Neil

nwcs · March 7, 2003 6:53AM

Thank you, JT! I don't know you, but I met a few people at shows who have mentioned you. One of the cheapslab people said you like to hang around their tables.

I look forward to reading through your article!