Lighting tips ?

Twowood

I've been working with my recently acquired Kodak cx4200 and,at last I'm posting photos on ebay.However,I can't get really good closeup shots.I need some good advise as to what kind of lighting I'll need. Thanx Twowood

Barry

Give us some examples and explain the problems. I simply use a $10 lamp with a 75W incandescent bulb. Sometimes, I use 2 lamps on opposite sides, which helps eliminate shadows. I find the pics are better if the camera isn't too close to the coin, otherwise the camera itself can cause shadows - for me about 4-5 inches works well. I use a copy stand, and set the aperature at F6-8 to maximize depth of field.

Twowood

Barry; Check out this link to see my photos.
Link Twowood

Barry

The link isn't working.

MadMarty

Send a PM to Russ, he is the photo expert!!!

mnmcoin

<< <i>Give us some examples and explain the problems. I simply use a $10 lamp with a 75W incandescent bulb. Sometimes, I use 2 lamps on opposite sides, which helps eliminate shadows. I find the pics are better if the camera isn't too close to the coin, otherwise the camera itself can cause shadows - for me about 4-5 inches works well. I use a copy stand, and set the aperature at F6-8 to maximize depth of field. >>



What barry said I agree with, a copystand is very helpful with lighting from two or even three directions. I just wanted to add that you should double check you are using the macro function on your camera.

I think your auction link has too many numbers in the auction #.

morris <><

mnmcoin

Perhaps this is the correct link...

Link

If this is the correct link, it looks like the macro function is not enabled, that should allow a crisper photo. Also, if it is just the shake of the camera, you may want to consider a tripod or copystand, along with the timer function on the camera. This will allow you to click and remove your hands from the camera and let it be still.

morris <><

Barry

Comments on Morris' corrected link:
The main problem IS focus, not lighting. Assuming you are in Macro mode, the out of focus may be caused by taking the pic at an angle, rather than from directly above. However, this doesn't appear to be the case as no part of the coin is in focus. Another possibility is your camera is autofocussing on the background, rather than the coin. If you can change the auto-focus mode to Spot, try that. Also, you can try increasing the F stop (bigger F number) to increase depth of field.