I need coin photography for dummies!

drjules

I think a photography forum would be a great asset. I took my first foray into the minefield of coin photography last night and I am too embarrased to post the images here. I know there are a number of previous threads but would someone be so kind as to answer a few specific questions.

1) Digital camera or scanner - I was trying to use my digital camera but I think it was a classic case of "boys with toys" - play with the camera and then read the manual

2) If digital then what settings do you use in terms of number of pixels, macro mode and zoom. Then what is a reasonable size of image for posting on the forum

3) Anybody use regular 35mm film anymore, I have a really good manual camera with macro lens

4)Tripod or handheld - I tried a Heath Robinson contraption of shoeboxes and paper backgrounds as I don't think I have a staedy enough trigger finger and I couldn't find my tripod

5) Daylight or artificial - I was going for artificial as it was about 10pm but it is better to wait until I can use natural light?

6) I seemed to have more success with slabbed coins than those in 2x2 flips but that just be because I was focussing on a bigger area. Any comments on getting really fine details (like a error in lettering) would be really appreciated

Many thanks in advance

And here's the deal: I will post the worst of last night photos for your amusement if I get helpful answers to the questions above so that I can decent photos next time.

Dr J

ajaan

You want to photograph a dummy? Hey aethelred . . .

drjules

Vancouverite

Basically just try to experiment until it looks good. I just started playing with my camera last night.

1) To capture luster use a camera. To capture fine detail use a scanner.
2) Capture at max resolution. macro mode, no zoom.
3) Haven't tried 35mm.
4) Handheld
5) Artificial lighting.
6) Following is an example with a 1.5x1.5. My camera isn't really good at macro mode.. (have to keep the camera basically 8 inches a way) so only like 700x700 of the 2048x1536 image is usable.



edit: if you don't think my attempts at coin photography are awful I will explain what I did.

Aethelred

<< <i>You want to photograph a dummy? Hey aethelred . . . >>



I may be a dummy, but I'm no model!

ajaan

Yes, we can leave the modelling up to Queenie.

airplanenut

I just wrote a big tutorial on it... when the contest is over (a week, maybe), it'll be available to read... covers from how to buy a camera, to the setup, to taking the picture, to editing.

Jeremy

Aethelred

<< <i>I just wrote a big tutorial on it... when the contest is over (a week, maybe), it'll be available to read... covers from how to buy a camera, to the setup, to taking the picture, to editing.

Jeremy >>



I'll be waiting!

Darkhorse

I have a couple of tutorials somewhere in this forum as well.

Askari

It think it's a great idea to ask the moderators to switch one of the "dead" forums to a photography forum!