coin photography: shadow from camera

1907Quarter

I'm using two standard 60-Watt bulbs and my camera is really close up (1.7"). It seems that the camera is forming a small rectangular shadow on the face of my coin. I obviously want to get rid of the shadow. Any experts out there who can help me with a suggestion?

100proof1957

bring the lighting in below the lense from a 45 degree angle

1907Quarter

is this a common beginner's mistake/symptom!?

1907Quarter

funny thing, the shadow does not show on that red copper centavo of mine but rather, on a brown copper and a lesser extent, on a silver...

mgoodm3

hard problem to fix. Either get farther away or use lower angle lighting. I used to put the lighting on the camera side with the smallest overhang (lens closest to that side). Also can move the coin within the field of the camera to help bring it out of the shadow. shooting at a slight angle to the coin can als help to bring it out of the camera shadow. A little zoom can help you get the camera farther away from the coin.

1907Quarter

if I change to halogen, will that help?

coinlieutenant

1.7 inches is too close!!!

Not necessary. Go further from the coin.

John

1907Quarter

tried a front lighting/2" shot-I think I'm doing a lot better! thanks! there ARE a lot of lighting possibilities aren't there?!

nOoBiEeE

<< <i> there ARE a lot of lighting possibilities aren't there?! >>



For sure..

1907Quarter

much success with some new lighting angle-also, adjusted the brightness level a bit-that's not cheating, is it!?

Barry

The camera's too close to the coin. I keep mine 4-5 inches away, and the zoom is more than sufficient at that distance, and I do mostly dimes.

shylock

Like most have said, back the camera off enough to allow 2 (or 3) angled lights to bathe the coin uniformly. If you shoot in Fine or Hi mode the extra distance won't matter once you Zoom in a bit. And don't play around too much with brightness, especially after-the-fact with your imaging software. Increased brightness = reduced contrast/definition. Heritage's non-fullslab copper pics are a perfect example of that. They jack up the brightness to try and make the color look more realistic (instead of using the right lights!), and the result is a washed out image.

One tip that may also help with lighting: rotate the coin and shoot it at different positions -- upside down, sideways, etc.. Sometimes one position will capture/compliment the coin the best, and rotating the imaging back to normal in your imaging software is easier than constantly moving your lights around.

tmot99

<< <i>One tip that may also help with lighting: rotate the coin and shoot it at different positions -- upside down, sideways, etc.. Sometimes one position will capture/compliment the coin the best, and rotating the imaging back to normal in your imaging software is easier than constantly moving your lights around. >>



This is so true. I found that wheaties were most affected this way. In certain lights, the lines on the wheat looked to have no definition where as rotating the coin made them stand out more. Same with Flying Eagles.

shylock

Tmot99 - Early high grade Lincolns are what made me understand the value of that tip. Lincoln's profile is high enough in relief on those coins to actually shadow the fields behind it. I wound up shooting most of them with Lincoln laying on his back, the light accenting his face, and the secondary light filling in most of the fields behind him.

mgoodm3

I prefer light from above on almost all coins. The higher the angle light you can get the better, the shadows soften nicely.

1907Quarter

fabulous tips all round!! So why does Jeremy tell me to get in as close as possible??!!

so, my imaging software comes with a contrast and brightness level adjustment. Can these when used in tandem makeup for a more poorly lit shot or should I back up my camera and go the natural good light route? Probably a rhetorical question, but just want to hear the scoop from the experts!

jom

Also remember you'll have a difficult time with NGC slabs since they will tend to make the aperature close due to the white background.

Shadow on the camera? Tell me about it: here are some theads I've saved about photography:

Thread #1

Thread #2

Thread across the street

Thread #4

Another from across the street

jom

shylock

so, my imaging software comes with a contrast and brightness level adjustment. Can these when used in tandem makeup for a more poorly lit shot or should I back up my camera and go the natural good light route?

A touch of brightness and an even smaller touch of contrast (ratio of about 5/1) can help most images, but look at these adjustments like salt and pepper. Used in moderation they enhance an already well constructed photo. If the photo is badly over or under cooked to begin with, mass quantities of seasoning will only add to the bad taste!

mgoodm3

Contrast and brightness controls are best for improving and already good image. They won't fully make up for a bad exposure.