What gives the coin this watery look in a photo?

Bochiman

Watery Kennedy

Granted, I don't know much about photography nor photography and coins but, this appears quite a liquid surface.
No real contrast but very smooth.

Any "gotchas" to beware of?

I have NO plans to bid on this one (will be out of town on bizness in Asia and won't be online most likely, or, if I am, it will be minimal) but am curious.

Thanks,

R

ER

Does not look cameo to me.
Have fun in Asia, Ron, and be careful.

relayer

Because proof coins are shiney the mirrored surface of the fields act like, well a mirror.

So what shows up is the reflection of what is in front of the coin - in this case the camera.

The "watery" look is just the reflection of the camera on the fields of the coin. The camera is probably silver with a black lens.

shylock

That wet look in the fields comes from light reflecting directly off the coin into the camera, while more angled or distant lighting gives the fields a black look.

The image on the right (below) reflects some direct light at the top, making it look liquid in that area. If I had brought the lights further down, reflecting off the entire coin, you'd be able to see the camera's reflection in the coin

FC57Coins

<< <i>That wet look in the fields comes from light reflecting directly off the coin into the camera, while more angled or distant lighting gives the fields a black look. >>




That pretty much sums it up!

Good luck on your trip - bring back lots of those neat trade dollars

Bochiman

Thanks guys.
My guess (in my lil mind) was close but I sure wasn't sure.
Yes, I plan to be careful...going there with a native speaker (co-worker/friend for the last 4 years) and we are going ot be all business so it won't be dangerous (unless they don't like what we talk about ).

Yes Frank, I will look for gem BU trade dollars there and bring back some extras if I can