Toned Morgan Images ( More PhotoFlex Light Tests )

cosmicdebris

Which one of these do you guys like better and why? The first two images where done with the angled glass technique and one light. The second two images were done with two lights from above.

Number 1



Number 2

BigGreek

#2 is far more attractive. Which one is closer to what the coin looks
like in hand under typical lighting?

cosmicdebris

Number 2 is what the coin looks like in hand. Number is more funky with some artistic license thrown in.

ibzman350

I voted for #2 because that is what the coin actually looks like. But I think all the pics look good.


I had my neighbor make the angled glass contraption for me, the one Fratlaw, I mean Peace.., you know who I mean, had pictured. I'm having about as much success with it as I'm having getting good consistent pics using the regular picture taking method



Herb

walkinstick

Both look great. If I was buying I want to see number 2 only because you say it more representative of in hand look. Number one I like because I seem to be twisting the coin around alot under the glass to see the different angles and you supplied me with that also. Excellent work.

wam98

Bill, I like #1 almost as much as #2. Number two would be my choice though since you said it looks more like the coin in hand. What kind of lighting are you using ?

shylock

Great pics! The first obverse shot is my favorite to look at even it's not the most realistic. It's amazing how evenly lit the first two pics are with only 1 light (and the glass). Have you tried mixing the two techniques together?

anablep

Picture #2 for sure..

solid

They both have merits - #1 seems to show more of the color, while #2 shows
more detail and luster.

Both are much better than I've been able to achieve thus far - good job!

Ken

mgoodm3

#2 is nice. Get much better lighting and contrast in the relief and the color is more vivid. Easy choice. high angle lighting is king.

stev32k

That is so pretty thought I would put a ribbon around it just for you. (hope you don't mine)

stev32k

Personally I think coins should have reflectance - if the coin in hand does. The angled glass is good for removing unwanted reflections from things that should not look shiny. One of the hardest features to capture with coins is the "cartwheel" luster. I worked for quite a while to finally get this Morgan image which shows very accurately the coin's luster.



This was done using a single diffused flash on one side with a reflector made of aluminum foil overlayed with wax paper on the other.

Edit: For some reason the image will not show up - here is a link

stev32k

sorry duplicate post

cosmicdebris

Looks pretty with the ribbon.

<<Have you tried mixing the two techniques together? >>

Not successfully Paul. Too much light from another angle causes glare with the angled glass technique.

For a couple of really cool copper image check out THESE.

CoinResource

WHats the angled glass technique?

cosmicdebris

Using angled glass is lighting technique is called "axial lighting." For this you need one light, a glass plate and a dark panel to prevent the reflection of unwanted light. Sometimes this technique is termed "frontal" lighting. It is called "axial lighting" because the light actually emanates from the axis of the camera's lens. To achieve it, you interpose a clear optical glass at a 45-degree angle between the lens and the coin and laterally position the light source even with the coin. The glass plate reflects the light from its source onto the surface of the coin. The light then returns from the coin through the glass to the lens. The dark panel stationed behind the glass prevents the reflection of unwanted light from the glass to the lens.

mgoodm3

Here's the simplest way to describe the angled glass technique.

rhound1977

OOPS, I have been caught over here.... I would think the first photos may show more of the true nature of the toning, but
I like the second set the best, and either is probably a good representation.

Here is my first take on the angled glass thing if ya wanna look >>>>> Text