POLL: Pick the better set of photos

Aethelred

These are the same coin photographed under different lighting. Please vote for the one you like better and explain why you like your choice better. Please also fell free to tell me what you like and don't like about the photos, it is o.k. to be brutal.

I am having a hard time getting nice looking photos of BU gold, so any advice will be welcome.

#1:



#2

Garneteye

The lighting on both is uneven, perhaps using the "lampshade" method mentioned is several threads for proofs could be a solution.

newsman

I'm not sure. Send the coin to me so I can evaluate it in person.

cosmicdebris

You need a second light with less harsh highlights from them.

rhound1977

Not that I particurlarly like either one, I have no experience photographing gold, but it appears to be a hard color to capture.

You may want to try less direct lighting, and maybe the reflective glass technique?

wybrit

#1 is better because the image is not oversaturated by the light.

There are some coins I simply can not photograph due to the way the coin reflects the light.

theboz11

All my gold photos are taken with a clear glass 100W bulb on a swing arm lamp. If you like those photos , give that a try. It is the type of bulb used by dealers at shows to show off gold at it's best.

ccrdragon

either use 2 lights or try the lampshade. the lampshade would prolly work because you get diffused light and no single light source seems to show up as reflection on the coins.

AuldFartte

I have a bad time with gold, too. The first set has better detail, but the second set looks "washed out" by the reflected light.

The best results I've achieved have been using Darkhorse's method of direct light to the coin, pic taken at an angle, and then make it "round" again using photoshop. Darkhorse Thread

... and this is what I got ...



It's not perfect, but closer than I ever got before.

drjules

Does anyone have a link to this "lampshade" technique thread?

Dr J

CIVITAS

The first pic gives a better view of the full mint lustre.

PuddlePirate

Perhapse dual lighting would help, you seem to have a washout effect with your current set up.

ccrdragon

the following proof gold coin was photo'd using the 'lampshade method' - I think it worked to eliminate the hot-spots on the coin:

lordmarcovan

The pictures in set #2 are too "hot".

YCCY9229

I will say the first one is better.


YC

traderdave

I agree, the first pictures look reddish, like copper.

boz

#1
#2 has too much light reflecting off the coin