Today's arrivals, and the deception of photography

coinpictures

Received two coins today that I had posted about last week. After playing with differing shots, it becomes abundantly clear that you can really manipulate the photography and change the aesthetics of the coin.

For each coin, the first set of pictures is shot straight on with lighting from a pair of swing-arm desk lamps. The second set is shot using angled glass and the Ott light. In the case of the Isle of Man piece, the angled shots appear to reveal more defects than the direct shots. With the farthing, the reverse appears to be the case...

Isle of Man Halfpenny Token 1831.






Ireland Farthing 1806.

drjules

Very nice images, but for the second set in each case is the grey background the same for the obverse and reverse shots, it looks a different tone to me. Please let me know how you set up your white balance as this is something I am still working on (with the help of Cosmic D)



Dr J

coinkat

This would probably be a better thread without my response...

I am not an expert with photography and how things get posted here but I will say that I like the second picture of the Isle of Man Token better than the first and as for the pictures of George III... well, I can only say I l ike the first picture better than the second and trust me, it is best that we leave it at that.

I think that you have posted good pictures and I appreciate what it is that you are trying to accomplish here...

AuldFartte

I'd bet the first shots most closely resemble the coins "in hand".
The angled glass method does funky things sometimes.

Aethelred

<< <i>This would probably be a better thread without my response... >>



I find that not to be the case Coinkat, your comments are always thoughtful and worth reading.

In both cases I like the first photo better, but of course I say that without seeing the coins in person. The angled glass method seems not to work very well with copper, but to be honest I have never really used it with silver or gold either.

farthing

Did you use different backgrounds? That can also greatly affect the look you achieve.

coinpictures

Yes, the first shots are truer color to coin in hand. The black background used is the same for all of the number two shots. I'm guessing a difference in reflectivity between obverse and reverse is what causes the apparent difference. Not sure how to remedy that.

The angled glass does indeed seem to to a better job on silver/nickel than with copper.

coinpictures

<< <i>and as for the pictures of George III... well, I can only say I l ike the first picture better than the second and trust me, it is best that we leave it at that. >>



???

Did I do something wrong?

gxseries

It might be time coming soon that digital video will take over in taking excellent light reflections when you hold the coin and turn it to get different angles of reflection.

P.S. excellent photography as usual!

cosmicdebris

All images look good for what they are and how they were taken.

What I have found is the most important thing for getting images that reflect the real look of the coin is lighting and distance from the camera. The further away both are the better. I use the Canon Rebel SLR with a 100mm macro lens because of this my camera is at least 16 inches away from the coin. Plus I use 2 photo flex starlites again these lights are placed above the coin, probably at least 4 feet above.

JZrarities

WOW - what a difference...

danglen

Bill, have you considered writing a "How To" manual for coin photography? I would certainly be first in line to purchase your first edition

AuldFartte

<< <i>Bill, have you considered writing a "How To" manual for coin photography? I would certainly be first in line to purchase your first edition >>



... and I'd be second in line

TaiNoHenka

<< Bill, have you considered writing a "How To" manual for coin photography? I would certainly be first in line to purchase your first edition >>



<< <i>... and I'd be second in line >>



And I'll be right behind danglen and Auld Fartte for third

Very nice photography coinpictures
I am very new to photography and so far, it's been a real challenge getting images that will, at the least, do justice to the coin. This is the first time I've heard of the angled glass method and the Ott light and, I'd be most appreciative if you could tell me more about this.


Tainohenka