A few questions from a rookie

Leevee

How do you guys take such great images? Mine suck, either too much flash, too close, too far. I have a 3.2mp Olympus that seems to do a fair job with family pics but, maybe I have it set up incorrectly. I am clueless as to what half the options mean. I generally use the default settings.

Any tips would be appreciated.

ps How do you add the image to the reply on the board? I use to use the image tag on other boards but, it doesn't work here.

Thanks,
Leevee

bhartman35

Mine used to suck, too. Now, they may still suck, but I think they suck less.

Here are the four most important factors that I've seen and read on the board:

1) Auto-focus. Get it. My previous camera was fixed focus, and I could never get close enough to the coins and still be in focus.
2) Macro ability. You need to make sure your camera has a macro mode (unless you have a macro lens). Otherwise, you won't be able to get close enough to the coin to get a decent picture.
3) Lighting. Light is your coin's friend. You need enough of it, or you won't get good images. Some people have copy stands. For the moment, I'm using a simple gooseneck lamp that I move according to where I need the light.
4) Tripod or copy stand, and a timed shutter. You want to have the coin and camera absolutely still while the picture is being taken. Set it on a tripod, and point the camera directly down (parallel) to the coin. Set the time so your hands are nowhere near the camera when the shutter is clicked.

I'm sure the more experienced photographers have more suggestions. YMMV.

Conder101

I want to make one comment to add to bhartman35's comments. While light is your coins friend, it's placement is critical and the flash on the camera is almost guaranteed NOT t be in the right place. You will most likely get much better results if you use supplimental lighting and turn the camera's flash OFF. Having it on will usually result in incorrect exposures, and/or glare.

CarlWohlforth

Check out mgoodm3's article: Mark's coin photography article.

mgoodm3

The above link saves me from having to say anything constructive.

What I can say is: Get out the manual for your camera, it'll help explain the jargon and help you get to the setting that you need.

Russ

Welcome to the forums. May your participation be pleasant, enlightening, and fulfilling.

Russ, NCNE

Trinketts

It took me about a year to get where I am at so far... I think I have alot of room for improvement... You can't go wrong with Mark's Article

Burks

Before learning:



After learning:


By adjusting the camera settings, light setting, lightbulb itself (huge difference), and using some generic macro lenses I made a huge improvement. Still needs some work though.

As for adding images.....

Gemineye

<< <i>Welcome to the forums. May your participation be pleasant, enlightening, and fulfilling.

Russ, NCNE >>



What happened.. to Fresh Meat...........?!?!?!!?......

..

100proof1957

We may be seeing a Kinder,Gentler Russ

Naw,that aint it !

longtimecollector

Quick......... smoebody take Russ' temperature....... He must be ill

taxbuster1040

Hey Russ, what happenned to your Coin Ferrengi picture..... I thought it was rather classsy!

BillJones

It's hard to get rlash photography to work for coins.

I get pretty good results, and all of my pictures are lit from a fixed lighting source. That you can see what the picture will look like in the view finder before you snap it.

Leevee

Thanks everyone. The article and suggestions were very helpful and I will share my results as my photography skills increase.

Also, this place is a mine of information but, is there an article/s on beginning this hobbey/addiction that would help me to understand more about grading, modern vs old, where to go to buy, how to determine fakes, what are key dates, etc.

I would really appreciate it. I am already spending every spare moment digging through my cash drawer at work for errors or glassing the few coins I have at home and I want to know more.

Thanks again for the advice and the warm welcome.

Leevee

Burks

<< <i>
Also, this place is a mine of information but, is there an article/s on beginning this hobbey/addiction that would help me to understand more about grading, modern vs old, where to go to buy, how to determine fakes, what are key dates, etc.


Leevee >>



Local library or bookstore is the best place. Look for coin grading guides (there are several) along with books on fakes. If you do not have one, I'd suggest waiting a bit and picking up the 2007 Redbook. Lots of great information with color photos.

As for buying, Ebay is the hot place right now but be cautious. I would wait until you are more familiar with the hobby before buying off Ebay. Too many scams and ripoff artists. Buying from various forums is a really great place to start. Many people even off refund/returns as well. Local coin shop is another good place but are sometimes higher priced then through individual people. Flea markets are hit or miss. I've spotted a few fake Trade dollars at some flea markets. The casting marks on the rims were a dead giveaway.

Leevee

Too cool. I appreciate it. I went and bought the 2006 U.S. Coin Digest this morning at Barnes and Nobles before I knew to wait for the other . They had plenty to look at, although some were a little pricey. I am also going to the library, I called and they have numerous coin books but, only for reference.

I need all the advice I can get, I am trying to go slow and buy stuff that is reasonably priced and real obviously. I found a 1912 $2.50 gold piece at a flea market last week but, he wanted $200 and it was ungraded, so I passed. Though, I almost did anyway, because it was so pretty. That's the tough part, buying what I want but, also buying sensibly.

Thanks again,
Leevee

Burks

The book you really need to look into is the ANA Grading Standards. It gives a very detailed guide to grading each type of coin. TPG's use this guide too.

kranky

A bit of advice based on your last post - do not buy raw gold coins. ESPECIALLY at a flea market. There are too many fakes out there.