Photographing proofs with lampshade - help needed

drjules

Hi all

I am still trying to improve my coin photography skills and I am experimenting with the "lampshade" technique for modern proofs with deep cameos. I have a small lampshade that gives a very nice diffuse light across the coin when illuminated from the side but when I bring the camera aboe for the photo I get a reflection of the camera lens on the coin. Could anyone that has success with this technique share some tips, especially with regard to distance from camera to lampshade aperture and whether you hold the camera directly above or slightly angled

Many thanks in advance

Dr J

AuldFartte

I've never tried that method for the very reason that most I've seen have a nice reflection of the camera lense in the fields. I would have no idea how to eliminate that problem.

I usually use the angled glass method. The light reflecting off the 45-degree angled glass onto the coin eliminates the reflection of the camera directly above the coin.

WWW

MadMarty posted a great tutorial on this subject a while ago: Link
Too bad he pulled all of the images that corresponded with his text.
Perhaps he will post it again in it's entirety if you promise to buy him a margarita and a rubber chicken.
Russ tested and approved.

MadMarty

I get the same problem with the reflection of any coin larger than a 1/2 dollar. I'm wondering if a slight angle on the coin will get rid of it. Another thing to keep in mind is to set your white balance to a white sheet of paper in the lamp shade (thanks Russ). It made a world of difference!