Modern crap '96 proof SE!! But help me out with a pic question, please..

Newb

When you photo gurus are shooting proofs, how do you catch luster without overexposing? My Canon seems to have a contrast issue. If I light hot enough to bring out some sheen, the hotspots blow out into mush. If I crank it down or underexpose, everything's kinda flat.

So what you're saying is, it's time for a new camera, huh?

ER

That's just fine and dandy.

Leiana

That's a gorgeous picture.

-Amanda

Newb

Thanks ER and Amanda - I appreciate it. Got a long way to go to match the folks here

rsdoug81

I agree with everyone here. I don't see anything wrong with that pic.

Newb

thanks rsdoug!

tgilliams

That's a superb picture, great as is!!

Boothill40

You got me beat, that pic looks great heck of a job

AlixTCat

Your pictures are excellent. Right on par with the best. You cannot show luster on a proof coin. The fields are always black, as they should be. Your fields are very black. Very good. But you knew that, right?

Jonathan

LindeDad

Simple luster is not on a proof, mirrors do not have luster.

mcheath

thats is a great pic, i wish mine turned out even close to that. please feel free to post pics of that quality anytime!

mgoodm3

nice pic, ain't nothing wrong with that one. when you have too much contrast in the image, it's more of a lighting issue. You need lower contrast lighting. That means more lights or adding some diffusion. Higher angle lighting (lights close to the camera) will also help soften the overall lighting. Sometimes you just have to compromise good contrast for some blown highlights.

coppercoins

If you completely black out your camera with black felt, you won't get any reflection in the fields of the coin. I also suggest diffusing the light around the coin - a styrofoam cup works fine to bring out the cameo on proofs.

Thenewguy

Great pics. With the black fields and the black background it almost looks like one of those cut out coins they make into jewelry.

Newb

tgilliams, boothill & mcheath - thanks for the compliments - I really appreciate it.

AlixTcat - yes, I'm happy with the fields - the obverse is as good as I can get and the reverse has only a slight reflection of the ring around the lens. The camera body is wrapped in a black cloth. I do want to get more "pop" out of the frost, though.

LindeDad - I realize the fields don't have luster, but the Lady does and I can't quite grab it.

coppercoins - yea, that's an old black tshirt that's been cut up and used as cover. Used the lens ring to bind it to the camera. Maybe time to pop that ring off and give it a coat of flat black. And elaborate on your styrofoam cup rig, if you will.

mgoodm - when i saw your icon I shuddered. "And then God spake, saying...."
The Eagle was taken on a whim with the overhead light over the dining room table as the only source. My usual lighting is truly a Mcgyver's dream. It varies between a small halogen lamp with a circle of paper taped on it for diffusion, and get this - a SureFire flashlight with a piece of paper towel behind the lens. I work in the film business - you'd think I would remember to grab some real diffusion. I think I'll try your suggestion of another light, and the 'compromise contrast for blown highlights' thought makes sense.

Just for kicks, this is with the paper towel diffused SureFire only. An unremarkable Peace and not evenly exposed, but I like it because it shows all the coins flaws, and brings out the luster. As you mentioned, high angle lighting on this one. The SureFire is neat because you can adjust it to put the cartwheel where you want it, although I obviously went a different route with this shot.

Thanks again everyone for your comments

Mesquite

Newb - that's a super photo! I wouldn't change a thing. Proofs are not easy to set up and shoot - you did a great job with that one. BTW, a proof SAE may be modern, but it is a long way from being crap.