Photography Expert Question - Glare vs. Color Saturation

Southcounty

I have been working to improve my coin photos and one of my biggest challenges has been with regard to capturing the eye poping colors on toned coins without major glare spots. I have three pictures posted below of the same coin with the same camera settings, the only difference is moving the coin farther away from the light toward the camera.

One thought is to attempt to diffuse the light causing the glare spots, which I have not tried.

My lights have fairly focused hoods so I have contemplated taking the hoods off to prevent such a strong concentration of light. I think I would still need some diffusion, but I am not certain.

Does anyone have any tips on how to really get the colors to pop without the glare. I think I am missing the boat on some of my colorful coins where I can't quite capture the color intensity and saturation.

Thanks for any help in advance.

In this image the coin is moved to the left almost directly under one of the lights positioned at about K10. I usually shoot with two lights at 10 and 2. The glare is horrible but the color really comes to life.


In this image the coin is moved between the two lights and you can see the glare spots are positioned outside of the cropping area but the color has changed significantly. This has been my fall back position for most of my coins as far as balancing the color to glare issue.


In this final image the coin has been moved back toward the camera and away from the lights. The glare problem is eliminated but the color is fairly muted from the first shot.

Bear

In any event, a very lovely coin indeed. I like it!

lkeigwin

This is a common, thorny problem. Do not expect an easy fix. Just keep experimenting. And don't set your expectations too high.

The 3rd photo is the nicest.

Pretty seated half!
Lance.

mgoodm3

Commonly it's a limitation of the camera lens. Longer focal length helps improve the situation.

1) longer focal length is good: use all of the zoom that the camera will let you if a point and shoot.
2) Move the lights farther away: the reflection will be smaller and easier to get to a higher angle.
3) Take the hoods off of the lights: Will make the light reflection smaller.

LindeDad

Polish the slab and the scratches will catch less light. Usually this helps the len focus on the coin easier also.

messydesk

<< <i>Polish the slab and the scratches will catch less light. Usually this helps the len focus on the coin easier also. >>


I see it's an NGC slab. You'll need a lot of elbow grease to polish the scratches out, but it can be done. Careful not to burn yourself as you scrub.

sinin1

try putting something between the light source and coin to spread out light source

be careful not to leave it too close to lamps and start on fire




they make and sell special 'boxes' made out of cloth specifically for this



you can try thin cloth or typing paper


it looks like variable color dependent on the angle of light source, so changing angle will ewducw color