Need some photography pointers

CircOnly

First thing, I am very new at trying to take pictures of coins. Below is a result. I'm not looking for super pictures, but nicer than the one below would be nice. It seems my camera is killing all the luster and is washing out the details of the coin. I'm not sure what to do. I know my light source isn't the best, but it has to do for now. It's just a run of the mill point and shoot and I am using a copy stand with a time delay but the details still seem to be washed out. If any of you could give me just a couple of pointers just to better my images a little bit, it will be greatly appreciated.

JamesM

<< <i>.......I know my light source isn't the best, but it has to do for now............... >>




That is the issue, you may want to invest in 2 Walmart lamps with 60-100 standard bulbs and put them at 10 and 2, about 2 feet away from the coin in a dark room.

CircOnly

Thanks, James. I didn't think that would be what is causing it. Well, looks like I have my morning planned for some lights.

Russ

Was CouchPotato taken?

Russ, NCNE

CircOnly

<< <i>Was CouchPotato taken?

Russ, NCNE >>




I spend my Autumns and Winters in the woods.

braddick

<< <i>

<< <i>Was CouchPotato taken?

Russ, NCNE >>




I spend my Autumns and Winters in the woods. >>



I spend my autumns and winters on couches.

lcoopie

Are you using macro setting?
Manual white balance?

CircOnly

Macro yes, white balance is on auto.

messydesk

1. Never use auto white balance. Use white balance that matches the light source. If your camera allows a manual (or custom, or preset) white balance, follow the instructions in the manual to use this.
2. You will not get an optimal picture of the slab and the coin using the same light positions. If you need both pictures, take them separately.
3. JamesM's suggestion about the lights is good, but I'd use compact fluorescent bulbs because they're cooler and can be diffused. Also make sure the inside of the hood of the lamp you use is white.
4. Never use auto ISO. Use the lowest ISO setting you can, since being on a copy stand you don't have to worry about camera motion like you would in a hand-held situation.

JamesM

<< <i>1. Never use auto white balance. Use white balance that matches the light source. If your camera allows a manual (or custom, or preset) white balance, follow the instructions in the manual to use this.
2. You will not get an optimal picture of the slab and the coin using the same light positions. If you need both pictures, take them separately.
3. JamesM's suggestion about the lights is good, but I'd use compact fluorescent bulbs because they're cooler and can be diffused. Also make sure the inside of the hood of the lamp you use is white.
4. Never use auto ISO. Use the lowest ISO setting you can, since being on a copy stand you don't have to worry about camera motion like you would in a hand-held situation. >>




"3. JamesM's suggestion about the lights is good, but I'd use compact fluorescent bulbs because they're cooler and can be diffused. Also make sure the inside of the hood of the lamp you use is white."

Well this is all well and true, if you use a shutter speed that is very fast you will have an issue with CFL lights.

That is why I do not use CFL'S

ldhair

The images are not all that bad to me. I like two lights as close to the camera as possible. Keep playing with the lighting.

ambro51

You wont like my suggestions...since they are not what everyone else suggests.

Forget all that bright brilliant light. Your camera is a sensitive device which is more than capable of seeing all the detail on the coin and making a great picture with normal room light.

Compose your images carefully in the viewfinder screen. Really watch the surfaces as you move the coins position, to get the proper reflections and illumination. There will be several points where it will really 'look great'. Take your pictures here..and take a lot of them.

As you view your images as you download them...pick the very best ones. Lots will not look too good... Dont fear a little contrast or brightness enhancement with your computer. Its not cheating. Try and get it as close to the look in hand.

Download www.photoscape.com This is a free program which will give you a LOT of tools to work with, resizing, enhancement and the feature I like the most, circular cropping and adding a black backdrop (or white).

The camera is 30% of making a good picture. I use a kodak Z712 IS with an added on macro lens. Sometimes even hand braced, but usually on a simple copy stand made from an old enlarger base. .........no extra lights at all. I work with just the light that falls from my overhead 4 tube fixtures, or even regular room light from open windows. The camera compensates.......

Good luck and DONT get all tied up in equipment and huge lights. Simple stuff works just as well if you manage it right.