Photography Service

Coinerww2

There are some amazing photos that I come across when reading the threads and I was wondering if there were any people that photograph coins for a small fee?

RYK

Yes, there are several. Watch the BST. Some even photograph at shows. I have had at least a half dozen forum members photograph coins for me over the years.

AUandAG

I use blu62vette (Todd Pollock) who is a member of these boards. I am on the left coast and
so is Todd but he does all the major shows and takes marvelous pics.
Check out:Todd's site

bob

ThePennyLady

I also use Todd at BluCC Photos to photograph all my coins - he does a beautiful job and is able to capture all the true colors of my toned copper (check out my website and you'll see a ton of his photos). Here are a couple examples of some Indian cent proofs he photographed for me - and yes, these coins really are these colors - I called them "Christmas tree" coins!

chumley

I,m about as far away from Todd as you can be up here in Maine but I still use him cause he,s That good

ianrussell

I highly recommend Todd Pollock. He takes amazing images.

- Ian

coinkid855

I do photography as well, you can PM me if interested.






-Paul

Loupe

Todd

UtahCoin

What part of the world are you located?

WingedLiberty1957

This is just my opinion. Take with a grain of salt!

1. Phil (http://www.pcgs.com/Articles/Detail/5985) who photographs coins in PCGS's TrueView service does a very good job, especially talented with colorfully toned coins in my opinon -- I think perhaps because he has the huge advantage of photographing the coin OUT OF THE SLAB. Some think he sometimes trades off luster for color (I am not so sure about that). I do think that sometimes his photos are slightly too bright (and not constrasty enough) but this is probably a matter of opinion. Some of his work is drop dead gorgeous and breathtaking. I dont think Phil is at good at photographing untoned DMPLs (mirrored surfaces) -- at least that was true for me. It should be noted that his service is the highest priced at $20 per coin and of course you have the $10 reholdering fee. The coins MUST BE PCGS graded in order to be eligible for the TrueView service.

It should be noted that it is VERY DIFFICULT to actually interact with Phil (re: special requests on the photograph) and get a response. So if you want more communicaiton and interaction, pick a private coin photographer, who will in general bend over backwards to honor any requests and are infinitely more accessible and responsive than Phil. I think some of the reason for this is Phil is SWAMPED at PCGS and shoots thousands of coins a day. I have heard that he has about 5 seconds to shoot a coin. Many private photographers shoot fewer coins which means they take more time (or have the luxury to take more time and interact with you more).

Most other private coin photographers are cheaper that PCGS"s TrueView (I think most are around $7 to $10 per coin). They all shoot through the slab plastic. Some of these guys are very talented, especially when you consider that they are dealing with the slab plastic handicap on most coins. As far as I have seen some of the best are:

2. Todd (http://bluccphotos.com) also known as blu62vette does a great job. I think he's is especially good with copper coins, but does a great job with all. I think Todd is very good at capturing the aesthetics of a coin -- and I think has a great eye. I have some coins that were photographed by both Phil and Todd. On one I thought Todd won and on one I thought Phil won. Todds shots are a bit darker and most contrasty than Phils, a style that I tend to prefer ... although Phils perhaps a bit more colorful on some coins (which might be attributed to the no slab advantage).

3. John (http://varslab.com) who is also known as MessyDesk on some boards. John won a number of photo contests where photos of 1 monster toned coin by a slew of coin photographers were voted on. John does great work and I think is also expert with difficult to photograph toned coins. I have seen some of Johns through-the-slab photos of monster toned coins rival TrueView's out of the slab photos, which is a real feat.

I am sure there are many many others that are very good. But I am most familiar with the work of these three.

TomB

In addition to the fine photographers suggested already, Jeremy (airplanenut) does wonderful work and I also offer numismatic photography services.

mkman123

Many to choose from like tomB, coinkid, bluecc, airplanenut, utahcoins, etc. Try them all

Staircoins

Many are known to take terrific shots.

I've used Todd (blu62vette) in the past, been very happy, and recommend him highly. Mark Goodman (mgoodm3, I think), is also highly respected and quite literally wrote the book on coin photography.

Many of the others listed previously take awesome shots as well.






Oh, one last thing. I understand that RYK is particularly impressed with AnkurJ's photography.

garrynot

Todd is great. Mr. Messydesk also takes very good photos. He doesn't toot his horn too often. Just sayin...

messydesk

<< <i>Mr. Messydesk also takes very good photos. He doesn't toot his horn too often. Just sayin... >>


I have rehearsal tonight. Does that count?

RYK

<< <i>Many are known to take terrific shots.

I've used Todd (blu62vette) in the past, been very happy, and recommend him highly. Mark Goodman (mgoodm3, I think), is also highly respected and quite literally wrote the book on coin photography.

Many of the others listed previously take awesome shots as well.






Oh, one last thing. I understand that RYK is particularly impressed with AnkurJ's photography. >>


"Impressed" is one way to describe it.

ctf_error_coins

I photograph my own coins, I can't seem to get the color correct tho

19Lyds

I've used Todd primarily because I am within 30 minutes of him.

Spooly

I use TomB....... because I trust him and he takes great photos!

rmpsrpms

Depending on how many coins you plan to image, you might consider doing it yourself. It's not too difficult to put together a quality setup. The aforementioned Mark Goodman's Numismatic Photography book is a good reference, and unlike on this forum there are Photography sub-forums elsewhere on the internet. Ultimately it is more work, but the satisfaction of being able to do your own is valuable on its own. Your initial ROI calculation would likely only include a few key coins, but in reality when you do it yourself you may take pics of far more coins than you initially estimate.

DennisH

Todd... for reasons that go far beyond just talent.

NewEnglandRarities

My vote goes with Todd as well. He does fantastic work, especially with color. Here is an example of his work from one of my pieces I gave him at the ANA Chicago.

DaggoB

Todd Who?





I think i know him!

MidLifeCrisis

Mark Goodman - mgoodm3 on this forum.