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what criteria do you use to pick a "favorite" photo out of a batch

Just curious what criteria you use to pick a "favorite" photo out of a choice of photos?

I recently got these two photos back from PCGS TrueView (of the same coin, a PR65 Shield Nickel) and I struggled with picking one as a master (for the database).

I actually liked BOTH. They are slightly different (though they do look very similar).

I can usually quickly pick a favorite between a choice of two, but I struggled with which one to pick as a master image.

Ultimately I picked the top image as the master, due to easier to read (see) devices and a brighter yellow color in the interior of the shield (I liked that bit of extra contrast).

But I also like the softer look of the 2nd alternate photo, a bit more pleasing to the eye (with smoother transitions) and perhaps (very) slightly better color.

Tough decision. At least I can keep both versions in my personal database.

Note that I used the master (MAX sized) TrueView photo (5757x2905 pixels) to make these black background versions. After resizing the huge master TV photo in Photoshop to a more web friendly 1100 pixel width, I saved it using a high quality (90%) JPG compression option in order to maintain the sharp detail of the master TrueView photo.

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Comments

  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275
    First thing I look for is - Is the image sharp and focused?

    The first photo is much more in-focus than the second.



    Sometimes I will combine different obverse and reverse shots.
    Here I would use the First Photo's Obverse with the Second Photo's Reverse
  • AngryTurtleAngryTurtle Posts: 1,588 ✭✭✭
    A lot of this is personal preference. Folks tend to either like darker, fully saturated photos (number 1) or lighter brighter photos (number 2). It looks like Phil has given you a choice of one of each. I personally go for #1, but others like the brighter look.
  • ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I always pick the best one .....

    Tight photo editing is the most important thing in photography ........
  • AngryTurtleAngryTurtle Posts: 1,588 ✭✭✭


    << <i>First thing I look for is - Is the image sharp and focused?

    The first photo is much more in-focus than the second.



    Sometimes I will combine different obverse and reverse shots.
    Here I would use the First Photo's Obverse with the Second Photo's Reverse >>



    I suspect that the focus is the same, and what Stone is seeing is the higher contrast of the 1st. He might be a darker, richer" type of photo guy...
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,857 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For me it's just a seat-of-the-pants eye appeal thing.

    On my monitor, the top photo has better detail, better sharpness (especially around the wreath), and a better overall look.
  • MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,550 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>For me it's just a seat-of-the-pants eye appeal thing.

    On my monitor, the top photo has better detail, better sharpness (especially around the wreath), and a better overall look. >>


    image
  • TomBTomB Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would choose the one that portrays the coin most honestly. Every image is a compromise, so you do the best you can.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • EVillageProwlerEVillageProwler Posts: 5,856 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I would choose the one that portrays the coin most honestly. Every image is a compromise, so you do the best you can. >>



    Assuming the compromise is a wash, I would choose the top over the bottom. IMHO, the difference between the sharpness is more pronounced than the contrast/saturation.

    EVP

    How does one get a hater to stop hating?

    I can be reached at evillageprowler@gmail.com

  • rmpsrpmsrmpsrpms Posts: 1,953 ✭✭✭✭✭
    They look the same to me, top one is just sharpened a bit more. Sharpening increases contrast as well.
    PM me for coin photography equipment, or visit my website:

    http://macrocoins.com

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