Options
Would you pay for coin photos at shows?
topstuf
Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
I haven't figured out why some of you who are GOOD at taking pictures of coins don't set up at shows.
I know I'd pay a nominal fee for a photo of a coin I buy at a show so I don't have to go fumble one of my own feeble attempts at having a pic I didn't steal off of a seller's site.
Why not? I see guys who have either bought or made specific light stands for coins and they don't look too cumbersome to put on a table at a show and sell pix to anyone who wants one. With today's picture preview ease and email technology, it should be a very low cost operation to take a pic and email it to wherever the purchaser wanted it.
I think there's some modest money to be made for providing that convenience. 
1
Comments
isnt that what Toddcc does for a living?
Maybe so, but I'm thinking of local photographers doing local shows. Just seems worth someone's trying it.
NO
I might on an impulse, if I'd just gotten a really cool coin I was excited about, the price didn't seem exorbitant, and their display was encouraging.
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
I would only if the coin is mine and it's a rare variety otherwise I'll go for TrueView
however I do applaud the seller's innovated ideas to to enhance customers experience as well as his/her bottom line 
For me as a professional photographer, I would not do shows. I do take photos of coins almost every day. I only photograph my own coins.
IMO, the best way for a coin photographer to make money is in the arbitrage between poor to mediocre photography and great photography. This is a HUGE opportunity for any great coin photographer. You work for yourself and no one else, a perfect situation.
I would if the price was reasonable.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
YES, oh wait, NO. One of the weird things about photography is pictures taken by others don't belong to you. I understand the intellectual property thing, but it never has seemed right that the picture of my coin that I paid for does not belong to me. Why my wife calls me a control freak ....
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
That isn't even valid. If someone buys a photo from someone it's theirs.
Some VERY simple wording in a VERY simple form would take care of all of it.
A stupid piece of paper ....if that.
And this is NOT to replace coins you are gonna send in for grading. This is for your records in ....maybe... a better pic than YOU could take.
HEY! FORGET THE WHOLE THING !!!
The rights to the photograph belong to the photographer unless released.
The rights to personal property (coin) belong to the properties owner unless released.
Neither may benefit financially without permission from the other
There are a few who do it. I don't have too many local shows to go to, but here are a few reasons I don't:
1- I shoot with the lights off. I don't want to figure out a way to get me in a tent, which will be really hot with my lights, so I can block out the show's lighting.
2- Some coins can take a while to get right. The last thing I want is someone breathing down my neck because he has to leave soon and I'm not done. Plus, sometimes I only find a problem in a picture when I'm editing it. If the coin has been given back, I'm SOL for getting a good final product.
3- Insurance. I'm quite sure my premiums would go up significantly if I started holding other people's coins while at shows.
4- It's annoying to move my equipment. I'll fly with it on occasion for really cool shoots (such as going to the Smithsonian for a few days), but it's annoying to take down, move, and reassemble my studio.
Would I? Yes. From certain extremely capable people who are also friends.
I do my own photography so I won’t pay someone else. But let me say this. I can not count how many time I’ve noticed varieties and other surprises when enlarged. It’s also nice to be able to look at your coins without having to pull them out of the bank or a safe somewhere in your house.
I’d rather look at the coins in hand vs fotos anytime
Yes I probably would have some coin photos taken, if not to expensive.
However, It seem like it would be hard for a photographer to make money doing this at shows, they would have to shoot a lot of coins to cover the cost and make a profit.
Not to mention having to deal with customers who have good intentions but might have unrealistic expectations. I think most of us would want great photos, quick turnaround, low prices, and good conversation. Probably kind of hard deliver.
For background, I tried this for a couple of years in the 1970s at the "Suburban Coin Show" held in New Carrollton, Md. Actual sales were not enough to cover expenses even though my table was usually free (courtesy of the PG coin club). It was all film work back then and I spent several nights in the darkroom making prints for delivery. Several contacts were made then including Kam Ahwash and Darrel Crane/John Coolidge.
I always used electronic flash which could easily overpower any ambient light and also eliminated vibration, but exposure was tricky and had to be carefully managed.
A parallel question for shows -- Would there be enough interest in high quality XRF measurements to justify bringing the equipment to a large show such as FUN or Baltimore?
Todd @bluecc does a great job at shows. He
has imaged over 200 medieval coins for me. I
highly recommend him.
I think it's either sell coins or take pics. Most dealers don't do both (most that is).
bob
I respectfully disagree
It a must needed skill for today's market.
The other option is to put a photographer on the payroll.
How do you know if said photographer knows how to handle coins, i.e, not get fingerprints on them, hairlines, etc?
I am better than who I could pay.
From the photographers perspective it’s tough to make a living charging $10/coin.
From my perspective as a collector and lousy photographer I’m not thrilled about carrying expensive coins to a show with me and I’m not super comfortable with photographers knowing what I own. And this is not meant to be disrespectful to photographers, I just value my privacy.
No, I'm happy with the photo's I can take.
Yes, I have done it several times with Todd CC and Messydesk. They both do an excellent job.
I set up at 3 shows each year that I would probably attend, anyway (FUN, CSNS, ANA), but it's not what I do for a living. I'll have busy days and slow days. Moving equipment is pretty straightforward, as I can get all my stuff (camera, lenses, tripod, lights, computer, cords, chargers, other accessories, clothes for warm weather shows) into a backpack and a roll-aboard.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
No. Part of it is because I'm cheap, but another part is simply because I like taking photos of my coins. I'm no expert, but my photos are getting a little better as I read the advice of others and practice. It has become part of the hobby for me.
It is my understanding that the handheld models are not accurate enough to do what most of us are looking for and the larger models won’t travel. I would definitely like to have access to one that would detect trace metals without costing a mint.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Then...you...obviously...would not use the service ...if it existed.
When I made the OP, I had forgotten that coin collectors, being well heeled and not interested in making any "extra bucks" would of course not want to expend so much effort for so little compensation.
My apologies are profuse and sincere.
NO TAKING PICTURES of coin show purchases.
How could I have posted such a silliness?
ToddCC will do it. He might even travel to podunk shows for his amazing profits.
111
Yes...I...would...have.
I like to try and take pics of my own coins as much as I can but certain ones are difficult.
Some of my favorite coins are very difficult and I want good pics but can not do them justice.
They have reflective surfaces or color (or both) or are small.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
You're correct - handheld version are not reliable and accurate enough to be useful in a numismatic setting. They are best at doing one metal (after calibration).
I was thinking of the more sophisticated elemental analysis version that can also penetrate below the surface. (After all, unless a coin is uncirculated it's surface will be contaminated.) But at $25 per measurement and printout, it's probably not a viable option for expensive equipment.
I'd pay for photos at a show. I've yet to figure out how to photograph a color toned proof coin through a slab. Unfortunately at most of the small shows I go there theres no one there to take pictures.
I’d pay for photos, but would like to stick with the same photographer so the images all matched
I'd love to shoot at shows. But I have no interest in transporting a studio. Ask Todd about damage suffered.
Compromises are possible. I just don't like them.
Lance.
that's quite a set up!
How about pencil rubbings?
True View pencil rubbings.
Then...you...obviously...would not use the service ...if it existed.>
I'm sorry that my post was distressing for you. I was probably just not clear enough. Let me try again.
1. Many of the shows I attend have less than 150 dealers, so this may not apply to the larger shows, but I just don't think there is enough interest for the amount of work required (transport of equipment + actual photography + computer work afterward), let alone the space to do it. Like it or not, many people expect a "wow" picture with every coin, but they want it cheap and quick. So if that isn't almost guaranteed (keep in mind that there is a good chance you wouldn't know how good the photographer really is anyway), many would rather not take a chance and view it as an unnecessary expense or gamble. (Or maybe they're simply frugal like me).
2. Camera technology has come a long way, and you can get pretty nice pictures without a professional. (Although I do believe that in most cases using a professional will get you a much better final product.) Plus, there are several individuals that enjoy taking photos of their own coins and consider it part of the hobby. Those factors, I believe, further reduce the amount of individuals that would frequent one of these photographers making the entire enterprise more hassle than its worth.
So no...I would not use the service...if it existed...and I believe that the reasons I stated above are why you don't see people offering the service more often. I'm sorry that you didn't like my post, it was just my opinion of course, and you're welcome to dismiss it.
If you have a decent laptop. A decent DSLR camera. A decent stand. And you can take a decent picture. And you have a template you are used to and quick with.
Then I think you can do ok at local shows, IF you get a free table or share a table so it is relatively cheap.
From what I have seen in our local shows, there are a lot of folks who likely don't have the setup to take good pictures, don't have the time/inclination/talent, or don't know WHY having good pictures is a good thing.
I doubt they would all pay $10/photo though. There are logistical issues that one would have to control, first, though.
There are other things as well, but, at the end of the day, I think this would only be good for:
I say the above as I just saw a friend of my son's get a drone last year, play around with it, taking pics, and is now making >$400/hr taking pictures for real estate agents. He has the $1000+ drone, the $400 camera with it, took the time to practice and isn't half bad, and they are paying him the moola to do it. This all started before he was even old enough to get his license to drive, so his mom, sister, or grandmother drove him around to the jobs.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I personally wouldn't bother just shoot them myself, jmo.
I have in the past, yes.
Those who can...do
Those who can't...contract out.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
I was never thinking of "quality" pix. Just a pic suitable for your records.
That would be more than no picture.
5 bucks should cover the whole simple thing.
I take my pix on a sunny kitchen table with a $39 camera and jockeying to avoid glare.
I titled the thread wrong and made too many of you think I was talking about pro looking pix.
I hereby urge EVERYONE to put this stupid idea out of their heads.
It was ill conceived and just dumb to even post it.
MY requirements for a pic of record is so retarded that it warrants ridicule.
This is one of my kitchen table pix compared to a website pic.
While the KT pic is primitive and lacking in sophistication, it still is closer to the actual coin than the website one was.
But....please...
Don't pay 5 bucks for a lesser pic
It would be silly. And wasteful. And substandard. And subject to scorn.
This has been a thoughtful thread and I appreciate the insights.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
There are certainly a plethora of considerations (as listed by Bochiman), and I would add that pre-show advertisement would be a plus so customers could BRING coins to be photographed...Definitely not a business for me...
Cheers, RickO
The pix wouldn't be GOOD enough to actually bring coins for it.
I can certainly understand that.
I was more thinking of an air conditioned trailer with stabilizer jacks to keep it steady and an independent power source for lighting equipment and printers that could make photo certs of the coin WITH the photo and a good supply of mailers to accommodate those without email accounts.
And of course a tractor truck to pull it to the shows. And the truck would have a sleeper body so it would save on motel costs.
You know, something simple and cheap.