Anaconda Coin pics by Brandon Kelley

derryb · October 3, 2020 3:08PM

post by Catbert in another thread about Anaconda Rare Coins pics got me searching my files. Found some of Brandon Kelley's pics while he worked there years back. Excuse the long post of pics but a man of his talent deserves the space. Anyone know what Brandon is up to these days, he used to post here as Poorguy?

And what happened to Adrian, the wild owner who used to post interesting stuff here? His stories kinda reminded me of antivirus developer John McAfee.

jclovescoins · October 3, 2020 3:34PM

Adrian: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2020/02/26/dallas-lawyer-arrested-over-accusation-he-had-child-porn-at-his-home/?outputType=amp

There was another thread about this a few weeks ago, so just sharing what someone had shared there.

abcde12345 · October 3, 2020 3:42PM

No Peace dollar?!

Zoins · October 3, 2020 4:32PM

Brandon @poorguy is an amazing coin photographer. Their site was eye candy and way ahead of its time for quality photos.

He did wonders for many coins including rainbow Morgans. This one has go through several collections and is now owned by @AuroraBorealis

SoCalBigMark · October 3, 2020 5:04PM

They made a market for toned coins back before good images was the norm. The table was always busy on the bourse and they would pay up for great coins. Brandon did some kind of crazy fast where you swallow a rag at the end.

DelawareDoons · October 3, 2020 5:07PM

Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Zoins · October 3, 2020 5:12PM

Hopefully this thread won't go poof. It's always great to see Brandon's photos.

Goldbully · October 3, 2020 5:15PM

One of my threads discussing Brandon Kelley from 2008.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/642422/i-met-that-poorguy-brandon-kelley-at-the-baltimore-coin-and-currency-show-today

MFeld · October 3, 2020 7:24PM

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

Zoins · October 3, 2020 7:26PM

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

I agree, and often his photos look better than those taken later of the same coins.

DelawareDoons · October 3, 2020 7:33PM

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

@Zoins said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

I agree, and often his photos look better than those taken later of the same coins.

I personally feel that there are a lot of really good coin photographers out there that simply do not get this caliber of coins to image, and that is a big reason why their skillsets are not as appreciated. Further, the dearth of quality imaging amongst major dealers who handle these kind of rarities means these individuals do not get many chances to show off their skills.

I complimented a photographers shots of one of my coins I had purchased off him and he said, "It is easy to take great pictures of great coins!" Playing with the coin I purchased off him, it is painfully obvious there is a strong dose of truth in there, even if he was being modest about his skills. Any picture I take of it makes it look phenomenal, and I hardly know my ass from my hand when it comes to photography.

Zoins · October 3, 2020 7:37PM

@DelawareDoons said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

@Zoins said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

I agree, and often his photos look better than those taken later of the same coins.

I personally feel that there are a lot of really good coin photographers out there that simply do not get this caliber of coins to image, and that is a big reason why their skillsets are not as appreciated. Further, the dearth of quality imaging amongst major dealers who handle these kind of rarities means these individuals do not get many chances to show off their skills.

I complimented a photographers shots of one of my coins I had purchased off him and he said, "It is easy to take great pictures of great coins!" Playing with the coin I purchased off him, it is painfully obvious there is a strong dose of truth in there, even if he was being modest about his skills. Any picture I take of it makes it look phenomenal, and I hardly know my ass from my hand when it comes to photography.

Complimenting Brandon doesn't mean everyone else is bad. It's just Brandon is good. Others are good as well.

In my mind, Brandon does especially well with color and luster.

DelawareDoons · October 3, 2020 7:46PM

@Zoins said:

@DelawareDoons said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

@Zoins said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

I agree, and often his photos look better than those taken later of the same coins.

I personally feel that there are a lot of really good coin photographers out there that simply do not get this caliber of coins to image, and that is a big reason why their skillsets are not as appreciated. Further, the dearth of quality imaging amongst major dealers who handle these kind of rarities means these individuals do not get many chances to show off their skills.

I complimented a photographers shots of one of my coins I had purchased off him and he said, "It is easy to take great pictures of great coins!" Playing with the coin I purchased off him, it is painfully obvious there is a strong dose of truth in there, even if he was being modest about his skills. Any picture I take of it makes it look phenomenal, and I hardly know my ass from my hand when it comes to photography.

Complimenting Brandon doesn't mean everyone else is bad. It's just Brandon is good. Others are good as well.

In my mind, Brandon does especially well with color on luster.

As I said in my initial comment, while the images posted here may be decent, I really do not think they are great by modern standards, and in lieu of more modern images with more modern equipment by this fellow, I think it is certainly a bit of hyperbole to imply that these images still stand ahead of the pack of what is produced today, mostly professionally, but by some amateurs as well.

ironmanl63 · October 3, 2020 7:59PM

In my opinion those photos are incredible! There are some coins that are easy to photo but I would not say that about all the pictures above. I would say he is a very talented man. Even by today’s standards.

MFeld · October 3, 2020 8:02PM

@DelawareDoons said:

@Zoins said:

@DelawareDoons said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

@Zoins said:

@MFeld said:

@DelawareDoons said:
Quality images for the time but there are far better photographers today, thanks in no small part due to the quality, affordability, and availability of equipment being so much higher.

Even years later, I haven’t seen images from anyone that look far better, overall, than Brandon’s.

I agree, and often his photos look better than those taken later of the same coins.

I personally feel that there are a lot of really good coin photographers out there that simply do not get this caliber of coins to image, and that is a big reason why their skillsets are not as appreciated. Further, the dearth of quality imaging amongst major dealers who handle these kind of rarities means these individuals do not get many chances to show off their skills.

I complimented a photographers shots of one of my coins I had purchased off him and he said, "It is easy to take great pictures of great coins!" Playing with the coin I purchased off him, it is painfully obvious there is a strong dose of truth in there, even if he was being modest about his skills. Any picture I take of it makes it look phenomenal, and I hardly know my ass from my hand when it comes to photography.

Complimenting Brandon doesn't mean everyone else is bad. It's just Brandon is good. Others are good as well.

In my mind, Brandon does especially well with color on luster.

As I said in my initial comment, while the images posted here may be decent, I really do not think they are great by modern standards, and in lieu of more modern images with more modern equipment by this fellow, I think it is certainly a bit of hyperbole to imply that these images still stand ahead of the pack of what is produced today, mostly professionally, but by some amateurs as well.

You started out by saying “...but there are far better photographers today...” and some of us disagreed with that. I don’t see where anyone engaged in hyperbole.

BigJohnD · October 3, 2020 10:17PM

If I'm not mistaken there are threads from Adrian about his situation in Central America. Enough said.

derryb · October 4, 2020 12:23AM

More eye candy from Brandon.

Namvet69 · October 4, 2020 3:17AM

These images make me want to linger over each one to study the design characteristics. Thanks. Peace Roy

ricko · October 4, 2020 4:58AM

There is no doubt Brandon was/is an exceptional coin photographer. Not sure what he is doing today. Cheers, RickO

Boosibri · October 4, 2020 5:24AM

Where is he these days. I recall a launched website but it doesn't seem to be updated.

7Jaguars · October 4, 2020 7:17AM

Not that any care, but I never knew him. One thing I will say, he didn't seem to lack for charisma, excitement or novelty and just plain old-fashioned fun. Compared to the average coin person/numismatist, seemingly one you'd like to sit at lunch or have an adventure with....
Cheers, I say, and Viva La Difference!

Zoins · October 4, 2020 7:36AM

Here's Brandon's website and contact info:

Web: http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com/about_us.asp
Email: brandon / bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com

About Brandon Kelley

Specialties: Numismatic Photography, Graphics Design, Web Design and Application Development, Computers, Salesperson, Numismatist, Researcher, and a darn good cook.

ANA Life Member (LM-3124451)

Phone: 972-746-9193

Brandon is the resident expert in digital imaging, computer technology, graphics design, marketing, web design, and is a valued salesperson for Best of Yesterday. He also designs and produces all graphics including magazine ads for Best of Yesterday. His work with imaging coins and currency is considered to be some of the best in the industry and he is constantly improving on his photographic skills with every new purchase. He has personally imaged well over 5,000 rare coins. In addition to his other duties, Brandon is also research oriented and brings a level of technology to the articles he produces by making them available online, fully searchable, and user friendly such as the U.S. Patterns and Early Commemoratives research articles found on our website.

Brandon has studied coins since childhood and began his career in numismatics by managing an eBay presence buying and selling coins. From there he began working at Pinnacle Rarities doing coin imaging and managing their eBay presence. After working in the Northwest for awhile he then moved back down South to Dallas, TX where he expanded Anaconda Rare Coins with Adrian in 2004. He grew that business to new levels and had average sales of over $300,000.00 per month in addition to being the ARC photographer and cataloger.

After Adrian moved to Costa Rica, he started Polaris Numismatics where he built that business from the ground up into a successful venture. From there, he teamed up with Jhon Cybuski with Jhon E. Cash Currency where he produced a world-class website with more features and technology than all but the largest auction houses have. He brought a level of technology yet to be seen in either the coin or currency market and actively acquired and sold both coins and currency.

With a brand-new website based around the art-deco style of the roaring twenties and designed for one simple purpose: To provide a simple and elegant display of coins we feel are of superior quality and to make it easy and hassle free to offer for sale these coins to you, our wonderful clients.

DelawareDoons · October 4, 2020 7:56AM

@Zoins said:
Here's Brandon's website and contact info:

Web: http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com/about_us.asp

Email: brandon / bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com

About Brandon Kelley

Specialties: Numismatic Photography, Graphics Design, Web Design and Application Development, Computers, Salesperson, Numismatist, Researcher, and a darn good cook.

ANA Life Member (LM-3124451)

Phone: 972-746-9193

Brandon is the resident expert in digital imaging, computer technology, graphics design, marketing, web design, and is a valued salesperson for Best of Yesterday. He also designs and produces all graphics including magazine ads for Best of Yesterday. His work with imaging coins and currency is considered to be some of the best in the industry and he is constantly improving on his photographic skills with every new purchase. He has personally imaged well over 5,000 rare coins. In addition to his other duties, Brandon is also research oriented and brings a level of technology to the articles he produces by making them available online, fully searchable, and user friendly such as the U.S. Patterns and Early Commemoratives research articles found on our website.

Brandon has studied coins since childhood and began his career in numismatics by managing an eBay presence buying and selling coins. From there he began working at Pinnacle Rarities doing coin imaging and managing their eBay presence. After working in the Northwest for awhile he then moved back down South to Dallas, TX where he expanded Anaconda Rare Coins with Adrian in 2004. He grew that business to new levels and had average sales of over $300,000.00 per month in addition to being the ARC photographer and cataloger.

After Adrian moved to Costa Rica, he started Polaris Numismatics where he built that business from the ground up into a successful venture. From there, he teamed up with Jhon Cybuski with Jhon E. Cash Currency where he produced a world-class website with more features and technology than all but the largest auction houses have. He brought a level of technology yet to be seen in either the coin or currency market and actively acquired and sold both coins and currency.

With a brand-new website based around the art-deco style of the roaring twenties and designed for one simple purpose: To provide a simple and elegant display of coins we feel are of superior quality and to make it easy and hassle free to offer for sale these coins to you, our wonderful clients.

That website is so old it uses flash. I do not think it is likely to be a reliable way to get a hold of him.

Zoins · October 4, 2020 8:02AM

@DelawareDoons said:

@Zoins said:
Here's Brandon's website and contact info:

Web: http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com/about_us.asp

Email: brandon / bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com

About Brandon Kelley

Specialties: Numismatic Photography, Graphics Design, Web Design and Application Development, Computers, Salesperson, Numismatist, Researcher, and a darn good cook.

ANA Life Member (LM-3124451)

Phone: 972-746-9193

Brandon is the resident expert in digital imaging, computer technology, graphics design, marketing, web design, and is a valued salesperson for Best of Yesterday. He also designs and produces all graphics including magazine ads for Best of Yesterday. His work with imaging coins and currency is considered to be some of the best in the industry and he is constantly improving on his photographic skills with every new purchase. He has personally imaged well over 5,000 rare coins. In addition to his other duties, Brandon is also research oriented and brings a level of technology to the articles he produces by making them available online, fully searchable, and user friendly such as the U.S. Patterns and Early Commemoratives research articles found on our website.

Brandon has studied coins since childhood and began his career in numismatics by managing an eBay presence buying and selling coins. From there he began working at Pinnacle Rarities doing coin imaging and managing their eBay presence. After working in the Northwest for awhile he then moved back down South to Dallas, TX where he expanded Anaconda Rare Coins with Adrian in 2004. He grew that business to new levels and had average sales of over $300,000.00 per month in addition to being the ARC photographer and cataloger.

After Adrian moved to Costa Rica, he started Polaris Numismatics where he built that business from the ground up into a successful venture. From there, he teamed up with Jhon Cybuski with Jhon E. Cash Currency where he produced a world-class website with more features and technology than all but the largest auction houses have. He brought a level of technology yet to be seen in either the coin or currency market and actively acquired and sold both coins and currency.

With a brand-new website based around the art-deco style of the roaring twenties and designed for one simple purpose: To provide a simple and elegant display of coins we feel are of superior quality and to make it easy and hassle free to offer for sale these coins to you, our wonderful clients.

That website is so old it uses flash. I do not think it is likely to be a reliable way to get a hold of him.

You won't know unless you try. I wouldn't be surprised if his phone number still works. It's the same number he used when he was working with Jhon E. Cash, so he had it through Polaris and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

derryb · October 4, 2020 8:32AM

and, my final installment of Brandon's photography:

Boosibri · October 4, 2020 8:40AM

The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Zoins · October 4, 2020 8:44AM

@Boosibri said:
The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Are there specific coins you're thinking of that you can point out?

The nice thing about Brandon's photos is that he always posted slab shots for comparison on Anaconda, Jhon E. Cash, Polaris, and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

MFeld · October 4, 2020 11:12AM

@Zoins said:

@DelawareDoons said:

@Zoins said:
Here's Brandon's website and contact info:

Web: http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com/about_us.asp

Email: brandon / bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com

About Brandon Kelley

Specialties: Numismatic Photography, Graphics Design, Web Design and Application Development, Computers, Salesperson, Numismatist, Researcher, and a darn good cook.

ANA Life Member (LM-3124451)

Phone: 972-746-9193

Brandon is the resident expert in digital imaging, computer technology, graphics design, marketing, web design, and is a valued salesperson for Best of Yesterday. He also designs and produces all graphics including magazine ads for Best of Yesterday. His work with imaging coins and currency is considered to be some of the best in the industry and he is constantly improving on his photographic skills with every new purchase. He has personally imaged well over 5,000 rare coins. In addition to his other duties, Brandon is also research oriented and brings a level of technology to the articles he produces by making them available online, fully searchable, and user friendly such as the U.S. Patterns and Early Commemoratives research articles found on our website.

Brandon has studied coins since childhood and began his career in numismatics by managing an eBay presence buying and selling coins. From there he began working at Pinnacle Rarities doing coin imaging and managing their eBay presence. After working in the Northwest for awhile he then moved back down South to Dallas, TX where he expanded Anaconda Rare Coins with Adrian in 2004. He grew that business to new levels and had average sales of over $300,000.00 per month in addition to being the ARC photographer and cataloger.

After Adrian moved to Costa Rica, he started Polaris Numismatics where he built that business from the ground up into a successful venture. From there, he teamed up with Jhon Cybuski with Jhon E. Cash Currency where he produced a world-class website with more features and technology than all but the largest auction houses have. He brought a level of technology yet to be seen in either the coin or currency market and actively acquired and sold both coins and currency.

With a brand-new website based around the art-deco style of the roaring twenties and designed for one simple purpose: To provide a simple and elegant display of coins we feel are of superior quality and to make it easy and hassle free to offer for sale these coins to you, our wonderful clients.

That website is so old it uses flash. I do not think it is likely to be a reliable way to get a hold of him.

You won't know unless you try. I wouldn't be surprised if his phone number still works. It's the same number he used when he was working with Jhon E. Cash, so he had it through Polaris and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

You can find him on Facebook.

Boosibri · October 4, 2020 1:20PM

@Zoins said:

@Boosibri said:
The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Are there specific coins you're thinking of that you can point out?

The nice thing about Brandon's photos is that he always posted slab shots for comparison on Anaconda, Jhon E. Cash, Polaris, and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

Just suggesting that the images seem a bit lacking in resolution and perhaps a bit dialed up on contrast/saturation. Better than me for sure!

thisnamztaken · October 4, 2020 4:25PM

Brandon posted a lot of nice avatar sized toners for us to use many years ago. I think this Spanish Trail of his is the only one I have left.

Boosibri · October 4, 2020 4:39PM

@Zoins said:

@Boosibri said:
The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Are there specific coins you're thinking of that you can point out?

The nice thing about Brandon's photos is that he always posted slab shots for comparison on Anaconda, Jhon E. Cash, Polaris, and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

Congrats on 23,000 posts!

Zoins · October 4, 2020 4:48PM

@Boosibri said:

@Zoins said:

@Boosibri said:
The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Are there specific coins you're thinking of that you can point out?

The nice thing about Brandon's photos is that he always posted slab shots for comparison on Anaconda, Jhon E. Cash, Polaris, and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

Just suggesting that the images seem a bit lacking in resolution and perhaps a bit dialed up on contrast/saturation. Better than me for sure!

Those two coins are still on his site. They look colorful but consistent with the slab shots, though I'll admit I usually focus on his larger coins. For this coin, I don't really know how proof IHCs are supposed to look. It's interesting that the TrueView looks completely different but we all know that photography can make coins look different, especially proofs. It's also nice to see a Larry Shepherd coin.

jmski52 · October 4, 2020 4:55PM

I tried to formulate a sentence to express how great Brandon's photography skills and how fabulous the coins in this thread are, but my language skills aren't quite up to the task. Awesome stuff!

Zoins · October 4, 2020 4:57PM

@Boosibri said:

@Zoins said:

@Boosibri said:
The imaging feels over saturated and unnatural to me on some coins.

Are there specific coins you're thinking of that you can point out?

The nice thing about Brandon's photos is that he always posted slab shots for comparison on Anaconda, Jhon E. Cash, Polaris, and Best of Yesterday Collectibles.

Congrats on 23,000 posts!

Thanks! I can't believe it's been that many. I'm sure I couldn't tell you what I posted in everyone one of those!

Zoins · October 4, 2020 4:58PM

@thisnamztaken said:
Brandon posted a lot of nice avatar sized toners for us to use many years ago. I think this Spanish Trail of his is the only one I have left.

That's a nice one and nice of Brandon to do.

That one's 100x100 px. We can turn his photos above into more avatars.

logger7 · October 4, 2020 7:32PM

How true are the colors in the images? I always wonder when they look over the top, like a photographer in our local astronomical society who knows all the tricks.

abcde12345 · October 4, 2020 8:16PM

Are heavily toned coins then exempt from receiving a CAMEO?

ElmerFusterpuck · October 4, 2020 8:29PM

I've bought some coins from Brandon and actually met him at a FUN show years ago. He was very down to earth and he explained how he did his photos as well, but I can't recall the exacts details. What I do remember is that he had an older camera that really suited him, plus he had some special floodlights. His images were pretty much spot on, no juicing or enhancing whatsoever. Below are a few coins I've gotten from him, they are in the archives on the site mentioned above. Hope he is doing well.

Zoins · October 4, 2020 9:00PM

@ElmerFusterpuck said:
I've bought some coins from Brandon and actually met him at a FUN show years ago. He was very down to earth and he explained how he did his photos as well, but I can't recall the exacts details. What I do remember is that he had an older camera that really suited him, plus he had some special floodlights. His images were pretty much spot on, no juicing or enhancing whatsoever. Below are a few coins I've gotten from him, they are in the archives on the site mentioned above. Hope he is doing well.

Great information. The equipment makes a lot of sense.

His colors look spot on when comparing his close ups to his slab shots.

Reminds me of Michael Fatali's landscape photography. He still uses large format accordion cameras unlike many others that have moved to digital.

Zoins · October 5, 2020 7:38AM

@ElmerFusterpuck said:
I've bought some coins from Brandon and actually met him at a FUN show years ago. He was very down to earth and he explained how he did his photos as well, but I can't recall the exacts details. What I do remember is that he had an older camera that really suited him, plus he had some special floodlights. His images were pretty much spot on, no juicing or enhancing whatsoever. Below are a few coins I've gotten from him, they are in the archives on the site mentioned above. Hope he is doing well.

I love photos like this. The coin looks like it's popping out of or sitting on top of the slab!

Anaconda Coin pics by Brandon Kelley

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