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Latest photo experiment. Lighting vs. contrast. L@@K!
mgoodm3
Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
I just thought that I would try an old EBay certified hook in the title. I have been experimenting with lighting for a few weeks now and have come to several conclusions.
#1: Shiny coins benefit from low-contrast multi-source light. eg. Morgan dollar below.
#2: Brown or homogeneously toned coins benefit from high contrast fewer source lighting. eg. Seated quarter below
#3: The rest may work well with something in between, takes some experimentation to find the right combo.
#4: Toned coins in slabs are hard to get good pictures of.
Here is a demonstration of lighting with two coins in various configurations.
#1 Single light at about 9 o'clock.
#2 Two lights at 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock
#3 Three lights at 9, 1, 5 o'clock
#4 Three lights at 9, 1, 5 o'clock plus white shopping bag diffusor
#1: Shiny coins benefit from low-contrast multi-source light. eg. Morgan dollar below.
#2: Brown or homogeneously toned coins benefit from high contrast fewer source lighting. eg. Seated quarter below
#3: The rest may work well with something in between, takes some experimentation to find the right combo.
#4: Toned coins in slabs are hard to get good pictures of.
Here is a demonstration of lighting with two coins in various configurations.
#1 Single light at about 9 o'clock.
#2 Two lights at 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock
#3 Three lights at 9, 1, 5 o'clock
#4 Three lights at 9, 1, 5 o'clock plus white shopping bag diffusor
coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
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Comments
Cameron Kiefer
I think that the last picture of the Morgan is nicest. When you see that pic at high-resolution it is beautiful. Brings out the detail and luster, without too much harshness, more like natural light.
I had a hard time taking a good picture of my proof indian until I got the multiple light/bag combo.
The coins I have found that really need the diffuse light are high-grade lustrous pieces such as Washingtons and Seated Lib dimes. With less diffuse light they get really harsh shadowing on the relief.
The pic below was also with three lights and a bag over the cmaera and coin. This was the coin that made me search for good artificial lighting.
Not sure about dollar-I think #4. Though not the most attractive of the photos,it best shows the quality of the surfaces.
Come on over ... to The Dark Side!
On an aside, what type of light did you use, and how far away was it? To reduce glare and still pick up detail, the distance is probably most key, and different for most coins...
Jeremy
Cameron Kiefer
Come on over ... to The Dark Side!