Coin Photography Help Please- re glare on copper

lcoopie · July 17, 2008 11:31AM

I am using 2 par30 halogen bulbs on gooseneck lamps
a compact digital camera with macro setting
on a tripod, in a darkened room,
setting the while balance manually

I seem to have a lot of trouble getting the colors
to show on copper as you can see, without getting
the annoying glare right over the coin

Any ideas would be appreciated

rgCoinGuy · July 17, 2008 11:33AM

Cut up a milk gallon (plastic jug) place it over the coin, and shoot down into it, that will difuse the lighting. Be sure to white balance while using the jug too. Just one option I am sure.

avgcounterfiticus · July 17, 2008 11:37AM

You can also open up a napkin and drape it between the light and the coin.

messydesk · July 17, 2008 11:40AM

'tain't going to be easy to get a color-only shot with small halogens and a compact camera. Get the camera as far away from the coin as possible while still being able to get a decent picture. Try putting the lamps really high above the coin and diffuse them through paper held at a safe distance (don't want to start a fire). You may need extra hands for this. You should be able to cut the glare way down, but you'll also lose a little contrast. This can be restored a bit in post-processing. There was a toned Lincoln photo contest a couple years back exactly because these are a bear to shoot such that you get a good feeling for what the coin looks like in hand.

Post your progress here or at BECOKA's coin photography forum (Linky)

CoinAuctionsHelp · July 17, 2008 11:44AM

Turn the light at an angle, in the same angle you would hold the coin in your hand to see said colors. For instance, lower the lighting so it shines from the bottom of the coin and across it's surface, instead of letting it shine directly on the coin.

MikeInFL · July 17, 2008 11:50AM

Welcome to the challenge of shooting toned coins in slabs.

For coins that are in slabs, there's really no one-size-fits-all solution, although positioning the light so it reflects just outside the coin will help. As do coins that aren't in the holders straight.

With some experimentation, you'll figure out what's best for any particular coin. But really, there's no good answer other than cracking out the coins from their slabs.

All IMHO...Mike

p.s. diffusers only decrease the problem of reflected light, they do not solve the contrast problems that result.

timcoin · July 17, 2008 12:05PM

Cover the view finder. It looks from the image that the light is going through the view finder, but I could be totally wrong. I'm no coin picture expert, but try moving the light a little bit to the right.

MikeInFL · July 17, 2008 12:10PM

<< <i>Cover the view finder. It looks from the image that the light is going through the view finder, but I could be totally wrong. I'm no coin picture expert, but try moving the light a little bit to the right. >>

I'm fairly certain it's not a viewfinder problem, but your second suggestion is a good one.

JapanJohn · July 17, 2008 12:25PM

I assume that hot spot hits the same place every time.

Back the camera up from the coin and move the coin right or left up or down. Move the lighting. Try side lighting. If this is flash induced lower the flash compensation or diffuse or bounce the flash.

John

JimK · July 17, 2008 12:53PM

I really like Rob's idea of shooting down a milk carton. I have some vellum paper I am going to try- roll it up and shoot down that. Might be a good diffuser? I'll let you know as soon as my copy stand gets here and I can start shooting pics...
Jim

lcoopie · July 17, 2008 1:07PM

thanks for all the responses,
I've been busy drinking milk to get ready to try some of
your helpful suggestions.

mgoodm3 · July 17, 2008 1:14PM

If you have to have the light in that position to get color, you will always have trouble with it. Some coins just don't show their color until the glare is in full swing.

mgoodm3 · July 18, 2008 1:31AM

The ways to remedy that (at least help) is to get the light at the highest angle without glare. The lighting on the image you show is too high for the camera/lens combo as gives glare.

1) if it is not already as high as you can get it, move it higher (until glare is right at the edge of the coin).
2) move the light farther away (same angle just more distance).
3) get the camera farther away - zoom or just make the coin a little smaller on the screen. Will allow higher angle lighting.
4) Add-on macro lens will also get the camera farther away
5) Get an SLR with a macro lens

Walmann · July 18, 2008 3:53AM

You may want to purchase a copy of "Numismatic Photography". This may assist you

.

RWB · July 18, 2008 9:59AM

I suspect your “glare” is light bouncing off the front of your camera’s lens, to the plastic coin holder then back to the camera. Numbers and lettering in the reflection are likely on the mount surrounding the lens.

Follow Mark’s suggestions about increasing the angle of the lights, or try using one light and one of the diffusion methods others have suggested.

lcoopie · July 18, 2008 11:52PM

<< <i>You may want to purchase a copy of "Numismatic Photography". This may assist you

. >>

my order is in, and I need it

tried raising the camera, slightly better

going to try milk jar next

thanks for the suggestions

RWB · July 19, 2008 12:01AM

Try putting a toilet paper tube around the lens - to shade the lens, then raise the lights (not the camera) as Mark suggested.

lcoopie · July 29, 2008 11:11PM

read "the book"
partially melted the ob of the slab
kept trying
forgot to clean the slab

I think I am getting a little improvement
have a long way to go

thanks Mark

still waiting for the milk to be finished

Coin Photography Help Please- re glare on copper

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