Hard to photograph color coins

CarlWohlforth · April 2, 2011 11:03AM

I'm still missing the slice of orange at the rim between the bottom of the 1 and the 2 stars to the left of that. Right above the slice of orange is an area of metallic greenish color that isn't in the photo. The untoned line that looks like a scratch over Liberty's nose is highlighted too much and not nearly so obvious in hand.

This is by far the best photo I've ever taken of this coin and I've taken hundreds! It does show the hint of fabric toning just below Liberty's cap. The color is closest to that in hand. Of course you have to tilt the coin and hold it just right to see the colors in hand.

So I still have lots of work to do, lots of improvements to make, but am happy I am making some progress.

lcoopie · April 2, 2011 11:09AM

Hard to get the color and luster.

I think it looks very good.

PinkFloyd · April 2, 2011 11:19AM

Good work, looks like the color is pretty accurate. A few parts look a bit out of focus. I'd recommend shooting at a higher F-stop number (smaller aperture) to increase your depth of field.

AnkurJ · April 2, 2011 11:22AM

You should be directly parallel to the coin. Looks like you're at an angle. This one was a b*tch to get right. I'm still not 100% happy with it.

AJ

Flatwoods · April 2, 2011 11:26AM

I feel your pain Carl. I have spent countless hours trying to get to where I am. (Which isn't very far.)

Your pics are nice and better than most people will ever accomplish. Nice coin too!

CarlWohlforth · April 2, 2011 11:46AM

Thanks for the comments!

Yes, the coin is at a big angle. When I shoot it straight on the colors go away.

I will try using a larger F stop. I just wanted to post because I *feel* the potential. I am moving my office to a place with no direct sunlight. That will make the lighting much more consistent than my current place. Now I get different results depending on the time of day!

AnkurJ · April 2, 2011 11:49AM

Have you read Mark Goodman's book? It will be a great help. You need a good tripod/copy stand and 2-3 desk lamps.

lkeigwin · April 2, 2011 11:56AM

Color can be very difficult. Lots of trial and error with lighting angles, height, types. I don't think it's ever okay to accept an image that makes the coin out-of-round. I'd sooner give up a little color.

Do you remember this trade dollar you sold me a few years ago, Carl? I love it. Not sure I ever thanked you properly.

The colorful barber I just got back from PCGS. I don't collect proofs but these two I'll keep a while.
Lance.

CarlWohlforth · April 2, 2011 12:10PM

Geez, I do remember that Trade Dollar! It is good that different people have different priorities. I was willing to go way out of round to get the color right on that Morgan.

Thanks AnkurJ. I read Mark's article and am about to search the forums for more posts of his. I need to buy accessories for the camera like a spare battery, perhaps a filter and maybe some sort of macro lens. I did come across notice that Mark has a 2nd edition. I was considering writing him to ask for a signed copy. Yes, I must do that, I'm sure his book will be the best accessory I can buy.

lkeigwin · April 2, 2011 12:33PM

If you buy Mark's book directly from him it comes autographed.

I tired of changing batteries and instead bought an A/C adapter. So much nicer than removing the camera from the copy stand and messing with batteries and chargers. Spend a few $ on a remote shutter release.

I don't think you need any special filters, Carl. A macro is certainly important and 100mm is more than fine for 99% of the shots you'll take.
Lance.

MrSpud · April 2, 2011 12:56PM

Until you get a chance to read Marks book, you could always cheat and straighten out the tilt and reduce the scratch like this

coirn · April 2, 2011 1:18PM

A little help.

CarlWohlforth · April 16, 2011 3:38AM

OK, with more practice I have a better one. This time focus all across the coin and even color as well picking up some color that was missing from the original.

keyman64 · April 16, 2011 3:52AM

<< <i>Color can be very difficult. Lots of trial and error with lighting angles, height, types. I don't think it's ever okay to accept an image that makes the coin out-of-round. I'd sooner give up a little color.

Do you remember this trade dollar you sold me a few years ago, Carl? I love it. Not sure I ever thanked you properly.

The colorful barber I just got back from PCGS. I don't collect proofs but these two I'll keep a while.
Lance.

>>

Lance, those two coins are awesome! I enjoy them every time you post them.

keyman64 · April 16, 2011 3:54AM

<< <i>OK, with more practice I have a better one. This time focus all across the coin and even color as well picking up some color that was missing from the original.

>>

MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER! Good job getting the coin in focus and the colors/levels taken car of here. I think this is a good photo. The one in the OP, not so much.

AnkurJ · April 16, 2011 4:26AM

Another way to make the scratch "disappear" is have the light going in the same direction as the scratch.

Hard to photograph color coins

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