Please critique my first photo taken with a nice setup

barrytrot · June 7, 2011 11:15AM

Please check out this first try at a nice photo and please give me any advise on improving!

Smaller image, here is the original super giant:

https://secure.0si.com/limages/20110607205503687.jpg

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:19AM

Are those LED lights?

barrytrot · June 7, 2011 11:25AM

<< Are those LED lights? >>

Yes. One on each side of the camera.

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:29AM

<< 

<< Are those LED lights? >>

Yes. One on each side of the camera. >>

Thanks for resizing the image. Personally I dont like the look of the LED lights. On your big image it causes a blue/spreckly/red effect that does not look natural.

Overall you are on the right track, keep on practicing.

jom · June 7, 2011 11:32AM

I'm not sure of the lighting...however, you'll need to see if you can focus it better. I've had the same problem especially with coins tilted inside the holder.

jom

lcoopie · June 7, 2011 11:32AM

Todd is good

cheezhed · June 7, 2011 11:33AM

I like the coin and the image.

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:34AM

<< Todd is good >>

Todd just is not a fan of LED lights.

I also think on a merc dime with color you will need 3 lights.

coinkid855 · June 7, 2011 11:37AM

<< 

<< Todd is good >>

Todd just is not a fan of LED lights.

I also think on a merc dime with color you will need 3 lights. >>

Agreed. I shot one recently with two, and while ok, the image wasn't 100%, which i always shoot for.

In addition to Todd's suggestions, I would make sure that you are using a remote release to minimize vibrations, as well as using delayed release mode so the vibration from the mirror flipping up doesn't mar your image. This is assuming you have an SLR.

Good luck!

-Paul

barrytrot · June 7, 2011 11:43AM

<< 

<< 

<< Todd is good >>

Todd just is not a fan of LED lights.

I also think on a merc dime with color you will need 3 lights. >>

Agreed. I shot one recently with two, and while ok, the image wasn't 100%, which i always shoot for.

In addition to Todd's suggestions, I would make sure that you are using a remote release to minimize vibrations, as well as using delayed release mode so the vibration from the mirror flipping up doesn't mar your image. This is assuming you have an SLR.

Good luck!
-Paul >>

I'm using "controlmynikon" to take the shot and the camera is held in place like the one below. I bought this setup from a member here and thus far I think it is working quite well considering how much of a newbie I am to to photo game!

derryb · June 7, 2011 11:45AM

Has that "I need more megapixels" look. Just doesn't seem to have enough detail. Maybe it's the focus?

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:47AM

I have not tried control my nikon as it is does not work for MAC's. Getting used to a bellows is going to take some time. For just starting I think a macro lens is a better option but practice will get you where you want to be.

barrytrot · June 7, 2011 11:48AM

<< Has that "I need more megapixels" look. Just doesn't seem to have enough detail. Maybe it's the focus? >>

I have been thinking the exact same thing, "looks less zoomed than it should be".

However, I'm using a Nikon D7000, which has a ton of mega-pixels.

So I think I'm doing something WAY WRONG. Can anyone give a remote hint on what I might be doing incorrectly to suck the life out of my camera

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:51AM

<< 

<< Has that "I need more megapixels" look. Just doesn't seem to have enough detail. Maybe it's the focus? >>

I have been thinking the exact same thing, "looks less zoomed than it should be".

However, I'm using a Nikon D7000, which has a ton of mega-pixels.

So I think I'm doing something WAY WRONG. Can anyone give a remote hint on what I might be doing incorrectly to suck the life out of my camera

>>

I will try a hint....lights.

I will send a pm of a merc from my d7000 so you can compare.

TomB · June 7, 2011 11:52AM

You've got all the megapixels you need and then some. Change, add, reposition, etc...the lighting and slightly improve the focus.

barrytrot · June 7, 2011 11:52AM

<< 

<< 

<< Has that "I need more megapixels" look. Just doesn't seem to have enough detail. Maybe it's the focus? >>

I have been thinking the exact same thing, "looks less zoomed than it should be".

However, I'm using a Nikon D7000, which has a ton of mega-pixels.

So I think I'm doing something WAY WRONG. Can anyone give a remote hint on what I might be doing incorrectly to suck the life out of my camera

>>

I will try a hint....lights.

I will send a pm of a merc from my d7000 so you can compare. >>

I've already put another lights, another LED and 3 non-LED on my wifes "shopping list" for tomorrow

I await seeing your merc

blu62vette · June 7, 2011 11:57AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< Has that "I need more megapixels" look. Just doesn't seem to have enough detail. Maybe it's the focus? >>

I have been thinking the exact same thing, "looks less zoomed than it should be".

However, I'm using a Nikon D7000, which has a ton of mega-pixels.

So I think I'm doing something WAY WRONG. Can anyone give a remote hint on what I might be doing incorrectly to suck the life out of my camera

>>

I will try a hint....lights.

I will send a pm of a merc from my d7000 so you can compare. >>

I've already put another lights, another LED and 3 non-LED on my wifes "shopping list" for tomorrow

I await seeing your merc

>>

Dont forget a greycard so you can set the white balance when you get the new lights. I can add more things but your wife will hate me. At least you have someone to blame.

MarkInDavis · June 7, 2011 12:24PM

Nice photo. Focus could be a bit sharper, and slab looks as though it could use some cleaning.

ricko · June 8, 2011 1:04AM

Heck of a lot better than I can do....

Someday I will give this photography thing a try.... Cheers, RickO

Broadstruck · June 8, 2011 1:14AM

You might want to buff out the holder haze spot on the hair/cap region.

messydesk · June 8, 2011 2:05AM

The coin is mostly dark in the picture, but we know it's not a dark coin.

More diffusion, expecially with LEDs, and have some light at a higher angle (diffusion will do this to a certain extent without moving the lights). With lights at the traditional "10-and-2" locations, the nature of the Mercury dime design is such that you'll get a shadow between 11:00 and 1:00 at the rim. A reflector of sorts at 6:00 will help fill this shadow.

LEDs can cause white balance problems, as they tend to be rather purple.

lcoopie · June 8, 2011 2:52AM

duh?

I just realized I need a third light.

Please critique my first photo taken with a nice setup

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