You can pretty much generalize that "the greater the luster, the higher the angle" will give you best contrast. I rarely go as much as 30 degrees from vertical for any coin.
Guys, thank your for your recommendations and ideas. Here is a modified shot I took last night. I have used an a slightly different diffuser on my two Jansjos (positioned 2 and 10). I have also used Omeragon 75 mm lens (as opposed to Spiratone Flat Field Macro 75mm lens in previous shots)
I think I am settled on as close to 90 degrees as possible shot (thank you SuperDave). Since I am shooting raw coins for now this seems to be the best angle for my set up. I have positioned the lights at the height of the lens.
Ray, I am not sure what Gamma Levels are... I have checked the settings in RAW editor, but when I have tried to change them - I have not noticed any changes on the image.
The first four images were taken with axial lighting. Even though I like the details, these shots do not represent the coin look well, the coin is shiny with a lot of luster. This is why I have decided to go with the overhead lights.
Quote: Ray, I am not sure what Gamma Levels are... I have checked the settings in RAW editor, but when I have tried to change them - I have not noticed any changes on the image.
Your editor probably has a "shadows" adjustment. This is a form of gamma adjustment. Adjust it to brighten the shadows without affecting the highlights.
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