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 Replies: 16 / Views: 3,285 |
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
So I have ventured into coin photography. All is well except I have to take all of my photos at a slight angle to eliminate shadows, usually from my hand/camera that show up on the bottom half of the coin.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
That's probably just a function of where/how you place the lighting. What's the specific technique you're using?
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Valued Member
 United States
379 Posts |
I took a few last night with two lamps. Both had flexible necks like a desk lamp. I placed one at 10 o'clock and one about 2 o'clock. I got great light on most of the coin, but as I tried to shoot closer to the coin, my shadows kicked in on the bottom half of the coin.
Should I try more lighting behind/next to me?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
The lights need to be adjacent to or even somewhat in front of the camera lens (or as much as possible without obstructing the camera's view of the coin).
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
Thanks for the tip Captain! Ill give it a shot  tonight. |
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Forum Dad
United States
24161 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
9406 Posts |
Nice pics, Bobby. I use the same method as you,
but I think the OP is actually referring to reflection off the coins.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
I'm actually kind of curious, because the only way you get "shadows" on the coin is if your hands or camera are blocking the light.
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
Example:  |
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
But, I think I have found what I'm looking for, what do you think?:   I think they may still be a little dark from 4 o clock to 8 o clock, plus it seems I may need to work on my lighting a bit. These were taken with Auto White Balancing,Macro setting, no zoom. Thanks a lot for all the help you guys have provided/continue to provide. Baby steps right!  |
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
I forgot to mention, in all of these pics, my light is at 12 o'clock on the coin with the coin almost underneath the lamp. Also, I'm not sure what kind of bulbs these are, what do you guys recommend?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
Jansjo LED lights are popular. The images are very yellow, try a tungsten or incandescent white balance setting, or try a custom white balance, if your camera has that.
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
Thanks for more tips, I'll definitely try em out til I get it right.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
OK, a couple quick thoughts: A) The lighting problems you're seeing stem from having the lights at a little too much of an angle to the coin. Generally, you want the lights as close to the camera (while being above the lens) and shining as directly downward onto the coin as possible. Two are almost always preferable to one, and the reason Jansjos are so popular is because they're small (easily brought quite close to the lens), infinitely adjustable, and cheap. $10 each at Ikea. B) I'm implying from your mention of shooting on an angle that you're handholding the camera. By shooting on that angle, you're giving up a bit of quality, and a fixed stand like a tripod or something will relieve you of a few different things to worry about. C) As the good Captain mentioned, time to research White Balance as it applies to your camera - if you wish, identify your specific camera and we'll be happy to help figure things out. As you're now aware, this is a process and it involves quite a bit of learning. There are many generalities about coin photography, but most cameras differ as to their "sweet spot" where they provide the best result. This is what we do in this forum - we help budding photographers find out what works best for the camera they own. So please do make this a dialogue, and we'll get you hooked up.  |
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
Thank you guys for the detailed response. Hopefully this evening I can try a few of the above techniques, and I will definitely try to get the jansjo lights as well.
Everyone here makes this place awesome. I can't imagine getting this much positive feedback anywhere else with my lack of skills. Once again, thank you and I will post pictures again soon.
Btw,the camera I am using is a Canon power shot A3100 IS. I also have a Sony cyber shot DSC-WX150 here but that bad boy confuses me still.
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Valued Member
United States
379 Posts |
Ok, so here are some revised photos after using some of your guys' tips on lighting and positioning. They are of the same Buffalo nickel in my post above. I used the Tungsten lighting setting on these:   forgot to enlarge a little bit still some uneven lighting and some glare issues but seems to be better than my first round of shots. Edited by ericmckeown
01/29/2013 7:48 pm
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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,285 |
Posted 01/28/2013 3:55 pm
