Lighting Used In Photographs And It's Affect Grading...

Yes, lighting accounts for 90% of the "look" of the image, and can skew the result any direction. Lighting can be used to hide flaws, or make them more obvious. It can show luster, or it can show color, but usually not both at the same time. "Lighting is everything".

Carter,

Many previous threads within CCF cover lighting in detail so I would recommend that you perform a search for both diffusion lighting and axial lighting.

I assume your concern is for yourself when trying to avoid an incorrect perception of a less than stellar coin that has been photographed to intentionally hide the defects that could affect the grade.

When considering the purchase of a higher valued coin I personally would ask the on-line seller if the posted photos of the coin in question EXACTLY match the 'color', 'texture', 'dings', and 'luster'(if applicable as in > AU grades) of the actual coin seen in person.

If the answer you receive from the seller is 'no', request that the seller post photo(s) for ALL bidders to view of the coin accentuating the formally hidden ding or defect.

This posting for ALL to view should greatly help to keep the bid lower while accounting for the previously undisclosed defect.

If the seller is not cooperative regarding your request, I would seriously consider moving on to greener pastures where more options exist...

IMO,
mdpmedia