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 Replies: 6 / Views: 2,321 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Since I got my copy stand arrived today, I'm trying the new setup on coin macros. First, an old pic shot hand-held with a Canon SD790IS using. Shooting in overcast daylight reduces highlights, but it's also hard to control. The colors here are a bit off too:  A shot with my new macro setup: Nikon D810, 105mm with the EFSC enabled. I find that focus-stacking gives a realistic sense of dimension to the coin. Lighting was with 2 Jansjo lights, which brought out highlights especially on the glossier obverse. The new shot has some really nice details in the patina, and the colors are more accurate for artificial lighting. Comparing the two pics, I'm going to pursue other lighting options that more closely approximate overcast sunlight.  Edited by DVCollector
08/26/2014 11:56 pm
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Valued Member
United States
374 Posts |
Which one looked more like the coin in person?
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10045 Posts |
Well, since the surfaces of ancients are largely mineral, the appearance can vary lot by light source.
The second picture looks better to me for incandescent light--and the tonal range is more accurate too.
Edited by DVCollector
08/27/2014 01:06 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I like the second one better myself. Detail is much more pronounced. I think a happy medium would be in between both of these shots, just need to nail down the lighting the camera looks pretty good!
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Here's a new result with a different lighting setup. I've used 2 Jansjo lights, but I found a pretty good way to diffuse the light. The result is almost like overcast lighting, but easier to control. I think I'm getting closer to the results I want.   |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4038 Posts |
It's not natural looking to have lighting coming in from below 3:00/9:00. We naturally look at things as being lit by the sun, and this applies to most all photography and other lighting situations. In this case you have a light a 7:30 and one at 3:00. The 7:30 light is shining on the lower back of Alexander's head...not natural looking. It is also shining on the underbelly of the horse...also not natural. Pull the lights up to the more natural 10 and 2, possibly pushing to 3 if needed to illuminate the face well but not on reverse. Original pics were with light at 12, which gives great shadow detail to this coin. You might even try lights at 11 and 1 or 11 and 2 to see if you can recreate those nice shadows but with more even lighting.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
It's not natural looking to have lighting coming in from below 3:00/9:00. We naturally look at things as being lit by the sun I totally agree--particularly since most of my photographic work is done in natural light--the reason why our brains best understand lighting from angles above the horizontal. On the other hand, more theatrical lighting is often used to shoot sculpture, sometimes lit from below for dramatic effect. And these little coins will be the closest think I own to classical Greek art. I don't mind making mistakes like this if it gives me a different view on the subject. Thanks for the critique.  Edited by DVCollector
08/29/2014 12:22 am
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Replies: 6 / Views: 2,321 |
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Posted 08/27/2014 12:20 am
