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Properly Photographing Coins

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Itamae's Avatar
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 Posted 10/31/2024  12:19 pm Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add Itamae to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
One thing I have always really struggled with is photographing coins for sale. I see other sellers, like this example here https://www.ebay.com/itm/196633167082 (note to mods, this is not my listing, I am not selling this item, just using as a photographic example) and the photography is excellent. It beautifully shows the coin, without embellishing its flaws.

I have a small light box and an iPhone 15 Pro Max. My coin photos always come out too dark, and the flaws seem embellished.

Does anyone have an inexpensive system for taking easily repeatably good coin photos? By inexpensive, I mean under $100 or so.

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Hondo Boguss's Avatar
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 Posted 10/31/2024  2:10 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Hondo Boguss to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Itamae, by "light box" do you mean an axial lighting system? That is how best results are achieved.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Itamae's Avatar
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 Posted 10/31/2024  5:01 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Itamae to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
This is the exact Amazon listing I purchased it from:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7Z93NPR
Edited by Itamae
10/31/2024 5:02 pm
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Hondo Boguss's Avatar
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 Posted 10/31/2024  5:04 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Hondo Boguss to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
How do you position the coin and your phone?
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Coinfrog's Avatar
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 Posted 10/31/2024  6:15 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Coinfrog to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply


to the CCF!
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ijn1944's Avatar
United States
17524 Posts
 Posted 10/31/2024  7:13 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add ijn1944 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Please post a photo or two--examples of your efforts. Might help us better address the challenges. Thanks.
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Itamae's Avatar
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 Posted 11/02/2024  4:10 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Itamae to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
So I put it in the light box on a small acrylic stand. Then I photograph it from the front hole of the light box. I try to angle it so I don't have the phone refection or light glare. My results are sub-optimal. As requested, below are a few of my "efforts" lol.




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jbuck's Avatar
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 Posted 11/03/2024  1:32 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add jbuck to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
As requested, below are a few of my "efforts" lol.
A strong effort.

I will allow the experts inform how you might be able to improve.
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Hondo Boguss's Avatar
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 Posted 11/03/2024  2:17 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Hondo Boguss to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Itamae, your photos are actually pretty good.
- For slabs, I take pictures of the full slab as you do, then close-ups of the coin. I use Earle42's method http://goccf.com/t/422658#3638021) using a gooseneck ring light instead of a clamp-on.
- When possible, remove coins from their capsule / 2X2.
- Proof coins are an absolute bear to photograph - every bit of dust on the coin / holder is disproportionately emphasized. If you photograph straight-on, you'll get a reflection of your camera / phone. One method is to position your camera at a slight angle to the coin. The coin will still reflect - what I do is hold a piece of white paper on the opposite side of the coin at the same angle as my phone.
Hope this helps!
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
Edited by Hondo Boguss
11/03/2024 2:23 pm
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Itamae's Avatar
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 Posted 11/04/2024  11:21 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Itamae to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Great stuff Hondo, thank you! Yeah I can't figure out how to get rid of dust all over my holders, coins, and especially, my background. Any tips on that?
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Hondo Boguss's Avatar
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 Posted 11/04/2024  12:07 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Hondo Boguss to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
For your background, try using a lint roller, duct tape, or masking tape. If all else fails, perhaps you can wash it with your clothes (it might bleed or disintegrate, however).
For dust on coins, many people use lens cleaning brushes / blowers. There are many types, and very cheap online (why don't I have one yet?).
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Itamae's Avatar
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 Posted 11/04/2024  12:42 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Itamae to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
My background is a semi rigid plastic. Dust sticks to it like a magnet. Does everyone else take their photos in sterile surgical room? I didn't know if there was some kind of editing program that had a "remove dust" feature.
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TinyRetreat's Avatar
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335 Posts
 Posted 12/12/2024  01:02 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add TinyRetreat to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
I've used the "white box option" (several provided) and seem to get the best results. While not perfect, I have not had a single complaint about the coin I deliver on a sale (280+). The pictures I post have been effective. Note: using an android/Samsung phone camera ... much easier to post right from the phone it seems ...
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