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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,548 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2150 Posts |
I was curious if anyone knew what program sellers use to improve their pics so much. I'm sure its not limited to just one program. I just wanted to get an idea of whats going on. Here's an example of a 1929-s Cent I purchased: Sellers pics:   In hand pics:   I thought at first it wasn't the same coin, but after closer inspection, you can see darker areas on both pics. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1733 Posts |
usually a pirated version of photo shop. That example is pretty brutal, talk about misrepresentation.
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Valued Member
United States
407 Posts |
For one thing, the lighting.
Although lots of light will show much that cannot be seen by the naked eye, it can also obfuscate many things that WOULD be seen by the naked eye. Conversely, a lack of light can hide many things that would be readily apparent under sufficient lighting.
Both sets of pictures tell only so much of the story.
And certainly some creative wizardry with a graphics editing program can highlight, or diminish, and feature of your choice.
I have seen some sellers that wish to truly represent a coin as accurately as possible by including multiple angles under various lighting conditions.
Between the two, I prefer your pictures as they most accurately represent the true appearance and condition of the coin.
Steve
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2373 Posts |
If its any consolation I would buy that coin from your pics in a minute. I have a hard time getting the ear to show as well as your's. For some reason mine either looks fuzzie or not enough shadow to show the definition. nlp
Edited by nlp coins
06/07/2010 5:27 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2120 Posts |
Yea, that was a flashed coin. as in, the flash that went off when the picture was taken. you can see the light flare start in front of his face.
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Valued Member
United States
323 Posts |
Seems pretty misrepresented
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Valued Member
United States
211 Posts |
I wonder if it was intentional or the guy just didn't understand how to light a coin and let the camera do its automatic thing. I am pretty lucky on ebay but every so often you get someone who hides flaws. |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
This is the exact language I use in all of my ebay coin auctions: Quote:I do not overexpose the photographs of my coins. The one thing I hate the most about ebay coin auctions are the overexposed, washed-out pictures many sellers post. You can make a pretty banged-up coin look like an MS67 by washing out the details enough, and I'm not going there. The coin shown here is a perfect example of what I'm talking about, and I could not in good conscience ever use the term "improvement" to describe it. Jokingjoker, I would use your images over the seller's, 10 times out of 10, if I were interested in offering an accurate depiction of the coin. He's not interested in that. Now, to address your original question. A couple years back, I got into a discussion on photographic retouching here. As an example, I whipped up a quick (only took me 15 minutes, IIRC) demonstration of what an editing program like the Gimp (in my case) can do to a picture in the hands of someone who knows how to use it:   Same coin. There are plenty of cues in my work for an experienced observer, but the average buyer would be taken in. One of the prerequisites of a successful ebay buyer is learning these cues. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1733 Posts |
These photos are examples of something I cannot stress enough. Try and buy coins IN HAND. Slabbed or not. Look and see if you are going to be happy with your purchase. -visit shows, shops and other hobbyists -form a circle of people you trust to trade with. This forum is an excellent resource -local coin clubs are great for trading. I've been trading with my group of friends for 40 years and they are most valuable resource I've ever come across int he hobby. I think great patience makes a great collection. I will admit that sites like ebay etc are excellent for packaged products like rolls and mint sales - you know what you are going to get no matter where you get it from. ebay is also great for fillers. Single coin purchases however are best made from those trusted or in person samples I mentioned above. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,548 |
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Posted 06/07/2010 5:07 pm
