Coin Photography

This threads inspired me to try taking some shots tonight, using what I had:
- Nikon DSLR
- Kenko extension tube (bought off eBay $130 for trying out Macro Photography)
- Desk lamp
- Some white paper towel (to diffuse the light)

Results weren't too bad (IMO) except the bulb I had in the desk lamp wasn't white enough and the pics came out looking like Gold! Win or Fail?? :D
Time to jump back onto eBay to find a 'white' light bulb. Figuring out the lighting (placement, angle etc) took ages :/

Played around with it in Picasa and the BW version looks ok.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[imgz=http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/1269_monkeyclr600.jpg]
1269_monkeyclr600.jpg
[/imgz] [imgz=http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/1269_monkeybw600.jpg]
1269_monkeybw600.jpg
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Lunartic said:
Results weren't too bad (IMO) except the bulb I had in the desk lamp wasn't white enough and the pics came out looking like Gold! Win or Fail?? :D
Click to expand...

charlie sheen wound consider this winning
 
If only I could change silver into Gold in real life...

Guess i could wait for the GSR of 1:1

hahahaaa
 
Awesome shots crazy lunar guy. I was flummoxed by the "silver" inscription on the gold coin.
I'm off to look at extension tubes.
 
Lunartic said:
Results weren't too bad (IMO) except the bulb I had in the desk lamp wasn't white enough and the pics came out looking like Gold! Win or Fail?? :D

Played around with it in Picasa and the BW version looks ok.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Shoot in RAW and adjust the White Balance to the globes. It will probably have a Kelvin rating so you can select the same number and it should be colour correct. Alternatively shoot with a neutral grey card and use that as your white balance reference. There is a real handy lens cloth called a spudz one side is Grey so you can use it for W/B and it is small and compact and cleans lenses :) Still looks like some nice shots you are getting.
 
Austacker said:
Lunartic said:
Results weren't too bad (IMO) except the bulb I had in the desk lamp wasn't white enough and the pics came out looking like Gold! Win or Fail?? :D

Played around with it in Picasa and the BW version looks ok.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Shoot in RAW and adjust the White Balance to the globes. It will probably have a Kelvin rating so you can select the same number and it should be colour correct. Alternatively shoot with a neutral grey card and use that as your white balance reference. There is a real handy lens cloth called a spudz one side is Grey so you can use it for W/B and it is small and compact and cleans lenses :) Still looks like some nice shots you are getting.
Click to expand...


Or even just change the Temperature. It's available on Aperture Adjustments on a Mac.
 
Szag said:
Or even just change the Temperature. It's available on Aperture Adjustments on a Mac.
Click to expand...

Yeah cool that is the same as Kelvin adjustments wasn't sure if you could do it with a Jpeg ? Light Room may also have this function. Below is a colour chart showing the different temperatures and how the light looks different. The link from the image has a good run down on it also. If anyone is interested. It is an important part of the photography process.

181_colortemp.jpg


image from - http://www.3drender.com/glossary/colortemp.htm
 
Here's my first effort with help from my crazy friend!
Three crazy lamps, a light tent, a D300 with Kenko extension tubes and a 70-200mm lens.
Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.


1336_macro_15_-_version_2.jpg
 
Very nice, expecially for a first effort! Good job.

Pic looks nice and sharp at the centre but a bit out of focus at the top and bottom of the coin. If you didn't want that effect, try photographing the coin square on or increasing the depth of field.
 
Elemental said:
That's a great shot - not looking to sell the subject matter are you :)
Click to expand...

Yeah..the black cloth is awesome huh? from the $2 shop. I'll sell it for $1.50..... Ha ha......
 
Made my own light box - found instructions somewhere.... bought a daylight globe, yet to take coin photos.

I use Canon Zoom BrowserEx to capture the photos from my pc. Works pretty well - my son showed me how to do it. I'm no wiz at this stuff.

Will do some of the pandas when I get them.
 
MatrixOpals said:
Szag said:
Here's my first effort with help from my crazy friend!
Three crazy lamps, a light tent, a D300 with Kenko extension tubes and a 70-200mm lens.
Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.


http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/1336_macro_15_-_version_2.jpg
Click to expand...

I conclude you must of finally received the Dragon coin from Australia post then. Is this true?

Thanks,
Matt.
Click to expand...

Nope. Still waiting. Sigh....
I'm waiting on a Bullion coin not a proof coin.
 
You can get light tents for $20 from DealeXtreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/) I've ordered one as I'm tired of trying to get the lighting right/avoid reflections/wait for the right phase of the moon etc. when I take pictures of those shiny, shiny things we're all obsessed with :)
 
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