What the heck am I doing wrong??

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  • seal006
    Member
    • Jun 2010
    • 2330

    #1

    What the heck am I doing wrong??

    Setup for the obverse and reverse shots of this coin are exactly the same. All I did was flip the coin over. So why is the reverse so much darker? I am starting to get extremely frustrated with photographing coins.
    "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."
  • simonm
    Member
    • Sep 2010
    • 6398

    #2
    No pics, Sean.
    My old coin album.

    Comment

    • seal006
      Member
      • Jun 2010
      • 2330

      #3
      Originally posted by simonm
      No pics, Sean.
      See how frustrated I am?? UGH!!!
      Attached Files
      "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

      Comment

      • ray_parkhurst
        Paid Member

        • Dec 2011
        • 1855

        #4
        Looks like you have things set on "auto". White balance is different (reverse is very blue) and probably everything else is on auto as well. Your camera is making decisions for you and they are probably not the ones you'd make...
        Builder of Custom Coin Photography Setups. PM me with your needs or visit http://macrocoins.com

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        • coop
          Member
          • Jan 2012
          • 2754

          #5
          Originally posted by seal006
          See how frustrated I am?? UGH!!!
          Seal: I know you are using a ramp. If you don't have the ramp at the same exact location, the ramp can make the light darker if it doesn't hit the target. I have my light located at 12:00 and the ramp at the widest at 6:00. If it is slightly turned, then the coin can appear dark and not that golden glow you want. To try this, figure out where the ramp gives you the best shot with you setup. Make sure if you make any adjustment to get a shot, you rotate the coin only and keep that ramp in the best position before taking the shot. Even a 5 0r 7:00 position will darken your shot. Keep me posted on if this is your problem.
          Richard S. Cooper Some have asked about my images I use, and I'm glad to say I've completed a DVD of these. Ask if you are interested. Newer members like these.

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          • seal006
            Member
            • Jun 2010
            • 2330

            #6
            Couldn't sleep. Here is another attempt.
            Attached Files
            "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

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            • Antiquity
              Member
              • Jan 2011
              • 1590

              #7
              Looks like you are heading in the right direction.
              THOMAS J.

              Comment

              • ray_parkhurst
                Paid Member

                • Dec 2011
                • 1855

                #8
                Originally posted by coop
                Seal: I know you are using a ramp. If you don't have the ramp at the same exact location, the ramp can make the light darker if it doesn't hit the target.
                What's a ramp?
                Builder of Custom Coin Photography Setups. PM me with your needs or visit http://macrocoins.com

                Comment

                • seal006
                  Member
                  • Jun 2010
                  • 2330

                  #9
                  Originally posted by coop
                  Seal: I know you are using a ramp. If you don't have the ramp at the same exact location, the ramp can make the light darker if it doesn't hit the target. I have my light located at 12:00 and the ramp at the widest at 6:00. If it is slightly turned, then the coin can appear dark and not that golden glow you want. To try this, figure out where the ramp gives you the best shot with you setup. Make sure if you make any adjustment to get a shot, you rotate the coin only and keep that ramp in the best position before taking the shot. Even a 5 0r 7:00 position will darken your shot. Keep me posted on if this is your problem.
                  Thanks Coop. In both shots it was in the exact same position. I know this because I had it backed against something.
                  "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

                  Comment

                  • seal006
                    Member
                    • Jun 2010
                    • 2330

                    #10
                    Originally posted by ray_parkhurst
                    What's a ramp?
                    The coin is on an angle, rather than flat. It cuts down on glare
                    "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

                    Comment

                    • ray_parkhurst
                      Paid Member

                      • Dec 2011
                      • 1855

                      #11
                      Ahh. It also makes your shots less sharp unless you are using a tilt/shift lens. Are you trying for the "axial" look? There are much better ways to cut down on glare using diffusion and proper light placement.
                      Builder of Custom Coin Photography Setups. PM me with your needs or visit http://macrocoins.com

                      Comment

                      • seal006
                        Member
                        • Jun 2010
                        • 2330

                        #12
                        I am using one of the Janjo lights with three layers of coffee filters in front of it.
                        "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

                        Comment

                        • seal006
                          Member
                          • Jun 2010
                          • 2330

                          #13
                          Here are a couple more.
                          Attached Files
                          "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

                          Comment

                          • jallengomez
                            Member
                            • Jan 2010
                            • 4447

                            #14
                            Looking good Sean. Now if you can just find a way to cut down on the glare without having to tilt the camera.
                            “What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.”

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                            • seal006
                              Member
                              • Jun 2010
                              • 2330

                              #15
                              I just wish there was an easier way to do all of this. I literally have thousands of coins that I need photographed for my website and auctions, but if it takes me an hour for every coin, it is just not worth it.
                              "If Free Speech stops when someone gets offended, it is not really Free Speech."

                              Comment

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