Taking Challenge Coin Pictures

Posted on August 23, 2008
Filed Under Collecting Thoughts

Taking pictures of challenge coins, pins, or any other collectibles that are reflective or you have difficulty getting the detail out of your photographs is frustrating. Putting coins and pins into the scanner was many people’s idea of success for years. Some people just put a coin down on their table and shot away. Well I hope to help some photographers of coins out a little by talking about taking successful pictures. After three years of scanning, taking photos in my office, and even buying a professional lighting kit I had failed to make any dent on my skills of showing of my coin inventory.

So one day I phoned my brother and asked him to fly down and visit for a month. While down I asked if he would mind taking some pictures. He has zero experience behind a lens so I figured what it couldn’t hurt if he at least tried. He said he would take some when he went out and smoked a cigarette. What I didn’t know was that this smoke break would be a breakthrough in picture taking. He came in with the most incredible pictures of the most difficult coins I had.

What I didn’t realize is that in the morning hours between 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm (this will vary depending on where you live and time of year) we have the best natural lighting. With my 5.0MP camera he was able to take some of the highest quality photos I have ever seen of coins. The 3D detail was astonishing. So what did he use to get this right?

1. One light color piece of fabric as the backdrop of the coin.
2. A 5.0MP camera
3. The faded sunlight for natural light
4. 1 Senoma cigarette (this step can be bypassed)

Once he came in and handed me the memory card from the camera and I loaded Photoshop I couldn’t believe my eyes. We as a whole struggle to get great images of our coins and we fail to figure out a way without coming up with an expensive system. Yet, this very simple technique could be used even by the most unsophisticated person out there. Yes, this was a full write up telling you to start taking your pictures outside in the natural light our sun gives us. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and do it!

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