New to Digital Photography
Dec 5, 2014 03:23:04 #
2011steeny
Loc: Flora, MS
Hello everyone,
My name is Nick and I am new to this digital photography thing. I have been collecting coins for many many years, and I've decided to sell a few, but getting good pictures has been a problem for me.
I purchased a Sony Alpha A58 DSLR Camera and SEVERAL different lenses, and I have tried to create the good coin macro photo's by trial an error, (mostly error). I just recently purchased a BUNCH of books on "Beginning photography", "how to do macro photography" etc. etc. and I will be reading them as soon as they come in. I've looked at several links on macro photography on coins and got some help there, but I'm sure it is going to take time for me to get really good at it. I know I can't become a professional overnight, so I'm going to do whatever it takes to get good at this.
If anybody has any suggestions that would help me out, or if you are having the issues, I would love to hear back from you. Anyway, that's about all for now, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Nick
My name is Nick and I am new to this digital photography thing. I have been collecting coins for many many years, and I've decided to sell a few, but getting good pictures has been a problem for me.
I purchased a Sony Alpha A58 DSLR Camera and SEVERAL different lenses, and I have tried to create the good coin macro photo's by trial an error, (mostly error). I just recently purchased a BUNCH of books on "Beginning photography", "how to do macro photography" etc. etc. and I will be reading them as soon as they come in. I've looked at several links on macro photography on coins and got some help there, but I'm sure it is going to take time for me to get really good at it. I know I can't become a professional overnight, so I'm going to do whatever it takes to get good at this.
If anybody has any suggestions that would help me out, or if you are having the issues, I would love to hear back from you. Anyway, that's about all for now, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Nick
Dec 5, 2014 04:26:31 #
Welcome to the HOG Nick - Enjoy.
Just keep trying and read those books, but mostly enjoy.
I presume one of those "SEVERAL different lenses" you purchased is a macro lens.
Just keep trying and read those books, but mostly enjoy.
I presume one of those "SEVERAL different lenses" you purchased is a macro lens.
Dec 5, 2014 05:21:47 #
Since you have already invested in this gear, there are two additions you will need to consider: a light box and a tripod. With careful lighting and a stable platform, your chances of great photos improve dramatically.
Dec 5, 2014 05:48:10 #
Welcome to UHH, practice, practice, review & research, learn = Skill. Also remote cable release plus understand lighting.
Dec 5, 2014 08:29:33 #
Welcome to the Hog, 2011. I suggest you post your question on the Macro forum. If you post there you should attract the attention of the macro shooters and get lots of answers on photographing coins. ;)
Dec 5, 2014 08:34:59 #
Coins can be tricky because of the reflection and glare. Why not try some with low light and using a tripod?
Dec 5, 2014 08:50:21 #
Dec 5, 2014 09:13:40 #
Welcome to the family. If you start a new topic in Macro Forum, be sure to list the lens you're using for your macro shots.
Dec 5, 2014 10:36:17 #
Welcome to the Force...
You have entered an addictive land of truths, myths, fantasies, ghosts, goblins and good old fashioned advice (whether you want it or not)...
Seriously though - the folks here have lots of good advice and a couple of days of experience and are willing share what they can - don't hesitate to ask detailed questions, in fact, the more details, the more accurate the answer ;)
A couple of links to help you navigate the forum and a couple of resources to hopefully answer your questions or guide you in your quest...
Ask away and post away - looking forward to seeing some photos.
You have entered an addictive land of truths, myths, fantasies, ghosts, goblins and good old fashioned advice (whether you want it or not)...
Seriously though - the folks here have lots of good advice and a couple of days of experience and are willing share what they can - don't hesitate to ask detailed questions, in fact, the more details, the more accurate the answer ;)
A couple of links to help you navigate the forum and a couple of resources to hopefully answer your questions or guide you in your quest...
Ask away and post away - looking forward to seeing some photos.
Dec 5, 2014 11:30:20 #
Nick, welcome to the Hog.
I suggest you take a product photography class or a portrait lighting class.
You need to learn to light metals. Good luck. ;-)
SS
I suggest you take a product photography class or a portrait lighting class.
You need to learn to light metals. Good luck. ;-)
SS
Dec 5, 2014 13:51:36 #
2011steeny
Loc: Flora, MS
Thanks for the help! I already have 2 real good tri-pods, but what are you talking about when you say the light pack?
Dec 5, 2014 14:05:04 #
2011steeny
Loc: Flora, MS
I do have macro lenses' they are the Sigma 28-80 with a switch that says normal and macro, then I have a Sony 4.5-5.6/75-300 that says 1.5m/4.9ft. macro, then a Minolta AF 28-80 macro lens, an Albinar-ADG 75-300 macro lens, and the standard DT 3.5-5.6/18-55 Sony lens.
I am GUESSING that at least ONE of these lenses' will work for what I want to do. I can take pictures of the coins and a big majority of them come out OK, but the rest of them are terrible. I also wish I could get better, closer up, photo's of the coins, so I can show more detail.
I am GUESSING that at least ONE of these lenses' will work for what I want to do. I can take pictures of the coins and a big majority of them come out OK, but the rest of them are terrible. I also wish I could get better, closer up, photo's of the coins, so I can show more detail.
Dec 6, 2014 05:29:21 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Welcome to the family. If you start a new topic in Macro Forum, be sure to list the lens you're using for your macro shots.
Go to the MACRO forum. Good people, advised me well. They'll probably tell you that your lens isn't a macro lens but has a close focusing facility instead. True MACRO lenses can produce a 1:1 image on the sensor but there's a mine of good information there and you'll be in good hands.
Dec 6, 2014 05:54:43 #
A.J.R.
Loc: Devon, UK
I am sure you will get good advice from members and your books, but you will find photographing coins with a tripod quite difficult, so the first thing to invest in is a suitable copy stand. It will be so much easier for you to photograph your coins from directly above than trying to line up the coin accurately with your camera on a tripod.
Dec 6, 2014 06:58:57 #
2011steeny wrote:
Hello everyone, br br My name is Nick and I am ne... (show quote)
Nick, the macro tricky because as the camera moves closer to the coin it shadows the room light and the built in camera flash is not at the right angle then when you shine a light from one side it is not even. If you haven't already done so, check out a flash ring for macro photography or try to improvise the same concept. Also as already mentioned, a tripod of a stand of some sore and a cable or wired shutter release will be a big help. I'm assuming you have a macro lens.
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