Easy Coin Photography - 2011 - Part Four

Below, the white balance was set for the corn cob unit and the top row shows the uncorrected results 'out of camera'. The left coin in each pair was taken with the corncob but the right coins, taken with the smaller unit, are considerably too magenta. This, however is easily corrected with postprocessing color balance adjustments which produced the second row making the right coin in each pair acceptable and the left coins too green. This is no problem if you buy all your bulbs to match or don't mind making little color edjustments (which is usually necessary for best results anyway). Note that the portrait on the half groat of Henry VIII with its low relief looks better using the more directional bulb while the letters on that coin and the whole of the high relief Larissa drachm strike me as more pleasing using the larger bulbs (I have a bank of two providing an even softer, larger light source). I have long said that there is no single answer to best lighting for every coin so, again, all this has shown is that the individual photographer needs to fit the equipment to individual preferences and the coins being photographed. Both types bulbs shown here were purchased from Hong Kong via eBay sellers at $5 to $7 postpaid per bulb. My local sources are considerably higher in price. I have no idea how long they will last. Wherever you buy, be careful to check bulb color, voltage and base size specifications to match your local electrical situation. LED bulbs are made in a hundred configurations including one that will be right for you.