How can I photograph coins in glossy packaging without capturing reflections?
Asked 10/13/2011
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I’m trying to photograph coin sets that are sealed in glossy, postcard-sized packaging. When I place the camera directly above the set, the glossy surface reflects me and the camera into the shot. If I move the camera closer, the reflection is reduced, but then close-focusing becomes an issue.
What’s the best way to photograph coins behind a glossy or mirror-like surface while avoiding reflections and glare?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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The coin reflects light. With a light shining straight on it, much of it may be reflected straight back at the camera:
The first thing to do is move the light to the side and put a dark object where it used to be. The dark object is now reflected in the coin, but that's not noticeable:
There are still many specular highlights on the relief and lettering, reflections of the light and of other bright objects in the vicinity. Minimize those by surrounding yourself with a flat, black environment. This last photo was taken from above with a black cloth draped over photographer and camera:
(All three images are of the same coin. Some noise reduction was applied, but no contrast enhancement was performed in any of them. The softness in this last image is because there was much less light to illuminate the coin: because these images were handheld, this required a high ISO and large aperture. For good work you will use a tripod, of course, allowing a smaller aperture and low ISO, because a long exposure is no problem.)
Originally by user1356. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1356
14y ago
0
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Use lighting and positioning to control what the glossy surface reflects.
A good approach is to move the light off to the side instead of shining it straight at the coins. Then place something dark where the bright reflection would otherwise appear. More generally, surround the camera and nearby area with black cloth or other dark, non-reflective material so the package reflects dark tones instead of you, the camera, or bright room objects.
You also don’t need the camera exactly above the set. The important part is keeping the camera sensor parallel to the card so the shape doesn’t distort. You can move the camera slightly off-axis to avoid direct reflections, then crop the image afterward.
A circular polarizing filter may also help reduce reflections on the glossy cover, though it cuts light, so a tripod is useful.
In short: use side lighting, block reflections with black surroundings, keep the camera parallel to the package, and consider a polarizer plus tripod.
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