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Referring to the image at:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/cooper213/slabtest.jp g
This is a project that I have to do almost weekly. I have to photograph three or four slabs like this a week. A "slab", by the way, is a coin that has been encapsulated by a professional coin grading service. The slab is clear plastic over a white plastic insert that contains the coin.
Because I only photograph three or four at a time, I prefer to photograph under natural light because the set-up is quicker. I use a small camera stand and photograph on a screened in porch so I have diffused light and minimal shadows. I use a white index card under the slab.
The results are always bluish to very blue. I assume that’s because the light is not adequate. The output is whiter when direct sunlight is used, but the shadows are a problem.
To make the white white, I use Curves. Setting the White Point, though, blows out everything. Setting both a WP and a BP is a disaster. Just moving the Curve helps, but doesn’t work very well. I can extract the slab and bring the background to white, but that’s very time consuming since there are no clear edges with clear plastic.
I can use a colored background, but the color shows through the clear plastic rims so the image isn’t an accurate representation.
When I photograph the coins before sending them out to be slabbed, I have no problem bringing the blue to white with Curves. It’s just the slab with that white insert that causes the problem.
Suggestions?
—
Tony Cooper
Orlando, FL
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/cooper213/slabtest.jp g
This is a project that I have to do almost weekly. I have to photograph three or four slabs like this a week. A "slab", by the way, is a coin that has been encapsulated by a professional coin grading service. The slab is clear plastic over a white plastic insert that contains the coin.
Because I only photograph three or four at a time, I prefer to photograph under natural light because the set-up is quicker. I use a small camera stand and photograph on a screened in porch so I have diffused light and minimal shadows. I use a white index card under the slab.
The results are always bluish to very blue. I assume that’s because the light is not adequate. The output is whiter when direct sunlight is used, but the shadows are a problem.
To make the white white, I use Curves. Setting the White Point, though, blows out everything. Setting both a WP and a BP is a disaster. Just moving the Curve helps, but doesn’t work very well. I can extract the slab and bring the background to white, but that’s very time consuming since there are no clear edges with clear plastic.
I can use a colored background, but the color shows through the clear plastic rims so the image isn’t an accurate representation.
When I photograph the coins before sending them out to be slabbed, I have no problem bringing the blue to white with Curves. It’s just the slab with that white insert that causes the problem.
Suggestions?
—
Tony Cooper
Orlando, FL
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