Does this picture work?

[TomD]

I shoot stuff for dealers on occasion. An Australian dealer asked me to shoot an image of "stacked" coins, all Australian for his website. I did several variations on the theme but expanded on it. Here I introduced a background and a gold coin to all the previous just silver coins on a black background series.

My wife says she doesn't like it compared to the close in silver shots.

Impressions?

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/Australiangroup1m.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/Australiangroup6.jpg

[Dogman]

First is light glare , second glare is a tad strong. If you can reduce the glare it would be better IMHO.

[big country]

I like the second one better. They are both nice though.

[MNeagle]

Like the 2nd one better too, though not with the queenie so prominent...

[SLV^GLD]

If the intent is to sell a certain gold coin then I like the first one best. It's like a mushroom on a pile of shit. There is definitely too much yellow in the light coming off the silver pieces, though.
The 2nd one just confuses me. Where is the focus? Some coins glare and some contrast. WTF am I buying?

[TomD]

WTF am I buying?


Damn if I know, the request is from an Australian dealer with an Australian clientele who asked for a shot consisting of stacked various Australian coins. Take it from there.

[big country]

I assume it is more for a decorative shot for his site, like beside a banner etc, then a shot of a specific coin for sale. Who knows, maybe he is thinking of it as a background or something. I highly doubt it is trying to "sell" a specific coin, so a stack of silver is a stack of silver. In this case it just happens to be Australian silver. I think the "focus" is on the group of coins stacked instead of on a specific piece. I like that some contrast and some glare. Adds variety and depth to the picture.

[willie pete]

they don't seem to be as clear and crisp as some of your shots T ......why not do some outside shoots? incorporate some green leaves and such....Australia has an "al fresco" feel you know.... ;)

[drafter]

I like the second one also. I just don't think the background adds anything. I think the first one with the gold coin shot closer in like the second one would be really nice.

[zap]

Just my opinion, I don't like the birds eye view.

[TomD]

Just traded emails with the Australian dealer and the 2nd picture is sold to him, had to take it off and added another (uncropped) from the series.

Someone mentioned that the shots aren't as sharp as my shots usually are. Fair enough. There are some large technical difficulties in making a number of different coins all optimized at the same time. In the meantime hopefully the shot below is sharp enough---

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/Calendario850.jpg

[willie pete]

Just traded emails with the Australian dealer and the 2nd picture is sold to him, had to take it off and added another (uncropped) from the series.

Someone mentioned that the shots aren't as sharp as my shots usually are. Fair enough. There are some large technical difficulties in making a number of different coins all optimized at the same time. In the meantime hopefully the shot below is sharp enough---

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/Calendario850.jpg





I think it's an improvement...I like the background on the mexican coin

[SLV^GLD]

I had meant to add that if a "sea of coins" effect were desired it would seem appropriate to involve more coins and have them run outside the frame on all sides such that no background were visible.

Considering the second picture was purchased I would hazard a guess it would be the graphic next to the link to peruse Perth minted coins?

[Neuro]

Stack them high. Take a photo of each stack separately, for optimum clarity of each coin, and photoshop the stacks together...

[osoab]

Would have gone with more Au coins.

Gold sells.

Nice pics btw.

[TomD]

One problem with shooting the Lunar AU coins; a small mishap during the stacking or unstacking process may cost big bucks. If I had put out a gold dragon, now selling for $800-$1000 premium, and fumbled, the coin would have been worth an ounce of gold.

I was nervous enough with the "garden variety" Perth Mint silver coins.