Coins: Using a Reflector as a Second Light

Smoother Light - Lower Contrast

Portrait photographers often use a second light as a "fill" light. Its purpose is to lighten shadows and smooth out image tones. Often, this second light can be provided easily and at almost no cost by a reflector which directs some of the main light back at the subject.

At the close distances required for coin photography, using reflector as your fill light is a cinch and can be very effective. I've added just such a reflector to the setup below in the form of a small sheet of foamcore board which is white on one side and black on the other. Foamcore board is often used in mounting photos and other artwork. A sheet of white posterboard or any other broad and flat white material will work, too.



Notice that I still have my plastic diffusion sheet on the left and I have placed the reflector board so it not only leans against the camera but also extends over it a bit. This helps to reflect some light directly back at the surface of the coin.

In the photo below, this lighting setup has helped to bring out the luster in the coin while still preserving excellent detail. It may not be the absolutely best coin photo, but as I said earlier, I don't think there is such a thing. However, I think it is a very good lighting arrangement for most coins.