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  #1  
Old 18-10-21, 09:42 PM
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TomPC TomPC is offline
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Default Any badge photography tips?

Hi All,

I have about 900 badges and I have decided to photograph them all (for insurance, if nothing else).

Does anyone have any good tips for taking photos of cap badges? One friend has recommended building a light box and then just using a phone to take the pictures. (Like in this video)

I don't need professional quality but before I take 1800 (fronts and backs) photos I wouldn't mind doing a modicum of research.

Thanks,

Tom
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Old 19-10-21, 05:41 AM
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Rob Miller Rob Miller is online now
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Hi Tom
I use a flat bed scanner, at 600 dpi and then "paint shop pro" to straighten and combine the images.

With this image I scanned the hallmarks at a greater dpi and pasted that in for detail.

Rob

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Old 19-10-21, 06:09 AM
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leigh kitchen leigh kitchen is online now
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I found the Epson RX620 very good for scanning badges (amongst those asking to use some of my scans of photographs and badges in publications and museum displays was Geoff McWilliams whosaw some of my scans on websites and asked permission to use them in his books on glengarry badges, I don't know if he did ever use them.)

No skill involved, the scanner does the work, drawback is although you can pick them up second hand for around £20 they're big and heavy.

I use a microscope linked to a desktop to photograph hallmarks and manufacturer's marks.
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Old 19-10-21, 08:36 AM
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Keith Blakeman Keith Blakeman is offline
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I always used a flat bed scanner but these days unless I want I jet black background I find an iphone is good enough with the item placed on some coloured felt.
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Old 19-10-21, 10:50 AM
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Provide a scale, and use a proper camera in good, not sunny, daylight, no flash ...... depth of field not great with a scanner, they are designed to scan 2D and any badge is 3D.

If the badges are good, they deserve a good record.
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Old 19-10-21, 12:28 PM
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KLR KLR is offline
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It depends what you want the photographs for.
I've written a few books where the artefacts / objects (usually archaeological) where we produce both sides on a white back ground. Moreover, it is useful to number each item eg <1> etc. Describe them (eg dates WO Pattern if you have them), measure, weight, metals etc.

My own photographic skills are not great but I have got professional photographers

...... or perhaps I should buy a new camera and get a computer programme that will enhance the object - and can produce a background (ie white).

(I often get photographs sent to me which are oblique which don't the true shape or dimensions.)



I'd be very grateful if you could recommend such programmes
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Old 19-10-21, 01:09 PM
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lifeochil lifeochil is offline
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A phone will never take as good a photo as a good camera.
Lightboxes are good and have used them a lot.
Natural light is also good.
I would never use a scanner because it can't do what a good camera will do.
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