Getting started: Photograph your Stamps
In order to start using the Stamp Analyser, you will need images of the stamps that you want to analyze.
There are three ways of obtaining the images.
- Scan your stamps; simple and by far the best method, click here for the procedure;
- Photograph your stamps; tricky but doable, see below for the procedure;
- Obtain the stamp images from any website, click here for the procedure;
Photographing Stamps
Mount your camera on a stable surface such as a tripod, stacked books, or a box.
For an iPhone, keep the camera about 10 cm above the stamp; for an iPad, increase
the distance slightly.
On the main screen, choose a coin from the list and lock it by tapping the lock
icon. Avoid coins thicker than 2 mm, as they may cast shadows. Use the largest
undamaged coin available.
Place each stamp and the selected coin on a clean black background directly
beneath the camera lens. Zoom in so the stamp and coin fill the screen, leaving a
small border. The coin should always appear at the top of the frame, and the stamp
should not be too close to the coin. Use diffused lighting to reduce glare and shadows.
Avoid bright or direct light sources, including sunlight. Surrounding the setup with
a cut-out box can also help minimize reflections. When white rectangles appear
around the coin and the stamp,the lighting and alignment are ideal.
Hold the camera parallel to the stamp (straight on). Adjust the Roll and Pitch
indicators until they reach zero and fade out—this confirms correct alignment.
When the camera is aligned and white rectangles appear around the coin and
stamp, Snap the photo.
To avoid shaking the camera when taking the photo we
recommend using voice control to take the photo. To use voice control, enable
voice control on the iPhone , then say ‘show numbers’ and then say the number that
is closest to the “snap button”
If a stamp has heavy cancellations or a design that extends into the perforations,
turn it over before photographing.
Test your setup using a stamp with known perforations to confirm accuracy.