Scan or Digital Picture?
 

What's the best way to get pictures of GAI slabs that have cigarette boxes in them? Digital Camera w/Flash on or off, or scanner?

Scan!

Here's a scan of a game box that's a bit bigger then a cigarette pack

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/lawsonbox.jpg

If using a digital camera try shooting them outside in the shade at a bit of an angle to eliminate glare off the plastic. Also try em' in the sun with the flash off.
I've had good results both ways.

Scan or Digital Picture?
 

Thank you. I'll try that.

I'd done both- shot them with a 39 megapixel back and lit with studio strobes, and scanned with a canon scanner.
In the end, with equal tweeking in photoshop, it's a tossup. But it's a whole lot easier with the scanner, and if you don't have the proper lighting at your disposal, it's definitely better with the scanner.
If you're getting weird highlights from the scanner turn the slab a different direction and try it again- that often helps.

Richard - off topic but I don't think that date is correct on your AB pack you pictured. According to ATC factory records, the brand wasn't acquired (or started - it's not clear) until February 1903. Can you confirm the 1897 date, indeed, correct? It would be interesting. Thanks!

Scan or Digital Picture?
 

Jon:

The overprinting shows July ? (1st?), 18??

Tax stamp shows 1897.

Intresting. Thanks for the scan. I made note of that.

Scan or Digital Picture?
 

It's not period, but will have to do until I find one.

Scan or Digital Picture?
 

Thanks for the info. I took the slabs outside in the sun, and got perfect pictures with my digital camera. (Flash Off)