Posted By:
AnthonyWhat you are attempting is known as a copy shot. The standard lighting for this is 1 light on each side, at 45 degrees to the subject. As the slab is very reflective take the zoom to the longest focal length (more telephoto, getting you physically further from the slab) you can. If you are still getting a reflection of the camera (don't use an on camera flash) use a black matte board and cut the smallest possible hole the lens will fit thru, and shoot it.
If you don't have external lights (these can be as simple as two desklamps, assuming they give enough light that you don't need a long shutter speed that would cause camera shake) put the slab in indirect light, the shady side of a building.
The tan borders are a result of lack of contrast. If you have photoshop kick the contrast up a bit, or do the same in whatever photoediting program you have. Try not to over do it as you'll get that phony screaming white border look that a few auction houses have embraced.
I get much better results shooting copy shots of cards than I do scanning, but like Pete's friend it's what I do 12 hours a day. Even with minimal equipment you should be able to get similar results to an inexpensive scanner, with a much higher rate of production.
E me off list if this is too techno geeky, or you want more detailed info.