Button Copy Photo Issues

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So, my favorite signs are old button copy and old interstate & US shields.

However, since my foray into sign photography 2-3 years ago, the signs I enjoy taking pics of the most (non-reflective button copy) are the most difficult and annoying. 

However, I only use an iPhone 4 to take pics.  No fancy camera or anything.  Given that, I think the pics come out rather well considering.

When I photo a button copy sign, I like to see the buttons (if you can't see the buttons then it might as well be any other sign from 1996 and on right?), the more detail the better, but sometimes that isn't the case. 

Most of the "luck" is with the sun angle.  When the sun is off to the left or right it makes for the best as the buttons are in the shadows. 

or



But some signs never get much sunlight due to their location or other objects such as trees.  Like this one:
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(this sign is gone now btw)

this one never gets light as there's a rock ledge to the right and a hill.


Plus some signs have barely visible buttons, which make them hard to see in the photo. Ala this:
Dirt on the buttons is best.   

Just a rant.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I don't do this serious enough to get a better camera, but it seems most of my success with photos deal with sunlight and it's angle. So when I plan trips I look to see where the sign is on a map and try to time out my trip accordingly.

PS, if I got a better camera I'd be tempted to retake ALL my pics. 

So take a look and lemme know what you think.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98731835@N05/

[hbelkins]

Using the flash enhances the presence of the buttons.