How I Solved the Post-Coin Show Report Dilemma: Turning 100+ Pictures Into a Cohesive Story (Step-by-Step Guide)

I stared at my phone after the 2025 Rosemont/Chicago Great American Coin Show—over 100 photos, scribbled notes, and a growing sense of overwhelm. Sound familiar? I’d captured everything: dealer tables, rare coins, dinners with friends, even the view from my hotel. But how do you turn that mess into a story people actually want to read? I spent the next few days testing a method that worked. Here’s how I turned my post-show chaos into a clear, engaging report—no filler, just what worked for me.

Identifying the Core Problem: Picture Overload

After each coin show, I end up with what feels like a digital junk drawer: photos of coins, dealer booths, meals, and random hallway conversations. The real issue isn’t the volume. It’s knowing what to keep, what to cut, and how to make it all feel like a story instead of a slide show.

To fix this, I asked myself: What moments actually matter? The answer shaped the report. I focused on:

• The standout moments—not every coin, just the ones that sparked something.
• A clear order—no jumping around. Readers should feel like they’re there with me.
• Enough detail to inform, but not so much it bogs down the pace.
• Personal context—why a certain coin mattered, or how a dinner led to a new connection.

Step 1: Sorting Photos by Categories

Instead of scrolling through everything, I opened a new folder and created simple labels. This wasn’t about perfection—just a quick way to group what I had.

• Travel and Venue: Arrival shots, the hotel, the convention center entrance. These set the stage.
• Dealer Interactions: Photos with familiar faces, trade moments, conversations that led to finds. These show the social side.
• Coin Highlights: Close-ups of standout pieces—the ones I’d brag about later. This is the numismatic heart of the report.
• Dining and Social Events: Meals, meetups, even a late-night chat over wine. These add warmth and texture.
• General Bourse Floor: Wide shots of the floor, crowd energy, the “vibe” of the show. These give context.

Grouping first let me see the full picture—and quickly trim anything that didn’t fit. No more 20 shots of the same booth.

Step 2: Selecting Anchor Photos

Not every photo earns its spot. I picked anchor photos—the ones that carried weight. These are the images readers remember. For me, that meant:

• The sunrise view from my hotel room in Rosemont—symbolic of starting fresh.
• The 1914-D Lincoln cent, fresh out of its slab. It turned heads and started conversations.
• Dinner at Gibson’s, where I caught up with dealers and made new connections. That meal mattered more than the steak.

These aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re visual anchors—each one tied to a story or insight.

Structuring the Narrative: Creating a Logical Flow

I wanted the report to feel like a walk-through, not a data dump. So I built it day by day, from landing in Chicago to boarding the flight home. That’s how I experienced it—and how readers would, too. A chronological flow makes the story feel real and easy to follow.

Step 3: Crafting a Captivating Introduction

I kicked things off with a moment that set the mood—my flight in. It was personal, visual, and set the tone for the whole thing.

Example intro:
"I was grinning as I stowed my bag for the flight from Orange County to Chicago. I always watch as we glide over Newport Beach—the coastline sparkles, then we bank east, over the hills, toward something new. This show felt different. My first since ANA, and I was ready."

That’s not just weather talk. It’s anticipation. It’s the start of a journey.

Step 4: Segregating Days and Activities

I broke the report into days, each with a focus. No vague rambling. Just clear sections that told a mini-story.

• Wednesday: Early arrival, dealer-only access, first coins acquired. The calm before the storm.
• Thursday: Public opening, busy floor, key sales, and a chat with a coin world editor. The main event.
• Friday: Shipwreck display, Robert Julian’s original art, and a long dinner with Justin Waddel. The culture and camaraderie.
• Saturday: Slow down, final buys, and the flight home. The wind-down.

Each day had a rhythm. Readers could jump in or follow along, like a travelogue.

Adding Unique Insights: Beyond the Photos

A photo album is nice. But a report that teaches? That’s what keeps people reading. I added what I’ve learned over the years—not just what I saw, but how I navigated it.

Step 5: Sharing Practical Tips

I included small but useful takeaways—things I wish I’d known when I started.

• Handling counterfeit coins: When someone brings you a “1943 copper,” stay polite. Suggest a magnet test, then refer them to Andy at Angel Dees or Rick Snow. It’s about protecting the hobby, not shaming.
• Wine and dine with purpose: Gibson’s and Carlucci’s aren’t just good food—they’re where the coin world hangs out. Pick spots where you’re likely to meet dealers or old friends.
• Managing show fatigue: I brought a bottle of Rombauer Zinfandel to share with a dealer after a long day. That small gesture kept the mood light and built rapport.

These aren’t rules. They’re real moments that shaped my experience.

Step 6: Highlighting Rare Finds

Coins that stood out got their own spotlight. Not just photos—context. For the 1914-D Lincoln cent and the 1856 Flying Eagle cent S-3, I included:

• A clean, high-res image—no glare, no blur.
• Grading details (PCGS MS64+ RB/RED, for example)—important for collectors.
• The story: Who I bought it from, how long I’d searched, what made it special.

Code example for embedding a coin photo with caption:
<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027503/uploads/editor/st/lqddysp5ixwq.jpg" alt="1914-D Lincoln Cent">
<p>The 1914-D Lincoln cent—worth the wait, and the conversation with the dealer.</p>

That last line? That’s the human part. The coin isn’t just a grade. It’s a story.

Dealing With Challenges: Authenticity and Trust

One thing you see at every show? “1943 copper” cents. I’ve fielded dozens. Most aren’t real. The trick is to respond without making anyone feel foolish. I’ve learned to:

• Do a quick magnet test—copper won’t stick, steel will.
• Suggest a second opinion, not a rejection.
• Talk about PCGS—how they handle submissions, why trust matters.

I shared this not to call out fakes, but to show how to handle sensitive situations with respect. It’s part of being in the community.

Step 7: Incorporating Community Insights

Some of the best moments weren’t about coins. They were about people. I made sure to highlight:

• Catching up with Larry Jewett of Coin World—talking about upcoming articles and the future of print.
• Seeing Robert Julian’s hand-drawn coin art—something truly unique, and a reminder of the artistry behind numismatics.
• Dinner with James Sego and Justin Waddel—where the real conversations happen, long after the bourse floor clears.

These stories remind readers: the show isn’t just about buying and selling. It’s about connection.

Final Touches: Polishing the Report

Before I hit “publish,” I stepped back and read it like a visitor. Was it easy to follow? Did the photos help, not distract? I made small tweaks—nothing flashy, just better flow.

Step 8: Optimizing Image Placement

I kept images close to the text that explained them. No giant blocks of white space. No random full-width photos that broke the layout.

• Photos floated left or right, with text wrapping neatly.
• Short, clear captions—no long paragraphs under images.
• Only a few key images at full width—used for anchor moments.

The goal? A report that felt smooth to scroll through, on any device.

Step 9: Adding a Personal Conclusion

I ended with what I was thinking as I packed up: this show was worth it. I shared the dates for 2026 (September 30 – October 3) and said I’d be back. No sales pitch. Just a personal note about what the event means to me—and how it strengthens the coin community.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Sort photos fast, by category—it keeps things from feeling messy.
• Pick anchor photos—the ones that tell a story or capture a moment.
• Go day by day—a natural flow helps readers stay with you.
• Share real tips—small, practical things that help others at their next show.
• Be honest about challenges—it builds trust and helps newcomers.
• Keep the layout clean—so people stay, not bounce.

I started with a pile of photos and a headache. I ended with a report I’m proud of—one that documents the show, but also captures what it feels like to be part of this community. If you’ve ever stared at your gallery after a coin show and thought, “Now what?”—this is how I got past that. Try it. It works.

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