Why Photography?

Photography as an art form is still in its infancy although it's power as a medium is undisputed. It will probably be looked back upon as the major artistic influence of the 20th Century. Photography shares ground with other art forms but stands alone now as its own medium.

Methods of Printing

In 1839 Daguerre announced the first photographic process. The Daguerrotype was made possible without a negative and involved a direct image on silver metallic surfaces that could not be reproduced. Almost at the same time, Fox talbot announced the negative process that allowed photographers to reproduce one image multiple times. Negatives are important in early photography because of the sophistication needed to make an image. Nowadays, the end result, the print, is the object of desire. Most prints are nowadays either Silver Gelatin of Platinum/Palladium.

Vintage or Modern?

The term 'vintage' usually refers to the print made within a few years of the negative. A vintage print, even one not printed by the photographer, will usually be worth more than a print produced later, even if printed by the photographer. There is some problem with this terminology however, and in some instances a photographer will produce a superior print years after the negative was taken.

Limited or Unlimited Editions

What is to stop the photographer producing thousands of prints and ruining my investment? Well, obviously this would be nice for the photographer but, producing this many prints is a considerable expense both of time and money. Some photographers limit their printing run to a certain number, a "limited edition". While this appears to be of interest to the investor it simply has the effect of increasing the price for the run artificially at the outset. many older photographers produced photographs simply to meet demand, and over time their work has settled into collections from which the work is not sold.

Portfolios

Some photographers have a tendency to produce portfolios representing the photographers own idea of what is valuable in their own work. These portfolios can be attractive as a way to acquire a body of work at a lower retail price than that paid by buying the photographs individually.

What to buy?

Buy the absolute best pieces you can afford. Same is true for everything isn't it? Avoid purely decorative pieces. Kate Moss may be cute but not at £30,000. Many decorative pieces are directly linked to the vagaries of the interior decorating market and therefore house sales.

Investment value?

Do your homework, shop around and make sure that you are not overpaying for work. You will overpay sometimes but will almost certainly underpay on other occasions to balance things out. Avoid buying things perceived as "hot". Yes, even Kate Moss!

Should it be signed?

Not necessarily. Many pre 1950s photographers did not sign their artwork. It is nice to have a signature but if there are other markings on the rear of the photo for instance or a photographer's stamp, then there is a strong indication of the provenance of the item.

Should I buy new work?

Yes, but it is usually hyped. Don't buy from dealers without haggling a little.

How do I figure the value?

Think quite long term. Key vintage pieces often do not come around again after they get absobed into major collections.

Who is undervalued?

According to art critic Alex Novak, thse photographers are undervalued : Aaron Siskind is still terribly undervalued:Josef Sudek, Helen Levitt, Clarence John Laughlin,W. Eugene Smith and Barbara Morgan….