Pricing photographs
 

I've always struggled with pricing when it comes to various memorabilia. But the photograph market has me stumped as I never know how much to pay for Type 1 originals. The prices can get steep and most times there are no historical price references for the same photo.

I went in blind bidding on a Jacobellis type 1 contact proof 4x5. I saw previous examples but still had a difficult time pricing it since it is a unique photo. At the end of the day I paid whatever it took for me to be the last man standing in the auction.

I really enjoy the photograph market and sometimes I get fanatical about wanting to own certain photos.

Curious how others determine price points and limitations when it comes to auction format purchases.

I think you're right on target. Looking at past auctions for the same or similar photos, keeping an eye on the market to see if it's the type of photo that comes up now and again (scarcity) and determining how much you want to pay vs how badly you want the photo. At the end of the day, if you're not looking to re-sell, you pay what it takes to get it.

Exactly.

All valid points and you're on the right path Goudey77

...it's worth what someone is willing to pay ...pay what you feel comfortable with ... are both 100% correct.

With baseball cards, autographs items (bats, 8x10 photos, jerseys, baseballs) there's a certain standardization in them that help create a market value. Type 1 photos are basically the wild, wild, west of memorabilia. Each photos is (for the most part) truly unique moment in history....1/1 ... so you may have to pay for a 1/1 price item....sometimes you get lucky and don't.

Fear of missing out is also, part of the issue due to scarcity. Honestly, with some photos featuring rare players...you never know when another might reappear in the market again. Then you gotta go all chips in.

In addition, photos are finally starting to get the attention & love they should. They used to be undervalued and if you check it out...you'll notice....more, more, AHs are having all photos type auctions (or a larger section dedicated them). Which I think is awesome.

There is always a tough time pricing Type I's. Many times they are 1 of 1's and the price is dictated by a couple people fighting over it. I can remember 2 times bidding on a Type I photo and I was willing to pay anything to win it. Anything. Thus, you can't really price Type I's...

Appreciate all the responses. I like the idea that Type 1 photos are priceless and cannot be exact like traditional memorabilia.

So does this mean that Type 1 photographs on the auction market are traditionally the most expensive to acquire vs private
for sale listings?