Looking for input from Photo Collectors

[Robbie]

Hi everyone. With 20 years of collecting and evaluating news photos, I would like to ask you the following;

Beyond your personal collecting preferences (for example; your preferred subject… Lou Gehrig or 1927 Yankees or Marilyn Monroe), what are the specific factors you consider when determining the value of a news photo? Specifically, what do you look at to value a photo, and how would you rank those factors in importance? This may take some thought, but might be interesting.

How important is the quality of the image (clarity, contrast,etc)?
How important is actual condition of the photo?
How important are the stampings or a caption being attached?
How important is knowing who the photographer was?
Etc….etc…..etc

You get the idea.

Oh, I want to get as many collectors opinions as possible, so you may see this same question posted by me on another forum.

Robert >>

[slidekellyslide]

Of course subject matter is the most important to me, but after that I prefer Type 1 photos, condition doesn't matter as much as long as it's not in such poor shape that it affects the image, the caption is not important to me at all if I already know what the photo represents, but I do like a date stamp. It is not important to me at all to know who the photographer was. I suppose my answer will be representative of most who are more concerned about subject matter above all else.

[oriolesbb6]

Content by far, then clarity, then date stamp, then photog. Its all about the subject matter...I do prefer type 1 or the rare personal sports photo.

[Robbie]

Hi Dan...

Thanks for your response. A question... Considering many captions have dates on them, and of course include a description of the event or subject, would you still prefer just a date stamp?

Thank you also to oriolesbb6. When you say "date stamp" do you mean an issuer stamp or simple date, i.e. ... OCT 14 1955.

Thank you guys!

[slidekellyslide]

I don't mind the captions on the back, but am not a big fan if the caption extends out beyond the frame of the photo (makes it harder to display or store)...I also am not a fan of captions on the front of photos like the one below, but I take what I can get if the subject matter is in my wheelhouse.

[Jantz]

Robbie

First off, I'm a rookie in this department, but I have a small collection of photos.

I like "date specific" photos such as a photo of a World Series game or an All-Star Game. I also like photos that show other events, not just poses or action shots. For instance, I have a photo of Bob Feller with the Marble Champion from Akron, Ohio playing marbles in the on-deck circle before a game. Interesting photo since Mr. Feller is only 19 in the photo and marble champion looks to be maybe 17. It looks like just two average boys playing marbles, but one is a professional baseball player of course.

As far as the photographer and captions, I don't focus much on that except I do like when the photo has the newspaper slug on the back. I also leave any markings on the front of the photo alone. I know some collectors remove them, but I actually like them there. Condition isn't really a big factor with me either.


Hope this helps

Jantz

[Robbie]

Hi Jantz...

I like your Bob Feller photo description. I believe he was pitching in the majors before he even graduated high school! A true phenom in his time. Thanks for your input.

Robert >>

[Robbie]

So, would you put a higher value on a perfectly clear photo with no stamping, or a photo almost as clear with good stamping?

[D. Bergin]

wrong thread

[D. Bergin]

oops