Recent Henry Yee eBay auction questions

[prewarsports]

Also, feel free to ask ANY and ALL questions here. Some of us on here who have devoted literally thousands of hours to antique photography would love to help no matter how easy or difficult the question is. There are things that it took me years and years to learn and then something hits you after looking at like your one millionth photo that you could pass along to someone else in 2 seconds and save them the agony! Especially since the "Type 1-4" system has its flaws and while the book is wonderful, its not perfect and much has been learned since the publication as well. Let em fly!

Rhys

[billyb]

Here is a question to help us new Photo collectors:
Do you clean up your photos before selling, (removing crop marks)?
f you do, then should that information be included when selling?

Sorry to jump in into your thread OBC, but question seems appropriate for topic.

[Frozen in Time]

Originally Posted by billyb

Here is a question to help us new Photo collectors:
Do you clean up your photos before selling, (removing crop marks)?
f you do, then should that information be included when selling?

Sorry to jump in into your thread OBC, but question seems appropriate for topic.

Let me jump in here for a moment. I agree (echo - feel like I'm back in the bathroom in the 60's singing Doo-Woop) much that has already been said. In regards to the Fogel et al. book - GET IT!!!! DAVID'S PUBLICATIONS ARE ALSO VERY HELPFUL!! As you begin to assimilate some of this new information also include looking at each of Henry's auctions. Their is a wealth of information in the write-ups and very useful information on the images of the back of photos (stamping etc.) that will help you in ascertaining the time window within which it was taken.

With regard to removing editorial markings, the consensus is more or less divided on that issue. Many collectors (including Henry and myself) prefer the image as it was developed with all of the photographer's conceptual influences intact. On the other hand, just as many collectors prefer the inclusion of all of the editorial handy work as this demonstrates the process that preceded publication. Either way it generally does not effect the market value.

Finally, I have been collecting vintage baseball photos (exclusively Mantle) for nearly 30 years now, During the early days one could pick up most for $1-$5. The process of learning at that time was just that - touch and examine as many photos as possible, look at the differences in image clarity, the type of stamping and slugs (paper captions on the back). It was great fun and I learned a lot. I have been delighted with the increased attention to this segment of the Hobby which began to take off in earnest after the Baseball Magazine auction in the mid '90's and only see a continuation of interest and participation for collectors going forward.

Cheers,

Craig

[D. Bergin]

Rule #1.

Photos are not cards, and many of the rules for cards do not necessarily apply to photos.

example - the quality of the image itself is much more important then whether or not there's a crease somewhere on the border, or whether there is writing on the back. Most photos were generally meant to be handled in one way or another.

As of now, nobody really cares if a photo grades a PSA 5 or a PSA 10.........and I hope it stays that way.

Sorry, I get a little annoyed when card guys try to treat photos in the collectibles world, as if they should be razor sharp cards.

[Lordstan]

Rhys, Craig, and Dave have all given you excellent advice. This forum is an incredible resource as the members are both knowledgeable and willing to share.

While evaluating a picture from a technical standpoint may be a more concrete process, never forget to collect what you enjoy and handle the items with care. There are no right or wrong answers to many of the questions posed.

In the beginning of the Yee/Fogel book, the 4 C's are described. I think they help define the basics of what most photos collectors look for in a picture.
Content
Clarity
Contrast
Condition

For myself, Content is King. Clarity and contrast are next. Condition only matters if it's an image I know there is more than one copy of and I can get one better. For many images only a handful have been seen, so condition becomes less important.

I am torn about editors marks. Sometimes I think they add to the picture, sometimes take away, and sometimes don't matter. It all comes down to personal preference. I also think, for me at least, I don't remove them because I don't want to take a chance of damaging the picture.

Here is one of mine, bought in a Yee auction last year, that I have debated whether to remove the editors marks. I think I got it for a very reasonable price, at least in part, because of the markings.

[HRBAKER]

I leave the marks on any of mine that have them and the marks have never kept me from bidding on a photo I wanted. The marks are intrinsic to that area of the hobby I think and as such make them unique.

[billyb]

Thank you all for your input about the editors marks. Your knowledge is much respected.