The Future of Type I Photos

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by T206Jim

I am less intrigued by end prices than the market dynamics at work. Supply is the critical and limiting factor as many unique images are off the market for years, if not decades. I agree with Rhys that one of main forthcoming sources of images will be major collectors who at some point decide to liquidate their holdings. The churn factor is strong and even more recognizable than with cards as most prints have easily recognizable traits that make them easy to trace through the AHs.

I also agree that the sports photos market is unlike any other photography market, and much of that is the result of the gravitational pull of the sports card market. That pull is permanent and evident in the premium given to card images. A sign that the sports photo market is maturing will be when the premium for card images is not so pronounced.

Interesting conservation thread. If you are interested in the rise of baseball photography and discussions of many of the issues in this thread you may be interested in my book.

https://chapmandeadballcollection.com/

I've been very interested in the way that other photos have started creeping into sports auctions. Some recent photos of Robert Oppenheimer, WWII photos, the Kennedy's etc. Mostly at RMY, but at other auction houses as well. In the later RMY auction there was a photo of an old synagogue, which drew my attention. I was occupied when the auction ended and couldn't compete more aggressively, but have found this really interesting and wonder whether the growing popularity of sports photos is bringing collectors to other areas of photography.

I know for myself, that I find memorabilia, photos and other similar items far more interesting than almost any cards at this point, and love the fact I can get much rarer items at a cheaper price (fully recognizing that they are distinct markets and that I should not expect these markets to ever 'catch up' to the sports market.)