ON COLLECTING PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHED BY O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS On Collecting Photography Copyright © 2013 The Association of International Photography Art Dealers 2025 M Street NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA Tel: 202.367.1158 Fax: 202.367.2158 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aipad.com 1 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS On Collecting Photography CONTRIBUTERS Catherine Edelman, Hans Kraus, Lee Marks, Meredith Niemczyk, Rick Wester, Andrew Wingert, Bryce Wolkowitz, Valentina Branchini EDITORS Martin Jurgens, Achy Obejas 2 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS Table of Contents AIPAD Board of Directors .............................................................. 4 Preface ............................................................................................ 5 Introduction.................................................................................... 6 How to begin collecting photographs .............................................. 7 What to expect from a dealer ........................................................... 7 How to choose a dealer ................................................................... 7 Auctions .......................................................................................... 8 The investment potential of photographs ........................................ 8 Determining the scope of a collection.............................................. 9 How to predict which photographers will be successful ................... 9 How to determine the value of a photograph .................................. 9 The photograph as a multiple .......................................................... 10 Buying vintage versus later or modern prints ................................... 10 How to determine a fine print ......................................................... 11 Signed versus unsigned photographs ................................................ 11 The longevity of a photograph ........................................................ 11 Verifying the authenticity of a photograph ...................................... 12 Deaccessioning photographs ............................................................ 12 What to expect on an invoice from an AIPAD dealer ...................... 13 New Media Art ............................................................................... 13 Determining the value and authenticity of New Media Art ............. 13 Preserving New Media Art in the age of changing technology ......... 14 Glossary .......................................................................................... 15 Recommended Reading .................................................................. 32 3 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS AIPAD Board of Directors 2013-2014 OFFICERS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD President Stephen Bulger James Hyman Catherine Edelman Stephen Bulger Gallery James Hyman Photography Catherine Edelman Gallery Toronto, Ontario London, UK Chicago, IL Robert Burge Richard Moore First Vice President Robert Burge/20th Century Richard Moore Photographs Kraige Block Photographs, Ltd. Oakland, CA Throckmorton Fine Art, Inc. New York, NY New York, NY Robert Morat Kim Bourus Robert Morat Galerie Second Vice President Higher Pictures Hamburg, Germany Roland Baron New York, NY Gallery 19/21 Lisa Sette Guilford, CT Henry Feldstein Lisa Sette Gallery Henry Feldstein Gallery Scottsdale, AZ Treasurer Forest Hills, NY Susan Herzig Anna Walker Skillman Paul M. Hertzmann, Inc. Missy Finger Jackson Fine Art San Francisco, CA PDNB Gallery Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX Secretary Steven Kasher Charles Hartmann Steven Kasher Gallery Charles Hartmann Fine Art New York, NY Portland, OR 4 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS Preface he Association of International Photography Art Dealers, Inc. (AIPAD), organized in 1979, is T dedicated to creating and maintaining the highest standards in the business of buying and selling photographs. With more than 120 members from North and South America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, the Association continues to be a unifying force in the field of fine art photography. Acting as a collective voice for the photography dealers that compose its membership, AIPAD maintains ethical standards, promotes communication within the photographic community, encourages public appreciation of photography, protects the rights of photographers and collectors, and works to enhance the confidence of the public working with responsible photography dealers. Each year AIPAD presents The Photography Show New York, the premier exposition for the buying and selling of fine photographs. The Photography Show, along with its membership directory and illustrated catalogue, provides both novice and veteran collectors an opportunity to see thousands of photographs, from early daguerreotypes and calotypes to the latest in digital technology and new media. This annual event is an opportunity to meet more than 80 dealers who form the heart of AIPAD, and to share with them the joys and rewards of collecting photographs. 5 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS Introduction fter more than 170 years of existence, photography has emerged as an essential medium of expression Ain the arts, humanities and sciences. Whether as a document, metaphor, evidence or fiction, photographs play an active role in our understanding of our past, present and future. In the 21st century, the art of photography is enjoying unprecedented appreciation. Photographs have been collected since its invention. However, with the increasing number of artists today using it as their primary medium, photography has become a collectible fine art equal to the more traditional arts, such as painting, sculpture and printmaking. Opportunities for starting a photography collection have never been greater. New discoveries of historical material continue to be made. There are more exhibitions and better quality books available than ever before, in print and on-line. The number of resources for acquiring photographs continues to grow around the world. On Collecting Photography is intended as a reference tool for those interested in acquiring fine photographs. Its purpose is to answer common questions and to provide a resource for further insight, information and understanding. There is a glossary containing definitions of historical as well as frequently-used terms that will give collectors sufficient working knowledge of processes without becoming overly technical. It is worth noting that many historical processes are enjoying a resurgence of interest among contemporary photographers. New research and technology are continually adding to our knowledge of all photography, and On Collecting Photography will be updated on-line as new discoveries are made or terminology is revised. There have been a great many books published on all aspects of photography. The bibliography at the back of this guide provides additional sources of information that will be helpful in looking at and understanding the medium. Many of these books contain their own extensive bibliographies for further study. Again, as new and significant books are published, they will be added to the on-line version of On Collecting Photography. Although the members of AIPAD share common standards, it should be understood that any individual member might respond with some variation to the information that follows. The topics covered may be considered from different points of view and should not be construed as the only explanations endorsed by the Association, or its members. 6 O N C OLLECTING P HOTOGRAPHS How to begin collecting photographs The best preparation for collecting photographs is to visit places where original photographs may be viewed: galleries, showrooms of private dealers, art/photography fairs, auction previews, museums, libraries and historical societies. In larger metropolitan areas, museum curators of photography often establish collector groups where photographs may be viewed unframed and where discussions of photography are encouraged. In addition, the books listed in the bibliography at the end of this guide can provide important historical, critical and technical information. Finally, the Internet provides seemingly endless opportunities for researching photography. While this will not substitute for viewing photographs in person, dealer and museum websites, as well as photography blogs, offer important resources. Commercial galleries usually maintain regular hours and are open to the public at no charge. Private dealers show photographs by appointment. Although it is not necessary, you may wish to call ahead for an appointment when visiting a gallery if you have a specific agenda. Museums more involved in photography often have study rooms available by appointment for viewing specifically requested photographs. What to expect from a dealer When working with an AIPAD dealer, you should expect that they will be very knowledgeable about the art and history of photography. An AIPAD dealer is there to answer your questions, no matter how simple or complicated they may seem; they love the art of photography and enjoy talking about it. Many dealers specialize in specific areas (e.g., 19th century, modernism, contemporary) and pride themselves on being up to date on current market trends and newly discovered artists. Some dealers have expertise in finding and evaluating photographs they may not necessarily have in inventory, since it is the very nature of our business to develop sources that few collectors can hope to match. The best dealers will take an interest in the