Could you see yourself hanging up an old photograph of a stranger? Most people choose to hang onto photos of their ancestors, but there’s also a market for certain types of antique photos. Show Antique photograph collectors are on the lookout for quirky or unusual characters. They also collect niche genres like hidden mother photos. Other photography enthusiasts collect especially early photographs that are prized for their rarity and quality. If you are just getting started with antique photos, here’s a primer of the most common photo types. Rare Antique PhotographsAfter reviewing these summaries, you should have an easier time identifying the general era and type of photos you stumble upon while antiquing. Nevertheless, if you’re in doubt, ask an expert. Even competent antique dealers sometimes confuse daguerrotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes. *Some of the photo examples below are currently for sale. If you purchase any of these pieces using the affiliate link, we may earn a small commission. 1. DaguerreotypeDate: 1840s – 1860s Louis-Jaques-Mandé Daguerre invented this type of old photograph by exposing silver-plated copper to chemical fumes. Since daguerreotypes are fragile, they are usually stored in a case-like frame.
2. AmbrotypeDate: Mid 1850s – Mid 1860s Ambrotypes are similar to daguerreotypes in that they are small and housed in a case. However, this type of antique photograph does not have a reflective, mirror-like finish because the image is transferred onto glass instead of metal.
3. TintypeDate: Mid 1850s – 1890s Tintype photographs were transferred onto an iron plate and were also initially stored in hinged cases. In later decades, people stored tintypes in paper sleeves. Photographers sold this style of photograph at festivals because these photographs had more longevity than the previous two types.
4. Cartes de VisiteDate: 1860s – 1870s These antique photos were the first to be printed on paper. As technology advanced, an albumen print method was used to transfer a photo to a thin sheet of paper. The photographer then adhered the paper to thicker cardstock for durability. This antique photograph was lighter and less fragile, so it served as a type of trading card. For instance, soldiers in the Civil War would get several cartes des visites printed and give them to family and friends.
Read Also: 10 Clever Gifts for Antique Lovers 5. Cabinet CardsDate: 1860s – 1900s Cabinet cards are very similar to cartes des visites since they are also albumen prints. To distinguish between the two, look at the size, thickness, and whether or not there is a logo. Cabinet cards are larger, thicker, and are usually heavily branded by a photography studio on the backside.
At the turn of the century, Kodak invented an accessible camera, and the evolution of photography changed rapidly. Photographs taken after 1900 are significantly more common (and less expensive) than the previous types. However, this extended access to photos during this period help people research their genealogy. If you’re interested in looking at old photos (and not purchasing them), check out our collection of fun photographs from the Library of Congress. How do I find the value of old pictures?There are several websites that list thousands of artists and literally millions of prices fetched at auction, to enable people to research pictures and value. These tend to charge for detailed information.. www.artnet.com.. www.artprice.com.. www.fineartinfo.com.. www.artfact.com.. What are the most sought after photos?Most expensive photographs ever sold. Cindy Sherman: Untitled #96 (1981) ... . To Her Majesty, by Gilbert & George (1973) ... . Richard Prince: Untitled (cowboys) ... . Jeff Wall: Dead Troops Talk (1992) ... . Richard Prince: Untitled (2001-2002) ... . Andreas Gursky: 99 Cent II, Diptych, 2001. ... . Chicago Board of Trade III (1999-2000). How can I make money with old photos?Best Places to Sell Your Photos Online. On Your Own Website. The number one best place to sell photos online is on your own website. ... . Adobe Stock. ... . Shutterstock. ... . Alamy. ... . Etsy. ... . Fotomoto. ... . Crestock. ... . 500px.. What makes a picture valuable?If you make pictures that inspire awe and wonder in your viewer, and you can sell those pictures for a lot of money, the pictures are “valuable” in an economic/monetary sense.
|