Over the past couple of years of writing on this blog, I have learned that others are interested in some of the same things that I am. It makes me feel like I am not such an oddball after all. 🙂

A gentleman contacted me last month to ask about my photo collection. Specifically he was interested in how and where I go about acquiring photographs. I responded directly to him but thought that other photography enthusiasts might also be interested in some of this information in case you want to start or add to your own collection.

I have been collecting photographs for quite a few years. I have bought them at auctions, antique stores, through ebay, etc… However in just the past couple of years, a new treasure trove has become available to collectors and to the general public. Because many newspapers are suffering economically, they have begun to sell original vintage wire photographs from their archives. Many of these photographs have never been seen before and others have been published in papers across the country. In some instances, the archive photos are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

A couple of tips for the novice collector who wants to purchase wire photos. You should be mindful that wire photos were sometimes printed on thin and glossy paper so that they could be transmitted through telegram or later faxes. In some cases, the newspaper archives sell photographs that are actually printed on regular photo paper (like you are used to seeing). This accounts for the difference in price that you will see when you order photographs through their websites. My rule of thumb is that the lower the price, the more likely that you are purchasing a wire photo printed on thin and glossy paper. The higher the price, the more likely that this is a print on regular photo paper. Make sure to check first.

The other thing to be on the lookout for are the markings that appear on some of the photographs – these sometimes include lines or writing. The writing usually cannot be removed but the lines from grease pencils most often can.

Below is an example of a photograph depicting the aftermath of the Attica Prison rebellion that is in my collection. It comes from the Baltimore Sun archives so you can see the watermark across the image. The actual photograph does not have the watermark on it. You can find other original vintage archive photos from the Baltimore Sun as well as from the Chicago Tribune at this website. Be careful not to start looking through their offerings if you are in a hurry because you will surely be late for your scheduled engagement. It can become an all-consuming experience (trust me).

From the archives of the Baltimore Sun

Here is another great print from my collection of wire photos. This one depicts Dr. King and Rev. Abernathy in jail on 6/11/64 and is a photo from the UPI.

UPI Wire Photo