Photograph Identification Guide
by David Rudd Cycleback

Chapter 4 : JUDGING IF THE IMAGE WAS MADE FROM THE ORIGINAL NEGATIVE

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One of the keys to judging the originality of a photograph is being able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether or not the image was printed from the original negative or transparency (a transparency is used to make photographic prints just as a with negative, except the transparency on the transparency is positive rather than negative). By definition, an original is made from the original negative (or transparency). The key is that only the original negative can produce the crystal clearest photographic image. Later generation negatives can produce good but not as good of images. If the image is crystal clear and with tremendous detail, it is fair to say the image was printed from the original negative. An original image is not always perfect. It could have been shot out of focus or poorly developed. If an original image is blown up (photo is much larger than the negative) or if it is a distant shot, there may be a graininess or blurred detail. Images from the 1800s often have fading. Remember that an 'original printed later' photograph is made from the original negative. The presence of a crystal clear image doesn't automatically mean the photograph is vintage, though it is a good sign. 'Original printed later' photos are usually identified as such by the modern paper, stamp, photographic process or other qualities. Many images are obviously second generation as the images are rough, the detail faded out or having other obvious problems. Some second generation photos are photographs of photographs. Often times you can see the picture of a scratch or scrape or wrinkle that wason the original. You can see the damage, but you can't feel it with your finger because it's only a photograph of the damage. When a collector is looking at a photograph that is supposed to be original, he should ask himself if the image is consistent with the photo being original. In cases the image will be so clear and detailed that you will be certain it is first generation. In other cases, the image may not be perfect but can still be considered consistent with the image being original. If a photograph is vintage and the image is crystal clear with great detail, the photo is most probably an original. If a photograph is vintage, has the stamp and/or signature of a famous photographer and the image is crystal clear with great detail, it is most probably an original by that photographer. cycleback.com................photos main (c) david rudd cycleback, cyclback.com all rights reserved

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