Introduction to African American Photographs: 1840-1950: Identification, Research, Care & Collecting

One of the hottest markets today for photography collecting and genealogical research focuses on the black experience, and this new publication helps to make this easier and more rewarding. Introduction to African American Photographs, 1840-1950 is the first book ever published to focus exclusively on the identification, research, care and collecting of vintage African American photographs and it is among the first with a frequently updated Online Price/Collectors Guide.

Spanning from photography's beginnings with the daguerreotype of the early 1840s through the gelatin silver prints of the1950s (see the Table of Contents for details), each major photographic format that has recorded African Americans, both free and slave, is presented to provide readers with the tools needed to accurately date black images. Kelbaugh provides useful resources for investigating the people in photographs and numerous "In Focus" case studies are included which use actual photographs as models for conducting photography research. Helpful advice is also included concerning the proper care needed for each type of photograph as well.

For collectors, valuable tips are given that will help them judge the collectibility and value of images. Book buyers are also provided access to the author's exclusive Online Price/Collectors Guide of prices that have actually been paid for black photographs for more than three years at auctions, shows and sales. This Price/Collectors Guide also includes special "Insider Information" that explains why certain images are so valuable along with additional content, such as info about fakes and reproductions, that gives collectors an extra collecting edge.

Written by Ross J. Kelbaugh, a noted photography historian and longtime photo-collector, many of the more than 120 historic photographs are from the author's personal collection and are published here for the first time. An extensive annotated bibliography of reference books and other helpful resources for conservation materials, internet research databases, photography auctions, and public collections is also included. Detailed instructions are also provided for conducting research into the lives of African American soldiers and civilians using the resources of the National Archives and the internet. All in all, the small price for this book could make you big money or help you better understand the value and importance of the priceless family photographs you already own.