ABOUT US
We are collectors that, in our journey of collecting first generation contemporary photos (defined as mid 1970’s to 2006), realized the hobby needed a high quality and cost-effective service for authenticating and encapsulating original photos valued between $100 to $500. We have spent years interviewing photographers, studying various analog paper types and gaining an acute understanding of the transition from analog to digital photography which we believe uniquely prepares us to provide this service.
FAQ's
Why not accept photos after 2006?
In our opinion 2007 represented the first major inflection point wherein digital became “good enough” for editorial use and the quality was not easily discernable from a traditional dark room print. (see section on Digital Photography)
What is wrong with PSA?
Absolutely nothing. While they are the best of the best, there are two challenges: First, they have a general cutoff around the early 2000s which cuts off the authentication of some amazing photos of stars from that period including Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and Derek Jeter that were absolutely executed in dark rooms through the mid 2000’s. Second, it’s a premium service that is costly. At a starting point of $90 (authenticate and incapsulate photos valued up to $500) it eliminates a place to go to authenticate great photos that don’t carry a value that justifies the cost
Do you guarantee a crossover to PSA?
No. By authenticating photos through 2006 we authenticate a lot more items than they do. If you want your item authenticated and encapsulated by PSA we suggest you send it to them. They do a great job!
Who would authenticate my photo?
FGP will authenticate your photos! There is no specific authenticator. Our system, developed with input from advanced hobbyists and professional photographers, teamed with an unprecedented database of dark room/analog photo papers from the period and a multilevel quality control process provides an accurate and efficient process.
What does it cost?
Authenticate & Encapsulate Smaller than 5x7 - $15
Authenticate & Encapsulate 5x7 to 8x10 - $17
Oversized - Authenticate and issue letter - $19
What happens if we make a mistake?
We guarantee the accuracy of our service; but based on the human factor mistakes can be made. If we make a mistake, you will get your money back. It is as simple as that. We DO NOT provide insurance or guarantee for the underlying item.
What does FGP consider “a reasonable proximity” for aligning photo paper with images?
It becomes subjective especially when dealing with a timeframe that includes the transition to digital. While the number of years may vary for photos produced in the early 1980's vs. those produced in the Early 2000s, in no cases will it exceed 5 years. That being said this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Do you require photos from significant events to be produced the same year the photo was taken?
No, while we understand we will encounter photos from significant events the authentication process is applied the same way.
What about Agfa Paper?
What we know about Agfa paper is that it was a very popular paper in labs throughout the country starting in the mid-1990s. Photographers we interviewed indicated for many it was the “go to” paper as it provided a good quality at an affordable price. Topps even used it for their 1997 Tiger Woods Set. So, yes, we do authenticate First Gen 1 photos executed on Agfa paper.
What does it mean when the photo is designated “First Gen 1 Licensed”?
Starting in the late 1980s, after acquiring licenses from MLB, NBA, NFL, etc. Companies including Hoops, Photo File and Topps employed traditional darkroom techniques to produce high quality photos for resale. They included an imbedded logo on the front. While they will never carry the value of a similar traditional First Gen 1 Photo in our opinion, they are most definitely First Gen 1 and we authenticate them utilizing the same standards. (See section on First Gen 1 Licensed)
What is your view of blank back paper?
While we understand many photographers used Ilford and other high quality blank backed paper, unless the photos can be reasonably and responsibly tied to a specific photojournalist, we will not authenticate them. We are working to build a history of various photographers whose blank backed photos we will accept. They include Steve Green, Carl Sissac, Scott Cunningham, Brian Spurlock to name a few.
Do you plan to authenticate and encapsulate First Gen 2, 3 and 4 photos?
We have no current plans to authenticate anything other than First Gen 1 photos.
We are considering the possibility of authenticating First Gen 1 photos that extend beyond 5 years when they are accompanied by the original negative.
Stay tuned as that could change.
