PHOTOGRAPHY
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A few technical explanations

What is a vintage print ?

A vintage print is made at the same time as the photograph is taken. It should not be confused with a test print, even if this is made at the time, which in most cases is only a rough.

What is an original print ?

In most cases this is a print made subsequently from the original negative a long time after the photograph was taken, either by the photographer in person or under his/her supervision. Sometimes there is no authentic print, for example if the definitive authentic print has disappeared or the photographer rediscover a number of years later a photograph that has never been printed. Thus there may be different prints of the same photograph, depending on when the print is made ant the artist producing it. It is preferable for the name of the printer ant the date of the print to be noted on the back of te print.

What is a duplicate ?

A duplicate, or reproduction, is obtained by re-photographing a photographic print. The master is not the original negative which has been lost or damaged. In certain photographic productions (superposition, collage) a duplicate has to be used, in which case the second negative becomes the definitive negative.

What is a reprint ?

This is an original print made after the photographer's death by the person in possession of the corresponding negative. It is always an interpretation, beyond the control of the photographer, and its quality depends on the talent of the printer.

Limited numbers of prints

There are three possibilites :

1. Some photographers do not number or limit their prints, and merely print on demand, reserving the right to cease production whenever they like.
2. Other photographers do not limit the number of prints made, but number them (1 ,2,3, etc.)
3. Other decide on a maximum number of prints to be made (most frequently 15, 25), and number them (1/15, 2/25, etc – although this does not necessarily mean that the full number of prints is produced).

(Ref. APO 1981)