top of page

Join our mailing list

Thanks for subscribing!

How Much Is a Photograph Worth?

Writer's picture: Nick FullerNick Fuller

DIGITALLY RESTORED PHOTOGRAPH, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025
DIGITALLY RESTORED PHOTOGRAPH, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025

How much is a photograph worth? Well, I believe that depends. Before we dig into this conversation, let's address a couple things. By now many of you know my background is in building design, but I have been a photographer for about six years, officially. That's when I started trying to build my business at least. I have no formal art training of any kind other than some classes I've taken and some books I've read. I point this out so those in my field with deeper experience understand my comments are my opinions only, and are based entirely on my experiences and what I've learned so far, which is not much, but apparently enough to put in some decent work, or so I have been told.


Back to the original question, the worth of a photograph. Looking at the banner photo for this post, I'd say a photo can be worth a lot. What is in the picture? Most of you reading this will probably immediately recognize that to be a picture of Lakeside Amusement Park, which used to be in Salem, Virginia. How old is the photograph? The exact date of the photograph is unknown, but it is circa 1920. Who took the photograph? Well, it is clearly marked "Davis", so this would identify the photographer as none other than the one George C. Davis, a prominent Roanoke photographer (1882-1968).


Now I really have your attention I am sure. Let's talk about what I have learned so far about copyright law. Original works such as photographs carry exclusive rights that expire 70 years after the author's death or 95 years after publication; however, in the United States, works published prior to 1930 are considered public domain.


The photograph above, let's call it the Lakeside photo to make it easier, it was part of a batch of photos that were auctioned off some years ago. A few copies of the photograph exist, the Link Museum has a copy for example, but their copy appears to have some damage. Let's talk about my copy or copies I should say, I have two. One is pretty light, the other pretty dark, but both are in excellent condition.


My company recently acquired some historical photographs from a close friend in the business that used to frame his own artwork, just like me. Realizing the historical significance of the photographs I have, and my love for preserving and restoring old images, digital restoration will be a big part of my service offerings in 2025 and beyond. Let's get back to the Lakeside photo and what my plans are for the image.

SCAN OF ORIGINAL, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025
SCAN OF ORIGINAL, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025

The first thing I did of course was scan the image at a very high resolution. My copies are 8.5" x 11" prints on quality photo paper. Knowing my provenance, I know the prints are original copies, made from the negatives. Some photographs I have are so old, they were made from glass plate negatives. I know this because I can see where there were cracks in the glass or even parts of the plate missing. Looking at the scan of my copy above, you can see there are quite a few scratches in the grass (frame left). You can also see what appears to be a sporadic line of damage near the bottom of the picture.


Once I had my scans, I used a few very powerful software programs to clean up the images. Removing the scratches is laborious work, but immediately rewarding as the image literally comes back to life as I work with it. Its important to understand that a photograph can be reflective of a photographer's original vision, or not be, simply in how the image is exposed. There are at least 3 copies of the photograph above still in existence, the Link has one as I mentioned, I have two. The one above, and another copy that was under-exposed, see below.

SCAN OF ORIGINAL, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025
SCAN OF ORIGINAL, © THE FULLER PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, 2025

When I restore an image, I am never touching the original photograph, my work is entirely digital. As I work with an image, I make small adjustments, trying to preserve or restore the artist's original vision without adding my own influence. I may bring up the shadows, bring down the highlights to try to correct fading but that's about it. The scratches we talked about. My photos were both in really good condition, but on occasion I have worked with a photo with a tear or a smudge. If you look close at the trees in the lighter of my two scans, you can see yellowing in the image. I was able to remove this with a simple desaturation.


So once, you have a restored image, what can you do with it? Well anything really, especially considering the copyright freedoms we talked about above. The image will be available soon for purchase in a wide array of formats. You may even be able to see it featured at a local history museum soon. That's the real point behind all this. Get it out there in the community so it can be enjoyed by everyone who connects with the image. Here's the coolest part, because I now have a high resolution image, I can print it as big as a mural and it'll look great. Mancave art anyone? Reach out for custom pricing in literally any medium.


Other images will be revealed as I am able to work through them. Look for a new gallery to launch very soon, Roanoke Valley Historics. There are some real gems in the pipeline, and you will recognize all the names and places, trust me. Word on the street is there's a really cool photograph of the one and only Hotel Roanoke, ablaze! Stay tuned, subscribe, share, or even comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you for the support!




 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page