As a collector and dealer I specialize in original large format 19th century photographs with an emphasis on ethnographic images from Japan, China, the Indian sub-continent and the Pacific Rim. My topographical emphasis is on the same countries with the addition of North & South America. To me the most important thing is the image, not who the photographer was.

If it is known who the photographer was then that is a bonus. My niche in the photographic market for 19th century images is for the ethnographic studies and many have been acquired by museums and colectors around the world.

In an average year I'll probably look at upwards of 100,000 images and purchase around 500. My job is to select the best of what I see, judging the photographs on the composition, condition and rarity. By doing so I make it easier for my clients to make their own selections.

My general rule is to only buy photographs I personally like and can live with for a lifetime. I continue to search for great images and travel on a regular basis to different countries in my quest and network with dozens of collectors.

– Tony Davis