About Us

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

In short, a certificate of authenticity is a signed document that accompanies a piece of art. It contains information that allows buyers of artwork (and other collectables) to determine the provenance of the item. In the case of my fine art prints the certificate of authenticity uniquely identifies your numbered print as my original work. It also identifies you as the lawful purchaser. The certificate of authenticity that accompanies your print is produced with acid-free archival grade paper and pigmented inks so that it will last as long as your print.  

What does the Certificate of Authenticity contain?

Each certificate of authenticity contains the title and description of the artwork, an image of the print and my contact information. The certificate identifies the original photographer (me in most cases, my wife is others), and the producer of the print (I use highly qualified third-parties to make my prints). The certificate identifies materials used in the production of the print and identifies the original purchaser. Lastly, the certificate carries the unique Registry ID of the print. 

What is the Registry ID?

The Registry ID is a unique number applied to each print. It identifies the original negative (may be digital or actual negative), the date the negative was created, the individual print number, the image size, the paper size and the date printed. As such the Registry ID individually identifies each print I make and may be used to trace prints back to my database. Put differently, the Registry ID is a serial number.

The Registry ID is a 36-character alpha-numeric number comprised of six series of numbers separated by dashes.  It is applied to the lower-left margin of the final print using a 2H pencil and sufficient force to permanently imprint the paper. Should the Registry ID ever fade it can be restored by simply shading this portion of the margin with a #2 pencil. The example below shows the Registry ID for an artist proof of my image Liberty. 

Registry ID: DSC0047-20090719-AP15-2030-2333-2104

• DSC00047 = Name of the original negative
• 20090719 = Date photograph taken (YYYYMMDD)
• AP15 = Individual print number (Artist Proof 1 of 5)
• 2030 = Image dimensions (20 x 30 inches)
• 2333 = Paper dimensions (23 x 33 inches)
• 2104 = Date print made (YYMM)