It's funny how questions like these feel like your asking the same top 10 question but its actually a different answer.
I would probably show them decks that I can easily obtain (replaceable) and that are interesting enough to grab ones attention.
Artisans - theory11
Virtuoso S/S 14 - TheVirts
Black JAQKs - theory11
Royal Optik - Uusi
Madison Dealers - Ellusionist
No images needed.
Perhaps to you no image is needed - but what about the guy who's never seen or even heard of those decks?
Crazyfandecks seems to have the right idea - show off the features that make these decks so beautiful. Don't assume your audience has seen them before. Feel free to space out the postings - because you want to add more gorgeous photos!
If someone else has named a deck you wanted to show, show it from a new angle, a new perspective - and remember to show the CARDS, not just the boxes! And faces, not just backs!
Don't want to speak for Don, but I'm guessing he asked for pictures as members from the 52+J club and modern collectors as well may have likely never seen the decks. Heck, I collect modern decks and have not seen the Ogma deck mentioned. It'd just stick to the topic better I think if pictures were included.
I'm still mulling this question over, and trying to create my list. With 2 small kids at home, getting the pics is not as quick as it once was, but I'm hoping to sooner rather than later. I'm also not typically a favorites kind of guy, let alone a favorites list kind of guy, so that will definitely make for a longer thinking time. I am aiming to get the list with pics complied sooner rather than later.
You did hit the nail on the head in terms of what I'm looking for.
It doesn't need to be a massive list and it doesn't need to be just one posting. Pick one deck you think might impress the heck out of a vintage collector who's never seen it before. Take a photo or two - or if ttime doesn't permit, find a photo or two on the web that look good - and add them to the post. Voila. You find another deck, toss that one on as well. Lather, rinse, repeat!
This is a great topic [thanks Don]. Six months ago I didn't own more than three or four modern decks [gifts]. Just counted my little hoard - 26 different decks, many of which I paid cash for! I may have to reply later with the ones I'd advise my fellow 52+J members to get!
By all means, please do! I thought this might kickstart those members of 52+J who've only so far seen the decks you've presented in Clear the Decks and are unaware of the rich tapestry of decks that are available.
I think the purpose is to start a conversation between us newbies and the old school collectors.
The modern gimmicks of " Limited edition" "not intended for sale" "the [insert color here] are only sold to our elite superstore vip gold plutonium members" must boggle the mind of most vintage collectors and perhaps push them away from this relatively new "cardistry" trend. Collectables are generally of high value because they were not put out as collectables. They are rare cause noone took care of them or collected them not because a company decided to make it so.
With that said.. Something drew us, both old and new to card collecting. Playing cards due to the form and function are a awesome playground for Graphic artists. Color, shape, position etc.. All add together to create a sum greater than the parts . In other words Graphic art is about Feng shu.
I think a discussion centered around the "what" and "why" we like with examples is an awesome idea. I shall return with my favs.
I'm certain they have similar, bewildering issues to deal with in terms of what makes the hobby more challenging than it needs to be and how some retailers try to trump up the value of their wares. We've had many a discussion on these boards about the nature of collecting ephemera and the ways in which artificially-created rarity affects the hobby.
Looking forward to those photos, bro!
Great thread Don, I went with decks I have in my collection........I hope I didn't go overboard, lol
Not hardly - but try focusing on a few decks. Show lovingly-taken, detailed close-ups, show the actual cards in the box. Remember, often it's often only the lucky vintage collector that finds the cards in the box, so they're used to making evaluations based on the cards themselves (not to mention that card boxes were a lot simpler the older a deck is).
This is the equivalent of a "Fashion Week" for playing cards! Make the people unaware of these decks envious and interested! Have FUN with it - it's less about the lists, more about the CARDS. Ever see a report on a fashion shoot that didn't include a single photo? There's a reason for that... 
