This listing features a photograph of a late 1800's family portrait. Yes, this photo is authentic and is mounted on heavy Grey matte paper. As for our postage cost of $3.50 per image: We charge this because every photo that we send we put in between thin pieces of cardboard and then into an envelope that will fit the selected picture in order to ensure that they arrive undamaged. We discovered through USPS that once you insert cardboard into an envelope, it is no longer regarded as an envelope but a package and therefore costs are slightly higher. Our point is this: It is our intention to get these mailed to our buyers in the good condition in which they are shown in the pictures seen in our listing. We will always do multiple purchases for a lesser cost in shipping. Again, please allow for that conversation prior to a purchase. Thank you for looking!