If a photographer passed away, how does one go about getting permission to print or submit their work?
This was a question a model I know asked.
I know that if it is a registered copywrite then she will need permission from the estate. But that is all I know, I thought it was an interesting question though.
The copyright exists whether the work was registered or not, so the same procedure applies -- try to find who inherited the copyrights in the estate and contact them. You may be better off consulting the court records where the person died and presumably the will (if any) was processed than the copyright office, but eventually you'll probably have to pursue both lines of inquiry.
ETA: Your local library may have that book -- one of mine does ... it is quite comprehensive. If you follow all the steps in that and still can't locate the copyright-holder, I'd say go ahead and use the image as long as it isn't for bulk/commercial use ...
Another more adventurous option would be to just use the image, and wait for them to contact you.
I'm not recommending or condoning that approach, but it has been used before.
IMNSHO Intellectual property rights are like any other. If it isn't yours, you have to get permission. Sometimes you don't get permission. If you wanted to borrow someone's car, I would not suggest just driving it until they say something...
