Protecting Your Photographic Archive After Death

Summary

Photographers often build extensive archives over years, yet few plan for their disposition after death. US copyright law protects images for life plus 70 years, making an archive a valuable asset. Without a plan, these assets can face legal chaos or vanish, as illustrated by the Vivian Maier case where negative ownership differed from copyright. David Bergman advises creating a will or trust and naming a photographic executor knowledgeable in managing archives. Practical steps include culling files, organizing structures, embedding metadata, and considering digital asset laws and platform legacy tools.

Key points

• Photographic archives are valuable assets protected by copyright for life plus 70 years.
• A will or trust is crucial for managing photographic assets and preventing legal issues.
• Naming a photographic executor can ensure knowledgeable management of your archive.
• Practical steps include digital organization, metadata, and awareness of digital asset laws.