How to Obtain a Photo Copyright If the Studio Closes

Photographs that are licensed, contain a copyright or were taken at a photo studio may not be able to be copied by the client. This is because the rights to any photos shot by the photographer or studio belong to them, as of the March 1, 1989 copyright law. Although this is the matter with most licensed and copyright photos, there are methods of obtaining permission to make copies of copyright and licensed photos if the studio or photographer are no longer in available.

• 1

  Inspect the photos or envelope for studio and photographer information. If found, enter the studio or photographer's name in an online search engine find their current location information to contact them. Studios often times close a business in a certain location, but may have other establishments open. Photographers may also relocate to practice in other areas, but may have a profile page online where past customers may contact them.

• 2

  Contact the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) to provide them with the studio or photographer's name if the company appears to be fully out of commission. The Photo Marketing Association is an organization that helps work with the international imaging community. This association can run an investigation to locate the studio owners or photographers, and assist customers in obtaining permission to re-print images.

• 3

  Inform the PMA that you wish to make copies of a photo, but the studio or photographer are no longer available in your area. Provide them with all of the studio establishment and photographer's past information to aid in the investigation process. If the search results are negative, request a Customer Copyright Declaration Form to be mailed out.

• 4

  Complete the Customer Copyright Declaration Form to request re-print copies of photos from the processing lab in your location. This document will give the lab permission to re-print the photos. Fill out any additional customer responsibility forms, such as the Transfer of Copyright Ownership form and service order forms, as requested by the processing lab.