Death of the photographer

[juan miguelc4237741]

What happens to the photographs in case of death of the photographer?

[Abambo · Accepted solution]

The Geneva Convention and local laws regulate this. The copyright remains with the heirs for 70 years. After that, it expires and the images can then be used without restrictions. If they are still available in stock, they continue to eventually generate income and the heirs will need to collect this.

[teddyholt]

Thanks very much for posting this.  I have been trying to find what happens for ages with no luck and then found your post so I guess the answer is the same irrespective of agency ?  Many, many thanks !! 

[Abambo]

If I'm correct, agencies will lose the (c) 70 years after publication. But there are provisions that could extend this. You will need to study the Geneva convention if that is of concern to you. I have never really set up my mind to this. I doubt that my artwork is of such a value that my heirs will need to collect the cash in masses.