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Writer's pictureDevon Noel Lee

Tracking Down Copyright Release for Memoir

When your photo collection dates back 20 years, who actually owns the copyright? And if you’ve used those photos in pageants for self-promotion, does that make them public domain? If they are in the public domain, do you still need to track down a copyright release statement?


These questions hit me hard while writing my memoir. The writing process was a breeze compared to the stress I felt about the headshots I used during my pageant journey. How was I going to find photographers from years ago? Some might have retired or left the business altogether. And what’s a pageant memoir without the photos that bring those memories to life?


Stressing Over the Headshots


Oh, I was stressed, alright. My poor husband got the brunt of it! As frustrating as modern copyright laws can be—especially for photos taken decades ago—I had to face reality. I needed to determine if I could track down the proper release forms for these images.


First Steps in the Search


Thankfully, Google makes everything a little easier. I started with the five main photographers who shot the bulk of my collection.


For the personal photos—off-stage and behind-the-scenes moments captured by my mom—I was in the clear. As the owner of her photo collection, and with her no longer living, I didn’t need additional permissions there. One set down, several more to go.


Glamour Shots to the Rescue


One of the photographers was from Glamour Shots—remember them? In the '90s, they were the mall spot for glamour makeovers and portraits. Since they’re still around today, getting a copyright release from them was straightforward. The customer service rep was a delight, especially when she realized I didn’t want a reprint from negatives that were decades old. So, thank you, Glamour Shots, for keeping things simple!


My Favorite Photographer’s Business Deal


Next up was my favorite photographer. At the time, he worked for a business, not under his personal brand. This turned out to be a blessing! When I reached out to the company, I learned he no longer worked there, but the studio still held the copyright to all images taken under their name. They were familiar with copyright release requests and asked me to email the images I wanted to use. Easy-peasy!


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Hitting a Wall with Independent Photographers


With two copyright successes, I was feeling confident—until I hit a snag. Three of my photographers were independent, making them much harder to track down. Two of them had worked with a now-defunct modeling agency. It was clear I needed help.


I reached out to a friend with some experience in private investigation work. She was a godsend! She tracked down contact info for two of the photographers and even helped me start conversations with one. Both photographers granted permission to use their photos, with one requesting credit next to his images. No problem there!


The Case of the Fifth Photographer


The fifth photographer, however, was a mystery. After weeks of frustration, it turned out I’d been spelling his name wrong all along! Once I found a paper with the correct spelling, my husband quickly tracked him down online. We sent him a request for a copyright release, and he was happy to oblige—as long as I cited him properly in my book.


Lessons Learned While Tracking Down Copyright Release


In the end, the process took several months, but I was able to get the necessary permissions for every photo I wanted to include in my memoir. If I could go back and do it again, I’d definitely start tracking down photographers much earlier in the writing process. Ultimately, all it took was a willingness to ask and a little patience.


Book Cover for From Metal to Rhinestones: A Quest for the Crown
The book this post is about.

Curious to see the photos from the pageant photographers who graciously released their copyrights? Order From Metal to Rhinestones: A Quest for the Crown.


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