The Passing of an Icon - Jane Kinne by Joel Hecker, Esq. Advance Notes: Jane Kinne, whose career in the photography industry encompassed the entire breadth of modern photography, passed away on November 3, 2007 from complications following heart surgery. She was 82 years young.
Jane Kinne was, and will always remain, an inspiration and guiding light to me, as well as to many others involved in the fields concerning professional photography. I had the privilege of sharing many personal and professional moments with her. These included calling upon her expertise as a witness in many copyright infringement and lost-photos matters in which I represented photographers, agencies and other entities in both the Federal and State Courts. Her expert evaluations of photo libraries for estate purposes; and of course, our shared participation in the nationwide traveling seminar programs for the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP), the North America Nature Photography Association (NANPA ), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Jane was a founding member of Photo Researchers, Inc., one of the original stock photo agencies, from which she retired as president after thirty years. She was credited with being instrumental in professionalizing the stock photography industry as it was emerging in the 1970's. After she “retired,” Jane then served as vice-president for Comstock, Inc. from 1986 to 1993, when she again “retired.” After that, she continued to work tirelessly in the industry as a consultant and vice-president of Russ Kinne, Inc. Jane was a member of the United States Copyright Office’s working committee on Fair Use and New Technologies from 1995-1998. She was also an active member of the Picture Archive Council of America (PACA), ASPP, and NANPA, including acting as president of these organizations. Jane was married to Russ Kinne, a prominent professional photographer, for over 50 years. Together they were founding members of NANPA. She is also survived by her daughter Casey. Jane was the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both NANPA and ASPP, and in 2003 was the first recipient of the ASPP Picture Professional of the Year Award. She was also the longstanding legal chair person of both ASPP and PACA, as well as having a host of other titles and achievements. However, all of these titles do not truly represent the essence of Jane Kinne. Colleagues who knew her have referred to her as a mentor, mother, role-model, and advisor who freely shared the wisdom she had in so many areas. She encouraged, supported, and aided all those she encountered. Her depth of knowledge, understanding, experience and “history” of the entire spectrum of photography-related matters never ceased to amaze me. My wife and I particularly treasured the times we shared with Jane and Russ when we were “on the road,” memories of which we will forever cherish. For those of you who are so inclined, the family has requested that any contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the NANPA Foundation at www.nanpafoundation.org/donations.html Attorney Joel L. Hecker lectures and writes extensively on issues of concern to the photography industry. His office is located at Russo & Burke, 600 Third Ave, New York NY 10016. Phone: 1 212 557-9600. E-mail: HeckerEsq@aol.com.
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