Old comp photos... getting permission to use on website?

[kerilli]

Any advice please? I've finally gotten around to getting my own website designed and built (OH won it, didn't want it so gave it to me, very generous!) but most of the good photos I have of my old horses were taken by professional photographers, at events going back to 1988... these are all images that I paid to have a copy of, but obviously, back then, I didn't ask for permission to reproduced digitally etc.
Some of these photographers aren't around any more, others I guess I could do my best to track down... should I try to do that? What about the ones taken by photographers who aren't alive any more? Contact their address and ask? Copyright is passed on, isn't it?
Obv these aren't being used for advertising or anything like that.
Thanks for any answers. Hot choc and choc chip cookies for anyone who bothers!

 

[FrodoBeutlin]

To be honest, just using common sense here.....I'd be inclined to use them and put a disclaimer saying that to the best of your knowledge you have requested/obtained permission to use but in some cases due to the age of the photos it has not been possible, you are however more than happy to credit or remove as necessary.