Sensitive question

My wife's Uncle who was a Professional Photographer passed away last year. He had his studio at his home. His wife and children have left things the way they are (mostly to get through any contracts with families). The eldest son is coming back this Spring and they are going to decide what to do with the studio and equipment.
My wife's aunt has let me use the studio as I please. I do not use it for jobs but more for fun taking pictures of my daughter and her cousins etc. I live many hours away and when we come to visit family I can come over.
So my question is that I believe they are going to get rid of the studio and the equipment. Which I would like first crack at some of the stuff. I just want to know how to go about asking. I don't think anything would happen until this summer. Anyone ever been in this situation? Any advice? I don't want to seem eager to get things and don't know when the right time would be. My wife's aunt knows I love photography.
Thanks

I don't see why you couldn't mention you would like first crack at the equipment when she decides to do something with it. She lets you come and use the studio so she knows your interest, AND, you are family. Maybe the next time you use the studio, just mention how you like the equipment and would like first crack at it.

Not knowing her financial situation, she might need top dollar for the equipment or want to sell all the equipment at one time. Bottom line, I say go for it.

I'd like to add to my above reply. If you don't mention you would like the equipment someone may come along, mention to her, and it's gone. So like i said above, go for it.

There is nothing wrong with politely asking what they will be doing with the equipment and wether you can be considered in buying it. You have demonstrated the liking of it and appears to be respectful of the situation. Most families would rather see items shared within family than go to strangers. Unless financial reasons dictate highest price necessity.

As long as you're respectful and offer her a fair price, I would see nothing wrong with asking to purchase the equipment should she decide to sell it. Just don't come across as if you're trying to take advantage of her situation (like expecting a special discount or asking for freebies).

Tell them you have an interest in some things, tell them you'll help them best sell or otherwise dispose of the rest because you have knowledge of good outlets and channels. Say something like, "I can take care of the studio things. I know where to sell them for a good price, but there are some things I'd like to keep."

Having been in the position of disposing of my parents' things when my mother died (she had never disposed of my father's things when he died), I'll tell you this: If you as a family member offer to handle part of that very uncomfortable job, they will see it as a favor. Very often, a family facing that task will just put non-personal items in boxes, and put it out on the curb or hand it to Goodwill.

Unless there was a family member he was close to with whom he shared the passion of photography the family would likely welcome you helping them get rid of it.

I think to my wife's grandmother. Grandma cooked and baked with my wife and quilted with my sister in law. No matter what others wanted Ashley got the patterns and Cathy the antique pans and cookie presses.

ask sooner rather than later. let them know you are interested, and make sure to emphasize that there is no time pressure, but that they should not give it away.

I agree, ask sooner, remember when it comes to persona; stuff like that a lot of families would like to see family members get use out of it...sort of a "keeping it in the family" you might say..The worst they can say is No

The OP said:

I think it's established that he's close enough to broach the subject without fear.

thank you everyone!

Just let them know, I bet they'd be happier to keep it in the family.

CallumPhoto wrote in post #11614129
Just let them know, I bet they'd be happier to keep it in the family.

True. When my 'adopted' grandparents passed away, I asked about buying their car when the estate got settled. Their sons were glad to see the car go to someone close to the family, even though they could have sold it for more to someone else.

My uncle passed away and my liberal cousin inherited everything, including the college football season tickets my uncle had owned since 1960. For some years my uncle hadn't attended for health reasons and had sold them to a co-worker of my mothers at face value. My cousin lives 1500 miles away and has ZERO interest in college football.

There is now a 15 year wait list for tickets and the team has sold out 300 straight games. About a week after the funeral I asked him, "Are you going to keep letting those arch Republicans have Uncle Phil's football tickets?"

I now have 4 seats at the 40 yard line!

I would definitely express my interest in obtaining the equipment. But I think it's important to make sure she knows you are not out to try to "get a deal". It would be in very bad taste to look as though you're hoping to get a bargain.

A classy way to handle this would be to say something like,
"When you have the equipment appraised, I would be glad to pay the full appraisal price for the equipment".

That way, everyone knows that you are trying to be fair and above-board, and not trying to profit from your relative's death.