Article analyses emergence of copyright law on photography in Russia and achievements of its prominent figures in early stages of formation and evolution of this art in the 19th — early 20th centuries. Copyright on photographic works in the Russian Empire was first regulated in 1857 by naming photography among other artistic property rights, and only in 1911 a separate chapter “Copyright for photographic works” was introduced in Copyright Law. Lack of legislation, as well as complex procedure for obtaining rights for photo production and registration of photographic works significantly impaired photographers rights. Originally photo studios could function only by obtaining privileges “for crafts, trade and inventions in crafts and arts” as well as permission “to engage in photographic craft”. De facto copyright on photographic works started developing right after new photo technology was introduced, even before it was enshrined in legislation. Authors emphasise significance of this historic period of Russia for legislative initiatives in copyright law in general and copyright on photographic works in particular which was also facilitated by the achievements of prominent representatives of photographic art, whose works and technologies serve to preserve cultural heritage.