From The San Francisco Standard · · 2m
Doxxed but not deterred
72-year-old SF real estate photographer faces threats after doxxing.
In brief
72-year-old SF real estate photographer faces threats after doxxing. Iona Derman, 72, continues posting real estate photos despite threats of legal action from agents who claim copyright over images. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Iona Derman faces doxxing threat
Iona Derman, 72, received an email with personal details including her daughter's address and husband's name from an anonymous sender.
“Do you get the point? You cannot hide your identity and get away with this libelous activity without consequences. So please stop posting active real estate listings now.”
SF Daily Photo grows to 60k followers
Iona Derman's Instagram account SF Daily Photo has over 60,000 followers and focuses on San Francisco properties with a preservationist take.
Agents demand photos removed
Real estate agencies sent cease-and-desist letters demanding Iona Derman remove photos they claimed were unauthorized.
Derman claims copyright ownership
Iona Derman asserts photographers retain copyright over images, giving her legal right to post without agent approval.
Vanguard agent Ilana Minkoff
Vanguard agent Ilana Minkoff, born in New York, claims agents in San Francisco are professional and not prone to legal threats.
Duck photo controversy
Derman used AI to change a Vanguard listing photo color, sparking a dispute over whether it was a marketing stunt or real editing.
Minkoff denies defamation
Vanguard agent Ilana Minkoff denied Derman's posts were defamatory, stating she has active listing agreements and represents buyers.
Legal experts support Derman
Law professor Tyler Ochoa states photographers typically hold copyright, giving Derman legal right to post without agent approval.
Derman doubles down on posts
Iona Derman has resumed posting photos from a Vanguard listing in the Haight after photographer gave permission.
Agents claim Derman is too harsh
Vanguard agent Ilana Minkoff says Derman's posts are too harsh and could push agents past their limits.
Derman's stance on privacy
Iona Derman stopped printing addresses due to privacy concerns from agents and owners but continues posting photos.
Derman's copyright defense
Iona Derman claims agencies have no legal basis to demand photos be removed since photographers retain copyright.
Derman's public stance
Iona Derman says she will only remove photos when photographers request it, not agents, and has been public about being 'pissed' at threats.
Derman's future plans
Iona Derman will continue posting photos as long as it's fun, adding historic city photos to her account.
The short version
Iona Derman, 72, continues posting real estate photos despite threats of legal action from agents who claim copyright over images.
