Accessing iPhone of Deceased Loved One

Is there any way to access a deceased loved one's iPhone? The phone has a passcode. I would love to be able to get photos off of the phone, but I do not know the passcode. I've been told Apple can remove the passcode, but it will erase everything stored on the phone. Is there any way to work around the passcode that will not erase photos and other media on the phone? Thanks!