Smithsonian Images is administered and maintained by Smithsonian Photographic Services, the main photographic office for the National Museum of American History Bering Center, National Museum of Natural History, and National Air and Space Museum. As such, the Office maintains an archive of over 2.5 million contemporary and historic images from these museums. This site offers the public an opportunity to research and purchase prints or digital files of these images. At this time only a small percentage of our images are available for online purchase, for other images call the number below for information and purchase, or visit our web site at photos.si.edu.

PRODUCT AND PRICING INFORMATION

Smithsonian Images uses the latest technology for producing prints and digital files that ensure consistently high quality results. Our prints are made using the Fuji Pictrography digital printing process which produces sharp, full range prints with long lasting image quality. Print sizes indicate the paper size, the actual image size will vary in accordance with the original image format and cropping. Turnaround time for general service prints is 3-5 weeks. Rush service prints are shipped within 5 business days.

Digital files are created with high end Imacon film scanners to product the best possible representation of the original image. Digital files are delivered as either TIFF or low compression JPEG images (depending on original format). Digital files delivered on CD are shipped within 3-5 weeks. Digital files delivered via FTP are prepared and delivered within 5 business days. Customers requesting FTP delivery will receive an email which provides download information. 24-48 hour Rush service is available on some images by calling the number listed below.

Important Note on FTP Delivery: Digital files range from approximately 3.5 to 18 Megabytes, therefore FTP delivery is only recommended for customers with high speed internet access. SPS is not responsible for failed deliveries due to computer, network, or internet deficiencies or malfunction.

While Smithsonian Images' highly trained staff uses the best tools and techniques available to product the best possible product, the original images may a have been created up to one hundred years ago and, as a consequence, may exhibit degraded image quality.

Special Note on Pricing: Smithsonian Photographic Services, as an instrument of the Smithsonian Institution, is a non-profit entity. Fees associated with the delivery of images represent material fees only and go to support the broader mission to create, archive, and preserve images associated with the Institution and it's holdings.

ACCESS TO AND USE OF SMITHSONIAN IMAGE FILES AND DATA IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Electronic image files, documentation, and other materials ("Materials") may be covered by restrictions, and/or copyright.

The Smithsonian Institution ("SI"), and Smithsonian Photographic Services ("SPS") has made these images and data files available for users to download for their personal, non-commercial use. Copying or redistribution in any manner for personal or corporate gain is not permitted.

SI specifically retains any rights, including possible copyright, which it may have in these files, and/or the images they contain.

Neither SPS nor SI are responsible for any errors created in or damage to the Materials as a result of their use. All Materials maintained are provided "as is" with no warranties of any kind.

Commercial distribution, publication, or exploitation of Smithsonian files is specifically prohibited. Anyone wishing to use any of these files or images for commercial use or publication must first request and receive permission by contacting:

Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Photographic Services
MAH CB-054
Washington, DC 20560-0644
photos@si.edu
202-633-1933

Permission for such use is granted on a case-by-case basis. A usage fee may be involved depending on the type and nature of the proposed use.

USE OF THESE IMAGE FILES BY STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND SCHOOLS

The Smithsonian specifically encourages the use, without charge, of these images by students, teachers, and schools.

They are available for downloading and use in reports and class work, as well as on class-related student and school web sites. Credit must be given to the photographer and the Smithsonian Institution.

In addition, individual photographic prints in a variety of sizes are also available for purchase through this Photographic Services web site.

For more information on restrictions and use see the full Copyright Policy.