Contact Info:
Smithsonian Photographic Services (SPS)
NMAH, Rm. CB-054
Washington, DC  20560-0644
phone: 202-633-1933  fax: 202-786-2756
email: photos@si.edu

General Procedure:
Our office offers the public the opportunity to purchase images which have been approved by Smithsonian curatorial units.  A partial listing of these curatorial units (with phone numbers) may be found at the end of this document.  Please reference these Smithsonian units to determine the availability of images and obtain valid image numbers.  If an image is not on file or available, objects may be photographed for you.  However, this photography must be accomplished by our office and the curatorial unit before you will be given valid negative numbers, by the curatorial unit, necessary to place your order.
 
Once you have valid negative numbers and are ready to order, please list the following information in an e-mail, or direct (secure) fax on your letterhead to our office:
 
1. negative numbers with image descriptions
2. product you would like to receive from these numbers (type of product often determines production time)
3. postal address (including company name, if applicable) so we may mail you a receipt
4. credit card number (if you request, we will call you for this number) and exp. date.
 
Payment and Minimum Charges
We do require prepayment and highly recommend using a credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa, are accepted).  If you use a check or money order, please make it payable to “Smithsonian Institution” in U.S. dollars issued through a U.S. bank.  With your check, please include the information from lines 1-3 on letterhead. There is no tax or shipping costs (for US First Class Mail) on any order.
 
Photographic Materials Fee Schedule
This schedule reflects a materials fee only. 
Please note that reproduction rights or rights for commercial products are subject to approval and may require a licensing agreement.
 

Rush Services (5 working days)*
High resolution scan (600 dpi tif file at 8x10"): posted to our ftp server or e-mailed	$200
Medium resolution scan (300 dpi tif file at 8x10"): posted to our ftp server or e-mailed	$100
Color or Black & White Print (8.5x11" or smaller)**	$100
*(24-48 hour service is also available on most images, please double the rush services prices) **denotes paper size; actual image size may vary in accordance with the original image format and cropping.

Non-Rush Services (5 weeks)
Medium resolution scan (300 dpi tif file at 8x10"): written to CD and mailed	$50
Color or Black & White Print (8.5x11" or smaller)**	$25
Color or Black & White Print (11x17")**	$35
Color Slide (35mm)	$25
Color Transparency (4x5")	$150
**denotes paper size; actual image size may vary in accordance with the original image format and cropping.

Terms and Conditions
There are often duplicate negative numbers referring to photographs in different collections.  A general  description with negative number of each photograph should be submitted with your order.
 
Delivery
We prefer to deliver digital images via e-mail or our ftp site.  Once your electronic images are ready for delivery, we will notify you of an ftp address where you may point your browser, or simply email you jpegs. All hard-copy images are shipped postage paid via First Class U.S. Mail.
 
Reproduction Rights and Limitations
There may be additional reproduction fees charged by curatorial units.   Please check at the time of research regarding the images you will be ordering or using.  Smithsonian Institution photographs may not be reproduced without specific written permission from the Institution.  Use of these photographs shall not be used to show or imply Smithsonian endorsement of any commercial product or enterprise, or indicate that the Institution concurs with the opinions expressed in, or confirms the accuracy of any text used with, these photographs.
 
Restrictions and Limitations
Copyrighted or otherwise restricted materials may require additional clearance before they can be released. If copyright is held outside the Institution it is your responsibility to obtain any necessary releases.
 
Division Telephone Listing
The following is a select listing of Smithsonian Institution divisions that may have images housed in this photo archives.  People within these divisions may be able to assist you with image or object research, or obtaining negative numbers  For other divisions or general information, please call 202-357-1300.  Unless noted, all of the following numbers begin with a (202) prefix:

Other Smithsonian Institution Museums who may provide their own image sales, and permission to publish:

For more information on Smithsonian Divisions visit the Smithsonian Visitor Information Center web site.