Obtaining Photographic Images

Purchasing Images

Most images from the Library's Photographic Collection can be purchased in high resolution digital format for reference, research, and educational use. To obtain an image, email speccol@amnh.org. Please include the AMNH image number in your request. If you do not have an image number, please include a detailed description of the image and a copy of the image, if available. 

Be aware that we cannot accommodate rush orders or provide extensive photographic research services.  Please refer to our Researching Special Collections page for procedures on scheduling an appointment to conduct your own research in the Library’s photographic collection.

There are two fees associated with imaging services:

Licensing Images

Images must be licensed for use in publications, films, broadcasts, websites, or other forms of reproduction.  Please note this second fee applies only if you intend to use the image for publication, display, or other transmittal.  To license any image, an Application for Permission to Reproduce Images (PDF) must be completed and submitted to Special Collections via e-mail (speccol@amnh.org) or fax (212-769-5009). Please note that we do not sign licensing agreements from other institutions.

Images may not be published, displayed, or transmitted in any way without permission from the Special Collections Department. Certain materials may be protected by copyright, trademark, or related interests not owned by the AMNH. Responsibility for obtaining any and all permissions as may be necessary rest with the user. Publication permission is granted for one-time use for the duration of the specified project. Each additional use (new project, new edition, etc.) requires submission of a new Application for Permission to Reproduce Images (PDF).

Payment Information

You will receive an invoice by email for the purchase and/or licensing of images.  We accept payment by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express).  Images and/or permission will be provided upon payment.

Fees for Obtaining and Licensing Images

Fee 1. Obtaining Images

Digital Images
Format Price per Scan (US$)
high-resolution scan 35.00
(25.00 for not-for-profit)
Color Lecture Slides
Item Price per Item (US$)
color lecture slides 3.00


 

Fee 2. Licensing Images

Medium Price per Use (US$)
Black & White Color
North American/ English OR 1 country/ 1 language World rights/all languages North American/ English OR 1 country/ 1 language World rights/all languages
Print 50.00 100.00 125.00 325.00
CD/DVD 50.00 100.00 125.00 325.00
TV/Film 50.00 100.00 125.00 325.00
Book/Magazine Cover 300.00 450.00 500.00 750.00
Other media:
Item Contact
Poster, Calendar, other Products* Department of Retail & Licensing via fax: 212-769-5682
Online Use Special Collections; Approved on case-by-case basis
Advertising Special Collections; Approved on case-by-case basis (Images of people and cultural artifacts are not available)
* All products (posters, cards, etc.) and projects in which AMNH images constitute more than 10% of the total photo program must be approved by the Department of Retail & Licensing before permission can be granted.