Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of
different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to
identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the
invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the
identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also
be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and
quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include
criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying
information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was
taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for
review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or
downloading.