A user processes high resolution digital images at a user computer by converting the high resolution images into low and thumbnail resolution formats and by converting the high resolution images into a JPEG format. The user also enters image related data into the user computer and creates a user database. The processed image data and the image related data are stored in the same database, i.e., a user database, and are transmitted to the host site. At the host site, the processed image data and the image related data are stored in the same database, i.e., a host database. Alternatively, users store a plurality of images in high resolution, low resolution and thumbnail formats at the user computer and upload to the host site those images—in thumbnail and low resolution format—that the user selects. Customers view the selected images at the host site and order desired images. The host site sends an image order to the user computer, and the user computer transmits the ordered images to an image laboratory in high resolution format for printing.