A system, method, and software product for managing digital images. A server is provided for controlling access to a user image storage device having at least one digital image file of an image. The server has a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of user computers wherein at least one of the user computers having the at least one digital image file. A software program permits automatic controlled access to the at least one digital image file on the user computer by a third party and monitors access by the third party without any further authorization by the user.