A method for providing a user access to an extended color gamut digital image and for obtaining payment therefor, comprising the steps of representing the extended color gamut digital image with a limited color gamut digital image and one or more associated residual image(s) representing a difference between the extended color gamut digital image and the limited color gamut digital image; storing the limited color gamut digital image and the associated residual images(s) in an electronic memory; providing the user or user's designee access to the limited color gamut digital image in the electronic memory to provide a preview image; obtaining a payment identifier from the user and making payment using such payment identifier to permit the user or user's designee access to the associated residual image(s); and providing the user or user's designee access to the associated residual image(s) in the electronic memory.