The technique of the present invention ensures output of an image subjected to image processing, which does not depend upon the output environment but reflects the color reproduction characteristics of a shooting device and the intention of a photographer in shooting. The process generates an image file that includes picture data generated by a digital still camera, as well as control data and output specification information attached thereto. The control data controls the details of image processing according to the color reproduction characteristics of the camera and the intention of the photographer in shooting. The output specification information specifies, for example, the address of a printing device used as an output resource, the type of printing paper used for printing, and the number of copies. The image file is transmitted to an image processing system on a network. The image processing system carries out image processing of the picture data based on the control data, generates an output file, and transmits the output file to an specified output device via the network. Even in the environment that can not perform image processing based on the control data, the arrangement of the invention ensures output of the image that has been subjected to such image processing.