How Photo Sharing Works for Inmates
Learn how to send photos to an incarcerated loved one, which platforms handle photo sharing, how photos are reviewed, and what formats are accepted.
Introduction
Sending photos to an incarcerated person requires a specific process. You cannot email or text photos to someone in prison. Photos must be sent through an approved platform that handles review, printing, and delivery.
This guide explains how photo sharing works, which platforms to use, what gets accepted, and what it costs.
Guide Content
How Photo Delivery Works
Photos sent to inmates go through one of two delivery methods. The first is digital delivery, where the inmate views the photo on a tablet or terminal screen. The second is print-and-deliver, where the platform prints the photo and delivers a physical copy to the inmate.
Not all facilities support digital photo delivery. Print-and-deliver services like Pigeonly and TextBehind work at most facilities because the output is a physical print, which goes through the same mail handling as a standard letter.
Which Platforms Handle Photo Sharing
Pigeonly is a dedicated photo and mail service for inmates. You upload photos through the website or app, and Pigeonly prints and mails them to the facility. Prices are typically $1 to $3 per photo.
TextBehind offers a similar print-and-deliver service for photos and letters. JPay allows photo attachments to messages at participating facilities for an extra charge. ConnectNetwork also supports photo messages at select facilities.
What Photos Are Accepted
Most facilities reject photos that are sexually explicit, show nudity, depict violence or criminal activity, or show security-sensitive areas like facility entrances. Photos must typically be standard print sizes such as 4x6.
Polaroids, photos with stickers or glitter, photos with writing on the back, and photos sent in envelopes with staples or tape may be rejected depending on the facility's mail rules. Check the facility's photo policy before uploading.
Digital Photo Attachments
At facilities with JPay or ConnectNetwork digital messaging, you can attach photos to messages. The photo is reviewed electronically before being displayed on the inmate's terminal or tablet screen.
Digital attachments cost extra stamps or credits depending on the platform. Image quality requirements vary. Most platforms accept standard smartphone photo formats (JPEG, PNG) and resize automatically.
Key Takeaways
The most important things to remember from this guide.
- You cannot email or text photos directly to inmates. A platform must handle the process.
- Print-and-deliver services like Pigeonly work at most facilities because the result is physical mail.
- Digital photo attachments are available at facilities with JPay or ConnectNetwork messaging.
- Photos go through a review process and can be rejected for content or format violations.
- Prices for print-and-deliver photos typically range from $1 to $3 per photo.
- Check the facility's photo policy before using any service to avoid rejected submissions.
Related Glossary Terms
Key terms you may encounter while reading about How Photo Sharing Works for Inmates.
Related Providers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about How Photo Sharing Works for Inmates, answered in plain language.
Can I send photos taken on my phone?
How long does it take for a printed photo to arrive?
Are there limits on how many photos I can send?
What happens if a photo is rejected?
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Inmate Messaging?
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
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