Sending Photos to Inmates
Photos help families stay connected in a meaningful way. Find out which facilities accept photos, which providers deliver them, and what rules you need to follow before sending your first image.
6+
Approved providers
3,000+
Facilities covered
50
States covered
How Photo Sharing Works
Four steps from uploading your photo to the inmate receiving it.
Confirm the facility accepts photos
Not all facilities allow digital photo delivery. Some only accept physical prints mailed through the postal service. Check the facility's specific rules before choosing a provider.
Choose an approved photo service
Select a provider that serves your loved one's facility. JPay, TextBehind, and GettingOut are among the most widely available. Each platform has different pricing and delivery methods.
Upload and review your photos
Upload your photos through the provider's app or website. All photos go through a content review before delivery. Photos that do not comply with facility guidelines will be rejected.
Photos are delivered
Digital services deliver photos directly to the inmate's tablet or kiosk. Print-based services mail physical copies through the facility mail system, which takes a few extra days.
Photo Sharing Providers
These services offer digital or print-based photo delivery to correctional facilities.
Digital photo delivery to state prison tablets
35 states, 1,000+ facilities
View guidePhoto sharing for county jails nationwide
45 states, 2,200+ county jails
View guidePhotos printed and mailed to any facility
25 states, 600+ facilities
View guideDigital photo delivery with easy account setup
20 states, 400+ facilities
View guideSubscription plan includes printed photo delivery
All 50 states, 3,000+ facilities
View guidePhoto sharing for county jails using HomeWAV tablets
30 states, 350+ facilities
View guideFacilities That Accept Photos
A selection of correctional facilities where photo sharing services are available.
San Quentin State Prison
State Prison · CA
Attica Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
Folsom State Prison
State Prison · CA
Rikers Island
County Jail · NY
Cook County Jail
County Jail · IL
Harris County Jail
County Jail · TX
Miami-Dade Corrections Facility
County Jail · FL
Pelican Bay State Prison
State Prison · CA
Sing Sing Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
Federal Correctional Complex Coleman
Federal Prison · FL
Things to Know Before Sending Photos
Every facility has content rules
Content guidelines are set by the facility, not the provider. Always check the specific facility's photo policy before sending. Rejected photos are usually not refunded.
Digital vs. print delivery
Some providers deliver photos digitally to tablets. Others print and mail physical copies. Print delivery takes longer but works at facilities without digital tablet access.
Federal facilities have stricter rules
Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities do not use JPay or GettingOut. Physical mail is the primary method. Check each BOP institution's specific photo guidelines.
Photos are reviewed before delivery
Staff review all photos for content compliance. This review adds 24 to 48 hours to the delivery timeline for digital services.
Pigeonly works almost everywhere
Because Pigeonly prints and mails physical photos, it works at virtually any facility that accepts standard postal mail, including locations without digital services.
File size and format requirements vary
Most providers accept standard JPEG files under a certain file size. Check the provider's specific upload requirements before submitting photos.
Common Questions About Sending Photos
What types of photos can I send to an inmate?
Most facilities allow family photos, portraits, and casual personal photos. Prohibited content typically includes nudity, sexually explicit material, anything depicting violence or weapons, photos with other inmates, and images with personal information visible such as addresses or financial details. Each facility has its own specific content guidelines. Review the provider's and facility's rules before uploading.
How are digital photos delivered to the inmate?
Digital photos sent through platforms like JPay or GettingOut are delivered to a tablet or kiosk inside the facility. The inmate views the photo on their device. At facilities without digital tablets, some providers convert photos to physical prints and deliver them through the facility mail system instead.
How long does photo delivery take?
Digital delivery through JPay or GettingOut typically takes 24 to 48 hours, which includes the content review process. Print-based delivery through services like TextBehind or Pigeonly can take 3 to 7 days, since photos are mailed through the postal system. Delivery time also depends on how quickly the specific facility processes incoming items.
Can I send photos to an inmate at a federal prison?
Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities do not use JPay or GettingOut for digital photos. Physical photos can be mailed directly to the facility or sent through a print service like Pigeonly. Each federal institution has specific guidelines about photo size, content, and how many can be sent at once. Contact the facility or check the BOP website for the exact rules.
Is there a limit on how many photos I can send?
Limits vary by provider and facility. Some platforms allow you to send multiple photos at once; others process them individually. Some facilities cap the total number of photos an inmate can have in their possession. The provider's platform will show you any applicable per-transaction limits when you upload.
What happens if a photo is rejected?
If a photo fails the content review, the provider will notify you that it was rejected. The inmate will not receive it. Most providers do not refund rejected photos, so it is important to follow the content guidelines carefully. Common rejection reasons include inappropriate content, poor image quality, or photo size not meeting requirements.