LIFE Photo Archive Going Digital

Time, inc. is already working on a LIFE.com website to put the incredible 10 million strong photo archive of LIFE magazine online in February but a new partnership with Google has placed many of these images online sooner. Google has reached a partnership agreement with LIFE that allows them to host the images as well. So far, about 2 million of the LIFE archive is online through Google with more to follow. Only about 3% of LIFE's archive has ever been published so this is a treasure trove of photographic history. In a decision that will likely have photographers adding massive numbers of inkjet cartridges to their Christmas list, the Associated Press story states that "The photos can be printed out for free as long as they aren't being used as part of an attempt to make money. " For those wishing higher quality prints, LIFE does offer framed prints for purchase.

LIFE photo archive hosted by Google