Photographs are cataloged by location, surname, and subject. Most Kansas counties are represented, and the photograph staff tries to collect examples illustrating all aspects of life in Kansas. Major collections include the photographs of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and Railway and of the photographers Alexander Gardner, L.W. Halbe, Alfred Lawrence, and H.L. Wolf. Military images include many Spanish-American War photographs. Native American photographs are arranged by tribe and thereunder by individual.
Many images are available for use in the research room on microfiche.
Microfiche may be borrowed through interlibrary loan or purchased. All the graphics used on the Kansas State Historical Society's website are available in the Photograph Collection. The division also has a small collection of motion pictures relating to Kansas. These films cannot be borrowed but are available for research purposes. Films that have been transferred to videotape may be borrowed for research purposes through interlibrary loan .