Abstract: A photo kiosk containing a cpu, digital video camera, monitor, a self-contained, limited access cabinet, a payment collection device, a removable electronic storage device, a modem, a microphone, speaker, telephone line, power supply, and lights. The camera takes a picture of the user which is converted into an electronic image. The user can selectively add to the electronic image a banner message, a text message, and/or an audio message. The electronic image, optional banner message, optional text message, and optional audio message are combined into an electronic file. The user can save the electronic file on a removable electronic storage device or can send the electronic file to an electronic address which the user inputs. The photo kiosk can perform system utilities and diagnostics and send the results to a remote location. One can access the photo kiosk from a remote location to perform maintenance and repair.