Abstract: A method, implementable on a computing device, for downloading original images includes downloading an image via a communications network; calculating a unique picture ID (UPID) for the downloaded image, where the UPID is a mathematical construct with a generally unique, resolution independent, relationship with the downloaded image; sending a download request with at least the calculated UPID to an image brokerage server, where the brokerage server is configured to store at least the UPIDs associated with the original resolution images stored on other devices; and receiving the original resolution image of the downloaded image from one of the other devices, where the UPID associated with the original resolution image matches the calculated UPID.