When imaging science and technology comes up for discussion the topic of digital preservation should be right in the mix. Unfortunately digital preservation is not something enough people have considered as an aspect of emerging imaging technology. Not all data, or digital images in this particular instance, should be saved far into the future but those worth maintaining need more consideration than they are getting now. The problems of digital preservation will have an impact on the development of imaging science and technology, and learning about digital preservation is the first step in being able to achieve preservation goals.There are four primary communities who will be most affected by digital preservation: industry, digital labs, home consumers and collection managers. Acknowledging the relationships and points of interaction between the communities will facilitate preservation activities. There are basic concepts that can be put into practice now to help maintain digital images and foster ongoing research. All four communities must recognize the pivotal roll education plays in long term digital preservation.