The photographic images in this special collection were taken almost entirely by Esther M. Lederberg or at her request using her camera. Many of the photographs in this special collection have Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg's annotations identifying the people. Photographs of these researchers from this period are rare, and in many cases do not exist elsewhere.

This special collection of photographic images is separate from the "photographic slide" collection. The photographic slides, taken almost entirely by Esther M. Lederberg or at her request using her camera, were shared in accordance with the divorce agreement with her then ex-husband, Joshua Lederberg. In accordance with that divorce agreement, Joshua Lederberg waived all rights to all the photographs in this special collection.