Photographic materials in the American Literature Collection compliment the book and manuscript collections, with a close relationship to archival materials and other primary documentation. Holdings document the lives of writers and literary communities, cultural spaces, and significant events of various kinds and include everything form snapshots and passport photographs to fine art and portrait photography by some of the most important photographers of the 20th century. The Simpson collection includes thousands of photographs of African American subjects by unknown photographers.

The largest collections are of portrait photographs of cultural communities and figures; significant collections of snapshots, family photos, and other photos related to manuscript collections; documentary photographs in abundance; and significant collections of fine art photography.