18. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method comprising: retrieving a plurality of collections of digital image files, each collection consolidating digital image files into groups based on metadata before receipt of an image display request, wherein the metadata includes at least data indicative of user interaction with the digital image files in the plurality of collections subsequent to initially acquiring the digital image files, and wherein the metadata is based on a frequency of access of the digital image files by the user; displaying iconic representations of the digital images files by display of the collections in a visual metaphor, wherein the visual metaphor displays the iconic representations for different collections at different sizes and positions relative to one another, and wherein the different sizes of the collections in the visual metaphor are based on the frequency of access; and responsive to user input, opening a collection of digital image files selected by a user.
18. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method comprising: retrieving a plurality of collections of digital image files, each collection consolidating digital image files into groups based on metadata before receipt of an image display request, wherein the metadata includes at least data indicative of user interaction with the digital image files in the plurality of collections subsequent to initially acquiring the digital image files, and wherein the metadata is based on a frequency of access of the digital image files by the user; displaying iconic representations of the digital images files by display of the collections in a visual metaphor, wherein the visual metaphor displays the iconic representations for different collections at different sizes and positions relative to one another, and wherein the different sizes of the collections in the visual metaphor are based on the frequency of access; and responsive to user input, opening a collection of digital image files selected by a user. 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18 wherein collections of iconic representations of digital image files are interactively displayed along a timeline.