diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.ini b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.ini
index 1584882c..ddc45f33 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.ini
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.ini
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 [null]
 description = Default plugin that does nothing
-provides = imshow, _app_show
+provides = imshow, imread, _app_show
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.py b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.py
index 1645a3b3..6ca5bbfd 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/null_plugin.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-__all__ = ['imshow', '_app_show']
+__all__ = ['imshow', 'imread', '_app_show']
 
 import warnings
 
@@ -12,4 +12,7 @@ for a list of available plugins.'''
 def imshow(*args, **kwargs):
     warnings.warn(RuntimeWarning(message))
 
+def imread(*args, **kwargs):
+    warnings.warn(RuntimeWarning(message))
+
 _app_show = imshow