Hi Pete,
There are two ways to import pictures without using forms. One is to use image file names in rules. The initialization process in Library sample application uses this approach to load item images.
The other is to load images when importing data from CSV files (probably more suitable for your task). The image should be converted into textual representation, which can be done using various utilities. The initialization process in Ordering sample application uses this approach to load product images.
You should also be able to export picture attributes with the standard Export command. You need to indicate you want picture attributes included when exporting (it is off by default).
