diff --git a/src/imagekit/specs.py b/src/imagekit/specs.py
index 3a1c141..897e0e6 100644
--- a/src/imagekit/specs.py
+++ b/src/imagekit/specs.py
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ class Accessor(object):
         
     def _create(self):
         if self._exists():
+            if self._img is None:
+                self._img = Image.open(self.file)
             return
         self._img = self.spec.process(Image.open(self._obj._imgfield.file),
                                       self._obj)
@@ -88,7 +90,6 @@ class Accessor(object):
     def image(self):
         if self._img is None:
             self._create()
-            self._img = Image.open(self.file)
         return self._img
         
     @property