diff --git a/src/com/android/contacts/ContactPhotoLoader.java b/src/com/android/contacts/ContactPhotoLoader.java
index d250a86..96f55a6 100644
--- a/src/com/android/contacts/ContactPhotoLoader.java
+++ b/src/com/android/contacts/ContactPhotoLoader.java
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@
         while (iterator.hasNext()) {
             Long id = iterator.next();
             BitmapHolder holder = mBitmapCache.get(id);
-            if (holder.state == BitmapHolder.NEEDED) {
+            if (holder != null && holder.state == BitmapHolder.NEEDED) {
                 // Assuming atomic behavior
                 holder.state = BitmapHolder.LOADING;
                 photoIds.add(id);