It is infuriating. When you displaying node, the CCK imagefield is showing image or default image as expected.

The same using Views.

But if you will try use:

• $my_node = node_load(nid);

$my_node contains no more than image link (if any) and NO DEFAULT image (if defined).

The first step is fortunately easy - you have to rebuild content of node. Drupal has function for it:

• $my_node = node_build_content($my_node);

As far as good. The default image is back, however still just as a link. Now is time for some elegance. You can find plenty of guides how display image using its link, but if you'll consider its title and alternative name, it is a little too much of code. Lack of elegance. Try next function instead:

• print theme_imagefield_image($my_node->field_filedname[0]);

And voilá... Your images are back into game in three rows of PHP!