We have obtained atomic‐resolution images of NbSe2single crystals in air. Constant‐height images clearly show the expected atomic structure, and can distinguish the two inequivalent halves of the unit cell. Constant‐current images show an anomalously high atomic corrugation, associated with elastic deformation of the sample. Surface contamination probably plays an important role in transmitting the tip‐sample forces. A larger‐scale apparent buckling of the surface with a period of several times the atomic spacing is sometimes observed.