Thread Subject: Handle Graphics: External Images

I have read in an image (.bmp) using the IMREAD function. Is it possible for me to use this image when plotting using handle graphics. Below is just a snippet of some of the plotting code.

phandle = plot([0],[0],'.k');
axis([-19 19 -19 19])
axis square
axis off

for j = 1:nsteps
    set(phandle,'XData',x(:,j),'YData',y(:,j))
    drawnow
end

in the phandle command (line 1 above) is it possible to select this uploaded image to represent the dot (modified black by the '.k'). I know I can change the color, size etc. of the dot used in the plot command, but is it possible to completely substitute an image. My attempts at it have only yielded the image occupying the entirety of my plot. Thank you for any suggestions.