  We present $K'$-band surface photometry of a sample of 31 inclined Sa-Scd
galaxies, together with additional $J$- and $H$-band data for four of them. In
this first paper of a series, profiles are presented, together with global and
isophotal parameters. Our profiles are compared to similar $B$, $R$ and $I$
data collected from other sources. Three galaxies exhibit previously unknown
small bars in their center, while in five others, such bars may also be
present. Four objects present a narrow elongated feature in their center
aligned with their major axis, which could be an inward extension of the disk.
A few galaxies display very thin spiral arms. Color-color diagrams indicate
that the extinction inside the four galaxies for which we have $JHK'$ images is
limited to $A_V < 2$.
