Changing your Camera Date
Setting your camera date settings is a required process for the industry as it aids in one method of verification for the picture editor, when selecting your images.
Together with the image file, metadata which contains valuable information about the photo is also stored internally in the digital file. The extra information includes date and time picture was taken, width, height, resolution, bit depth, camera model, focal length, F-number, exposure time and ISO speed.
It’s important to set the date and time so that pictures and videos are organised by the date taken. The date and time procedure varies slightly between camera models, but generally:
Turn on the camera.
Press the Menu button.
Find a Setup or Settings tab. If you don't see this then check your manual - alternatively you can download your models manual online.
If you locate the Date and Time in your Settings, set it to today's date.
Use the same procedure to set the time.
Make sure you SAVE these settings.
Note: Some camera's need to have their date and times reentered if the batteries have been removed for a long period of time. It is also best to check the date/time before you go out on a shoot.
As I’m sure most of you know, the information embedded on a digital file provides a wealth of details such as time, subject matter, location, colour scheme, orientation, and image size.
Picture desks request as much vital metadata within the images we push out to them. Comprehensive metadata means that when the mainstream media outlets receive your pictures, all these facts will be visible to them for breaking news and easily accessible in an archive sense for contextual use. All of which means, the details you write must be absolutely accurate!
By sending them this important information, it encourages them to use your pictures on regular basis as it means they never have to query whether a picture was taken when it says it was.
So, you must do 2 things:
1) Review your camera settings; it’s crucial that you make sure the date is set correctly. Remember to change it to the local time when travelling.
2) Be accurate, particularly with the date.
NB: This must always be the date you took the pictures on, and not the date you upload to Demotix. If you have taken a set of pictures over a period of time, then you can set the date per picture in the 2nd page of upload.
Note: Over photoshopping your images can wipe the metadata on some occasions, as the data is changed on copying and saving repeatedly.
If the information you input conflicts with the metadata, it is highly unlikely your pictures will be used.
Please review and learn your camera date settings as this will teach you about your camera! You can find your camera model by searching on Google for the PDF version.
- Demotix Team
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