I was prompted to do this post after getting some questions last week about metadata as it applies to our family history photos. I had to share because this is a topic where you may not realize you have an issue until it’s too late.
When it comes to organizing your digital family photos, here are two reasons why it’s important for genealogists to use metadata the correct way, with digital photos. If you’re passionate about family history and being organized about it, keep reading.
“Metadata”, is information about a photo – the who, what, where, when, and why. Here are 2 reasons why metadata is important.
Reason #1: You can tell your photo’s story.
Metadata (the who, what, where, when, and why of a photo) helps us tell the photo’s stories. When we describe them in the digital file itself, it helps ensure those stories are known and live right alongside each picture. Taking the time to tell who was in the photo, what is going on in the photo, and why the photo is meaningful, is a gift we leave to our future generations.
Reason #2: It keeps you organized.
Every digital photo has file properties that you can add information to. Many genealogists put info in the file name only, however, there are ways to go above and beyond that! Using more of the metadata fields helps you organize your digital photo collection in ways that you can’t if you just use the file name alone.
Adding metadata correctly, is important – you may be in for a shock to spend hours writing descriptions on hundreds of digital photos only to find out later that it is all for naught because you added it in a way that is “locked into” one particular system.
Why all of this matters?
I have so many photos, and I bet you do too, that have interesting stories behind them! I’ve wasted time in the past by not using metadata correctly, which has meant I’ve had to duplicate work – and no one wants to do that!
Take the time to learn more about metadata and how it helps you tell your stories and to stay organized.
If you want a little help along the way, reach out to me!