Photo How To

Here's a reassuring claim from the folks at First Choice Photo: "Capturing amazing photos doesn't have to be challenging" if you understand the concept of EXIF Data and how it can be used to evaluate images. After watching today's 11-minute primer your photography skills will improve, and you'll also learn how to safeguard your precious files.

Instructor Mike Patterson is a Canadian pro with 35 years of experience who "shares honest real-world advice" to help less experienced shooters up their game. If you've ignored EXIF data in the past, we're pretty sure this oversight will end today.

If you're unfamiliar with the term, EXIF Data is information embedded in the digital file every time you make a photograph, and this holds true whether you capture the shot with a DLR, mirrorless camera, or your smartphone. And, as you'll see, some of this data is super useful in a variety of ways.

Patterson provides a list of the types of information included in the EXIF Data, which includes the camera make and model, as well as exposure information like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and whether or not you employed EV Compensation and to what degree. It also indicates the lens you used and the specific focal length if it was a zoom.

The list goes on and we won't repeat here, but the bottom line is that EXIF data is comprehensive and it's a great tool for evaluating what went right (or wrong) with every image you make. At this point you're probably wondering, "what does all this data mean to me and my photos?" and that's the next topic of conversation.

Patterson provides practical examples of images that would be much better straight out of the camera if you have taken advantage of EXIF data to choose a more appropriate setting on the camera's mode dial, or used different variables for exposure, white balance, and numerous other options. He also provides a warning about potentially incorrect data.

You'll also learn how to use EXIF data to troubleshoot a lens, and ways to keep photos safe by not accidentally sharing too much of this valuable information. The First Choice Photo YouTube channel is a great source of instructional videos like the one you just watched.

And for another helpful primer don't miss our recent post with a comprehensive beginners guide to unlocking the magic of capturing epic cityscape and landscape photographs after the sun disappears beneath the horizon.