topic Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

chzuck — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:11:29 GMT

Many times I have taken photos and then later when I download them I was sure of the subject. Like if I took a photo of a piece of equipment or large engine I could not remember the name of the subject in the photo. What is a good method to take notes or somehow be able to ID the subject later, other than a placard that is by the piece?

Re: Notes on subjects.

kvbarkley — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:29:31 GMT

What camera do you have? some allow for audio notes.

If not, I would take a note pad, jot down what you want to remember and take a picture of it.

In a museum, I usually take a picture of any placard that might be there.

Re: Notes on subjects.

kvbarkley — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:34:04 GMT

My Kodak 1A actually has a door on the back which let you write notes directly onto the negative!

Re: Notes on subjects.

chzuck — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:11:47 GMT

T5i

Re: Notes on subjects.

chzuck — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:14:39 GMT

That's pretty neat. Just thought there may have been something I did not know about.

Re: Notes on subjects.

kvbarkley — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:25:31 GMT

Actually, upon reflection, I don't think any Canon's allow for audio notes - certainly not rebels.

Re: Notes on subjects.

Tintype_18 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:26:58 GMT

I have a T7 and have used a notebook to record the photo number and brief description.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

johnrmoyer — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:24:45 GMT

I use the metadata tags "description" and "keywords". I use exiftool free software to add the information to to the photo.

For example:

exiftool -"description=Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) in Norman, Oklahoma, United States on March 30, 2024" IMG_9431c*.JPG
exiftool -sep ", " -"keywords=bird, phoebe, Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe, wildlife, nature photography, Oklahoma, nature, photography" IMG_9431c*.JPG
exiftool -Xmp:LocationShownProvinceState='Oklahoma' -Xmp:LocationShownCountryName='United States' -State='Oklahoma' -Xmp:LocationShownCity='Norman' -Country='United States' -City='Norman'

https://exiftool.org/TagNames/MWG.html

https://exiftool.org/

https://web.archive.org/web/20120131102845/http://www.metadataworkinggroup.org/pdf/mwg_guidance.pdf

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

kvbarkley — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 16:58:49 GMT

This does not help while you are shooting.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

chzuck — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:31:02 GMT

I do that, but that is after I am back at home. I was looking for something I could do on the spot while photographing.

Re: Notes on subjects.

chzuck — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:33:16 GMT

OK, so what I need to do is display the photo # with the photo in the viewer. Thanks.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

johnrmoyer — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:12:53 GMT

I have used a pen and paper sometimes.

You might also record a short video where you say what information you want saved. If you have enough storage.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

justadude — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:02:45 GMT

I'n the old days I would take a notepad, then write the info on the back of the pictures after they were developed. These days it's as simple as opening any note app on your phone, and using talk to text. Later save it to your metadata in your editing software OR rename the filename of the photo.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

Tintype_18 — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 23:51:01 GMT

Adding: voice recorder? Some are very small to carry in a pocket or vest.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

BurnUnit — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:36:24 GMT

As Tintype_18 mentions above, a small digital audio recorder should do the trrick.You can find them pretty cheaply online and most seem to have a setting that allows them to be voice activated. You might also be able to synchonize the clock on your camera with the recoeder to help keep things oganized by comparing the time stamps on your pics and the audio clips.

Another approach might be to use the video cam on a cell phone. Shoot your stills and then shoot a short video clip of your subject while adding an audio description. Then review the video while sorting and annotating your stills.

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

kvbarkley — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:47:15 GMT

On a phone you can probably get Siri to create an entry into the note app. (Or the android equivalent)

Re: Tips for documenting names of photo subjects

chzuck — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 19:46:13 GMT

Lots of great ideas! Thanks.