Export photos keeping creation date in iPhoto 11

There are two kinds of metadata involved when you consider jpeg or other image file.

One is the file data. This is what the Finder shows. This tells you nothing about the contents of the file, just the File itself.

The problem with File metadata is that it can easily change as the file is moved from place to place or exported. Emiled, uploaded etc.

Photgraphs have also got both Exif and IPTC metadata. The date and time that your camera snapped the Photograph is recorded in the Exif metadata. Regardless if what the file date says, this is the actual time recorded by the camera.

Photo applications like iPhoto, Aperture, Lightroom, Picasa, Photoshop etc get their date and time from the Exif metadata.

When you export from iPhoto to the Finder new file is created containing your Photo (and its Exif). The File date is - quite accurately - reported as the date of Export. However, the Photo Date doesn't change.

The problem is that the Finder doesn't work with Exif.

So, your photo has the correct date, and so does the file, but they are different things. To sort on the Photo date you'll need to use a photo app.

Regards

TD

Thank you so much for this information. I am in transition between iPhoto and Photos and have been frustrated when moving files from one app to the desktop to then import to the other app because the date changes to the current date. But I just imported the photo to the other app and it switched back to the original creation date. Your answer that the Finder can't display the creation is extremely helpful! I can proceed with moving files and not be concerned that my creation date is lost. Thanks again!

. I am in transition between iPhoto and Photos and have been frustrated when moving files from one app to the desktop to then import to the other app

Why do that and lose so much work you've already done? Just open the iPhoto Library with Photos and it will transition it for you.