Airdropping photos from my iPhone does not keep original "Date Created" info

Question

Level 1

9 points

Airdropping photos from my iPhone does not keep original "Date Created" info

I have been travelling and want to back up my photos and videos from my iPhone 7 Plus onto my MacBook Pro. I know that I can import using iPhoto but I want the actual image files so I can import them easily into Lightroom and other programs at a later date. When I use Airdrop to transfer the files to my MacBook, it doesn't seem to keep the original "Date Created" date and defaults to the date when it was imported onto my computer which leaves my photos in a jumbled mess.

Is there a way to Airdrop my photos and leave the metadata intact so I can easily sort by the date the photo was taken? Or is the date hidden and I just can't find it?

Thank you!

Posted on May 18, 2017 3:33 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Yer_Man

Level 10

166,614 points

May 19, 2017 5:43 AM in response to mle821

The Finder reports file data. Photographs get their dates from the Exif metadata added to the file when the shot is taken. So it's not unusual to get the file dates changing (that's why Exif was invented), the key question is the exif date. That's what LR will use, not the file data.

Also, why are you bring them to LR 'at a later date'? The point of apps like LR is that the replace the Finder for anything you do with your photos. Cut out the middleman and go direct to LR. problem solved.

Also you don't need to use iPhoto you can use Image Capture (in the Applications Folder). it's much simpler.

Reply

Answer 2

mle821 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 19, 2017 5:42 AM in response to Yer_Man

As a Mac newbie, I wasn't aware that Image Capture even existed. Thank you!

Reply