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Web resources for learning metadata fundamentals
“Metadata” is a catchword thrown around so frequently these days that it’s easy to miss exactly what it actually means, especially in relation to the basic digital photographic process. A few quality, online resources are helpful for getting a hold of metadata fundamentals, including UPDIG’s section on metadata; online QuickTime tutorials on using the IPTC Core fields in Photoshop’s File Info dialog box; and a couple of articles on specifics of avoiding pitfalls with metadata.
UPDIG’s Metadata 101
The Universal Photographic Digital Image Guidelines (UPDIG) are recognized by the US Library of Congress as the best guide for how to capture, process, view, print, and archive digital image files. Version 3 of these guidelines were updated on September 14, 2007, with some of the most significant changes occurring in Section 10: Metadata. UPDIG now more clearly defines different types of metadata — both from a technological and user viewpoint— and offers different users best practices for working with metadata. The UPDIG guidelines also include valuable Web links to topics covered.
QuickTime Tutorials for Understanding the Basic IPTC Core Fields
David Riecks created five excellent, easy-to-follow QuickTime tutorials that illustrate the different components of the IPTC Core fields in Photoshop’s File Info, which is critical to mastering basic metadata. The videos show where the IPTC metadata fields can be found and explain which data belongs in each. These tutorials can be viewed for free on the Stock Artists Alliance (SAA) Web site at http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/tutorials/.
A Good Article To Help Avoid Accidental Stripping
Digital imaging expert Jay Kinghorn runs the RGB Imaging Web site, which includes useful information about metadata. One particularly valuable article related to the basics of working with metadata — and the accidental stripping of metadata — is Adding Metadata: Avoiding Common Pitfalls. Kinghorn has also authored an interesting perspective on the expanding role of metadata in all aspects of digital workflow: Metadata: Today’s Workflow, Tomorrow’s Automation. They can be downloaded free at http://www.prorgb.com/articles.htm.