25.10.2025, 16:55   #1

Hobbyfotograf

Include image data?

Hello everyone,

I’d like to start a discussion on a topic that’s been on my mind. Many great photos are shared here, but I often notice that the shooting details are missing. I believe having this information really helps to better understand and evaluate a photo.

It can also be a huge learning opportunity, especially for less experienced photographers, to see how a photo was taken—like why a particular aperture or shutter speed was chosen, whether a filter was used, what kind of post-processing was applied, and so on.

What are your thoughts on this?
25.10.2025, 17:04   #2

Hobbyfotograf

I’m with you on that, Peter. Sometimes it might also help to include additional explanatory info that isn’t evident from the EXIF data, like details about stacking or any special techniques used during shooting or post-processing.
25.10.2025, 17:08   #3
However, this can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, for example, when I show a photo from the 70s that, according to the Exif data, was taken with an EOS 5D.
25.10.2025, 17:16   #4

Hobbyfotograf

@ Ulf
It's great to know I'm not alone with these thoughts. Originally, I come from analog photography, though with a 50-year gap. Now, with digital cameras, so many new things come at you. That’s why I’ve been thinking about this topic. I study books on the subject and then wonder why the photographer chose the settings I’m familiar with. I try to understand by going outside and experiencing it firsthand, which makes it easier to grasp.
This platform could contribute so much more than just showcasing photos.
25.10.2025, 17:19   #5

Hobbyfotograf

@ Erich That may be true. But reaching out can definitely help clear up these misunderstandings. It would also encourage more interaction among everyone.
25.10.2025, 17:32   #6
Peter, I recommend the photo books from Ehapa Verlag, titled "Master Photos and How to Take Them"—essentially the catalog for the "World Exhibition of Photography." At the back of each volume, you'll find a smaller version of each photo along with detailed technical explanations. The "Venus" series from Ehapa follows a similar format. You might want to check eBay occasionally, as these books pop up there from time to time.
25.10.2025, 18:27   #7

Hobbyfotograf

Erich, thanks for the tip. Right now, I’m reading the book *Simply Better Photography* (Data Becker), and since I’m focusing on landscapes and forests, I also have *Practical Guide to Forest Photography* by Ellen Borggreve and Daniel Laan. Our city library is well-stocked on this topic as well. If the books prove useful, I usually end up buying them. But I learn the most when I’m out in the field and from fellow photographers. Here in Greifswald, there’s a great group that I might join.
26.10.2025, 08:52   #8

Hobbyfotograf

Hello everyone,   I keep noticing how often EXIF data, aperture values, or sensor sizes come up in photography forums or on social media. For me, I’ve realized that these technical details are secondary when it comes to great photos.
  What really interests me is the impact of the image, the story a photo tells, and the emotion it conveys. If a photo moves me, I don’t care whether it was taken with an old compact camera or a modern full-frame — analog or digital, or what aperture was used, and so on.
  I believe a truly powerful photo is created in the photographer’s mind and heart, not in the metadata. Of course, technique and know-how are important—they’re the tools of the trade. But ultimately, it’s the vision, the feel for light, composition, and timing that make the difference.
  I’m curious:
How do you see it? When you look at a photo, do you pay attention to the technical details, or do you prefer to just let the image’s impact guide you?
26.10.2025, 09:28   #9

Hobbyfotograf

I agree with you that the impact is what matters most. But especially with more sophisticated photos, I like to know how they were created. I’m not focused on the quality of the equipment, but rather on the exposure settings used.
26.10.2025, 11:27   #10

Hobbyfotograf

I agree with both of you that the visual impact is what matters most. And when it comes to a great photo, I’d love to know how it was taken and with what settings.
26.10.2025, 12:49   #11
It's also noticeable that the "bokeh," which was often discussed back in the days of analog photography, has hardly been mentioned in recent years. This is likely because low-light zoom lenses tend to produce a rather busy bokeh anyway. And here we are, right back to the main question: "What aperture was set there?"
26.10.2025, 14:28   #12

Hobbyfotografin

You shouldn’t underestimate the impact of focal length and aperture on the look of a photo. Shutter speed is also important, especially in sports or wildlife photography, as well as when capturing waterfalls or similar scenes. Of course, composition, perspective, and lighting are just as crucial. But in my opinion, having a good understanding of focal length and f-stop is key to shaping the image.
Personally, whenever I see photos I like, I always check the EXIF data. And I’m a bit disappointed when that information is missing.
26.10.2025, 14:44   #13
Where can you view the EXIF data?

Update: After some searching, I found one that displayed the EXIF info in the bottom right corner.
26.10.2025, 15:08   #14

Hobbyfotograf

@M B
Of course, technology and know-how are important—they’re the tools of the trade. So, the basics, and naturally, I included focal length and aperture as part of the composition support.
Not all camera/lens combinations record all this information in the metadata or even generate EXIF data at all. When we talk about the image look, there are many other factors that aren’t necessarily visible in the EXIF, and in my opinion, you’d need to document the entire workflow up to the final image.
26.10.2025, 16:45   #15

Hobbyfotografin

Of course. But that's no reason not to provide the Exif data. Anyone who needs more information can always ask.
26.10.2025, 22:14   #16

Hobbyfotograf

@M B
Basically, anyone can ask questions, for example about the history or the intention behind an image if they're interested.
There are always reasons for and against—some possible ones I mentioned in the post—and it's optional, of course.
14.11.2025, 19:04   #17
Profilfoto
Gert Trumpold

In an age where backgrounds can be changed with just a few clicks, I’m no longer interested in what aperture was used to take the photo.
By distorting an image or cropping it, you can’t really tell the focal length anymore.
Every camera exposes differently, and you have to figure that out through some trial and error.
For judging a photo, it’s also not important how long the photographer waited for the perfect moment.
What’s truly interesting is how the photographer arrived at the image—what preparations were made, and what the environment was like.
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