EXIF FILES - What Are They, and How To Access Them?

Recently, it has been brought to my attention that the term "EXIF file" is being thrown around by paranormal teams and investigators without any real explanation of what it is, what it does, and how it is used. I thought I would take it upon myself to explain to you, Constant Reader, what an EXIF file is and what it does.

EXIF data can also be found in other photo file formats, including RAW (commonly associated with DSLR cameras) and TIFF files. We may discuss these formats at a later date.

The reason behind the recent increase in its use has to do with accusations from some sectors of the paranormal community regarding teams allegedly "faking" photographs of ghosts.

EXIF data can be very useful in determining certain information about when a photo was taken and whether it has been electronically altered. However, this information is by no means infallible, as you will see as we delve further into this discussion.


What Does EXIF Mean?

The acronym "EXIF" stands for Exchangeable Image File Format.

So What Is It?

EXIF is a standard that was created by the Japanese Electronic Industries Development Association (JEIDA) to capture data associated with digital media devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, and scanners. It can also capture geolocation data via satellite technology in certain smartphones and newer cameras.

The stored information can include, but is not limited to, shutter speed, the date and time a photograph was taken, focal length, exposure compensation, metering patterns, and whether a flash was used. This information is known as metadata.

So Who Uses It?

Professional photographers often examine EXIF data to compare photos taken in succession. One photo may be considered successful, while others may not. EXIF data provides valuable clues as to what may have gone wrong with unsuccessful images, allowing photographers to adjust their techniques in future shoots.

Paranormal investigators are often inundated with photographs from members of the public asking, "What is in this photo?" The vast majority of people are genuinely unaware of what they may be seeing in an image. However, there is a small percentage who intentionally alter photographs in an attempt to fool investigators.

This is where EXIF data can be useful. It may help an investigator determine whether a photograph has been altered or manipulated using image-editing software. It can also reveal whether phone apps designed to create ghostly images have been used. However, as I mentioned in my opening paragraph, EXIF data is not infallible.

So How Do I View It?

To view EXIF data, you have several options. The software supplied with your digital camera will usually allow you to access it. You can also find web browser plug-ins online, and most photo-editing and photo-organising programs include options for viewing EXIF information.

You will find that different programs use different terminology. For example, Picasa uses the term "Photo Information", whereas Flickr refers to it as "Properties".

Most internet browsers also have plug-ins available that allow you to view the EXIF data of photos posted online. This can be useful if you are interested in examining different aspects of photography or improving your own photographic techniques.

The following website provides examples of EXIF data from a variety of camera manufacturers:

EXIF Sample Files

 

Does It Have Drawbacks?

Yes. Here is a brief sample of drawbacks associated with EXIF data, sourced from Wikipedia:
The EXIF standard specifies that colour depth is always 24 bits. However, many modern cameras, such as the Nikon D70, can capture significantly more colour information. As EXIF files cannot accurately represent this increased colour depth, many manufacturers have developed proprietary RAW image formats.
EXIF is often used in images created by scanners, but the standard contains little provision for scanner-specific information.
There is no way to record time-zone information alongside the time stamp, making the recorded time potentially ambiguous.

You Stated Earlier That EXIF Data Is Not Infallible. How So?

I always check the EXIF data of any photograph sent to me. It allows me to see what settings the camera was using, which is valuable information. Often, cameras are set to "night mode," which keeps the shutter open for a longer period of time.

If the camera is focused on a light source, and either that light source or the camera itself moves while the shutter is open, the resulting image can show streaking or glowing effects. Many people mistakenly interpret these effects as ghosts, spirits, or other paranormal phenomena.

I also check whether a photograph was created using one of the many ghost-generating apps available for smartphones, such as the infamous ghost-making apps once available through Apple's iTunes store:
Ghost Capture App

 

The truth is that EXIF data can be altered, changed, lost, or deleted, and doing so is relatively easy. A variety of programs are available that allow users to modify EXIF information. Here are some examples:
Editing Metadata and EXIF Data
EXIF Date Changer
Adobe Lightroom 3 Metadata Help

As you can see, EXIF data is not infallible and should not be relied upon as definitive proof when accusing someone of faking a photograph. The reality is that you can never be 100 per cent certain that the data is accurate, complete, or untouched.

I normally recommend that budding paranormal investigators focus more on video than still photography. A photograph provides only a single image, with no context, no beginning, and no end. Video, on the other hand, provides a starting point, an action point, and an endpoint, allowing for a more thorough examination of any phenomenon shown in the footage.

Of course, video is also fraught with possibilities for tampering, editing, and outright fakery... but we'll leave that discussion for another day!

Researched & Written by

Allen Tiller