International conference to focus on photo metadata

The goal of the conference is to simplify the convergence and global applicability of photo metadata, and determine how to maximise the widespread and consistent implementation of standards – adding value to photos.

Everyone agrees that it’s difficult to describe photos in a universal way – independent of language and culture – but only recently have technologies such as XML permitted photos to carry advanced metadata that can survive throughout the photo production process from camera to finished product.

In addition, such formerly exotic technologies as GPS and digital recording can now be embedded in cameras to make a permanent record of such important parameters as the photographer’s location and audio comments.

Full day

For a full day, representatives from standardisation bodies and such vendors as Adobe, Apple, Canon, Fotoware, Hasselblad and Microsoft will discuss how to improve the interoperability of photo metadata. Photographers, editors, image buyers and others leaders in the photo industry will discuss better ways to describe photos and related rights and permissions information, and will learn how crucial data generated by cameras can improve the editing and long-term resale of images.

As the creator of so-called “IPTC header”, a 15-year-old metadata standard that has gained nearly universal acceptance among professional photographers, the IPTC is well positioned to lead the photo industry in this effort. The 2007 congress being held by CEPIC, the Coordination of European Picture Agencies Press Stock Heritage (www.cepic.org), is an ideal venue for the International Photo Metadata Conference, bringing together the biggest players in Europe’s vibrant photo industry.

The organizers welcome the participation of everyone in the photo industry. To attend the Photo Metadata Conference or learn more about CEPIC’s convention in historic Florence, go to www.phmdc.org. The fee includes coffee breaks, buffet lunch and all conference materials.