[Solution] Script to Restore Original Photo Dates After Downloading
I encountered an issue where downloading original photos from Lightroom CC to my local Mac changed all the image creation dates to the download date instead of preserving the original capture dates.
The Problem:
When you download original photos from Lightroom CC (using "Store a Copy of ALL Originals Locally"), the metadata dates of the images are replaced with the download date. However, Lightroom does organize the files in correct date folders (YYYY/YYYY-MM-DD), which preserves the original timeline information.
The Solution:
I created a Python script that:
1. Reads the date from Lightroom's folder structure (YYYY/YYYY-MM-DD)
2. Updates all metadata dates (creation, modification, etc.) to match the folder date
3. Includes safety features like automatic backups and verification
Key Features:
- Automatically processes all images in your Lightroom originals folder
- Creates backups before making any changes
- Verifies successful updates
- Restores from backup if anything goes wrong
- Works with JPG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP files
**Where to Find the Script:**
I've shared the script on GitHub: https://gist.github.com/tripathiamritansh/c3c0f9906386d89b478a87bf5d7af6f7
Requirements:
- Mac OS
- Python 3.6+
- ExifTool (easily installable via Homebrew)
- Basic comfort with running Python scripts
If you're experiencing the same issue and want to restore your original photo dates, feel free to use the script. Full instructions are included in the GitHub link.
Note: Always backup your photos before running any scripts that modify metadata!
I hope this helps others who've encountered the same issue! Let me know if you have any questions.
