It’s spring — the season of longer days, fresh starts, and yes, Daylight Saving Time! Around here, we recently sprang forward, trading one hour of sleep for glorious extra evening light. Worth it? Absolutely. But before you head out to shoot, here’s a quick reminder: don’t forget to change your camera time too.
Modern technology makes the time change almost invisible. My iPhone updated itself overnight, and so did my Apple Watch. Even the thermostat figured it out on its own!
A few things still need a nudge — the microwave, the coffee pot — but those keep reminding me until I get around to them.
The clock in my car? That one catches me off guard every single time. I’ll slide into the driver’s seat, glance at the clock, and have a brief moment of panic before I remember: oh right, spring forward.
How to change your camera time for Daylight Saving Time
The camera clock is easy to overlook — it won’t remind you until you’re reviewing photos and notice all your timestamps are off. Here’s how to change your camera time in just a few steps!
Head into your camera’s menu and find the date/time settings (on mine, it’s helpfully labeled “Date/Time” — no detective work required). Look for the sunburst symbol and tap it. Since we’re springing forward, you’ll want the forward or “on” setting. Once the symbol updates (mine shows “ON” when it’s adjusted), press OK and you’re done!
Go ahead and mark your calendar for the first Sunday in November — that’s when we fall back again, and you’ll want to change your camera time once more. (Remember the old saying: spring forward, fall back.) If only our Google and Mac Calendars could update our cameras automatically — maybe someday!
Why the time may not be correct
If tapping the sunburst doesn’t give you the right time, you may have skipped the Daylight Saving Time toggle when you first set up your camera. No worries — just check the correct time on your phone or watch, set it manually, and make sure to pick the correct DST on/off setting. Once that’s sorted, knowing how to change your camera time each season becomes second nature.
And one more suggestion…
Why not charge all your camera batteries, too? Then you’re all set to grab your camera and head out the door on the first day that actually feels like spring!
Now it’s your turn
Enjoy those beautiful long spring evenings — and may your camera timestamps always tell the truth! 😎
In the meantime, if you’re looking at your winter snow photos and wondering why they are so dark, this blog post is the answer and the solution.
And if you’re ready to go deeper and really understand how your camera works (without feeling overwhelmed), my Camera Mechanics Workshop was made for you.
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