CameraTimeSync Support

Overview

CameraTimeSync is a precision time synchronization tool for photographers using multiple cameras. It displays GPS-synchronized time with atomic clock accuracy, allowing you to photograph the display with each camera and later synchronize all your photos to the exact same timeline in Lightroom. This document provides support information, troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Getting Help

CameraTimeSync is developed and maintained by a solo developer. While I do my best to respond to support requests, please understand that this is a free app and support is provided on a best-effort basis.

Contact

For technical support, feature requests, or questions:

  • Email: support@alwaysphotographing.com
  • Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com

I typically respond within a few days when I have time, but please be patient during busy periods.

If You Need to Contact Me

To help me understand and address your issue more quickly, please include:

  • iOS version
  • Device model (iPhone/iPad)
  • CameraTimeSync app version (found in Settings > About)
  • Clear description of the issue
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • Screenshots if helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

General Usage

Q: What problem does CameraTimeSync solve?
A: When multiple photographers shoot the same event with different cameras, their camera clocks are never perfectly synchronized. This makes it difficult to sort photos chronologically in Lightroom. CameraTimeSync provides atomic-clock-accurate GPS time that you photograph with each camera, then use to synchronize all cameras to the exact same timeline.

Q: Why can’t I just use my camera’s built-in clock?
A: Camera clocks drift over time and are rarely set perfectly. Even cameras set to the “correct” time can be off by seconds or minutes. CameraTimeSync uses GPS satellites synchronized to atomic clocks, providing microsecond-level accuracy that ensures all your cameras are on the exact same timeline.

Q: Do I need GPS signal to use CameraTimeSync?
A: Yes, GPS is required to get atomic-clock-accurate time. The app needs to receive time signals from GPS satellites. This means you need to be outdoors or near a window with clear view of the sky.

Q: How is this different from just using my phone’s clock?
A: Your phone’s clock is set via cellular network or internet, which can be off by seconds. GPS time comes directly from atomic clocks on satellites and is accurate to microseconds. This precision ensures perfect synchronization across multiple cameras.

Workflow

Q: What’s the basic workflow?
A:

  1. At the start of an event, open CameraTimeSync
  2. Wait for GPS to lock (you’ll see accurate time displayed)
  3. Each photographer photographs the CameraTimeSync display with their camera
  4. Shoot the event normally
  5. In Lightroom, use those reference photos to synchronize all cameras using “Edit Capture Time”

Q: Do I need to photograph the display with every camera?
A: Yes. Each camera needs its own reference photo so you can calculate that specific camera’s time offset and correct it in Lightroom.

Q: Can multiple photographers share one reference photo?
A: No. Each camera has a different clock offset, so each camera needs to photograph the display independently. Everyone photographs the same CameraTimeSync display, but with their own camera.

Q: How do I actually synchronize in Lightroom?
A:

  1. Find your reference photo (the shot of CameraTimeSync display)
  2. Note the GPS time shown in the photo
  3. Select that photo in Lightroom
  4. Use Library > Edit Capture Time
  5. Enter the GPS time from the reference photo
  6. Select all photos from that camera
  7. Library > Sync Settings (or use “Match Total Offsets” option)

Display Information

Q: What information does CameraTimeSync display?
A:

  • GPS-synchronized time (hours:minutes:seconds)
  • Date
  • GPS coordinates
  • UTC offset (timezone)
  • Milliseconds (for extreme precision)

Q: What format are the coordinates in?
A: You can choose between decimal degrees, degrees-minutes, or degrees-minutes-seconds in Settings.

Q: Why does it show both local time and UTC?
A: Local time is easier to read, but UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the universal standard. The UTC offset helps you understand timezone differences if working across multiple locations.

Q: What are the milliseconds for?
A: For photographers who need extreme precision, milliseconds provide sub-second accuracy. Most users only need hours:minutes:seconds.

Privacy & Data

Q: Does CameraTimeSync track my location?
A: No. CameraTimeSync only accesses your location to receive GPS time signals. It doesn’t track you, store location history, or transmit any data. All processing happens locally on your device.

Q: What data does CameraTimeSync collect?
A: None. CameraTimeSync doesn’t collect, store, or transmit any data. It simply displays GPS time and coordinates on your screen – that’s it. No analytics, no tracking, nothing leaves your device.

Q: Does it work offline?
A: Yes. GPS works without internet connection. However, you do need GPS satellite signal, which requires being outdoors or near a window.

Q: Can I use CameraTimeSync without location permission?
A: The app will open, but you’ll see “GPS Unavailable” instead of accurate time. Location permission is required for GPS functionality.

Settings & Customization

Q: Can I customize the display?
A: Yes, you can adjust:

  • GPS coordinate format (decimal degrees, DM, or DMS)
  • Date format (Y/M/D, M/D/Y, or D/M/Y)
  • Time format (12-hour or 24-hour)

Q: Should I use 12-hour or 24-hour format?
A: Either works fine. Choose whatever you’re comfortable reading. The important thing is capturing the accurate time on your camera.

Q: Does the display orientation matter?
A: No, the display adapts to both portrait and landscape. Use whatever orientation is easiest to photograph with your camera.

Troubleshooting

GPS Issues

Problem: “GPS Unavailable” won’t go away
Solution:

  1. Make sure you’re outdoors or near a window with clear sky view
  2. GPS can take 30-60 seconds for initial lock
  3. Check Location Services are enabled (Settings > Privacy > Location Services)
  4. Verify CameraTimeSync has location permission (Settings > Privacy > Location Services > CameraTimeSync)
  5. Try moving to a more open area
  6. Some buildings/structures block GPS signals

Problem: GPS time seems wrong
Solution:

  1. GPS time is extremely accurate – if it looks wrong, it’s probably correct and your device time is off
  2. Compare GPS time to an official time source like time.gov
  3. Make sure you’re looking at the right timezone
  4. If GPS is locked, the time shown is correct regardless of your device’s clock

Problem: GPS keeps losing signal
Solution:

  1. GPS requires continuous satellite visibility
  2. Moving indoors will cause signal loss
  3. Urban canyons (tall buildings) can block satellites
  4. Weather can affect GPS, but rarely completely blocks it
  5. Stay outdoors with clear sky view for best results

App Issues

Problem: The app crashes on launch
Solution:

  1. Force quit the app completely
  2. Restart your device
  3. Make sure you’re running a recent iOS version
  4. Check for app updates in the App Store
  5. If it still crashes, try deleting and reinstalling

Problem: Display is hard to read in my camera
Solution:

  1. Increase iPhone/iPad screen brightness to maximum
  2. Try photographing in shade to reduce screen glare
  3. Use manual focus on your camera
  4. Get close enough that the time display fills your frame
  5. Consider using a higher ISO if the display appears dim
  6. Take multiple shots to ensure you got a sharp, readable image

Problem: Can’t get a sharp photo of the screen
Solution:

  1. Use manual focus on your camera
  2. Focus on the time digits specifically
  3. Use a higher shutter speed (1/125 or faster)
  4. Hold both devices steady
  5. Consider using a tripod for the iPhone/iPad
  6. Make sure your camera isn’t too close (closer than minimum focus distance)

Permission Issues

Problem: App keeps asking for location permission
Solution:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
  2. Make sure Location Services is enabled at the top
  3. Find CameraTimeSync in the list
  4. Select “While Using the App”

Problem: Location permission is set but GPS still doesn’t work
Solution:

  1. Force quit and reopen the app
  2. Restart your device
  3. Go outdoors – GPS doesn’t work indoors
  4. Wait 60 seconds for initial GPS lock
  5. Check if other GPS-dependent apps work (Maps, etc.)

Lightroom Synchronization

Basic Steps

Q: How do I sync in Lightroom Classic?
A:

  1. Import all photos including reference shots
  2. Find the reference photo from each camera
  3. For each camera’s reference photo:
    • Note the GPS time shown in the photo
    • Select the photo in Lightroom
    • Library > Edit Capture Time
    • Select “Adjust to a specified date and time”
    • Enter the GPS time from the reference
    • Click “Change All”
  4. Select all photos from that camera
  5. Library > Sync Settings to match the time offset

Q: Do I need to do this for each camera separately?
A: Yes. Each camera has its own clock offset, so you need to process each camera’s photos separately using its specific reference photo.

Q: What if I forgot to take a reference photo with one camera?
A: Unfortunately, without a reference photo, you can’t accurately synchronize that camera. You’ll have to manually adjust or estimate based on photo content. This is why it’s critical to get reference photos from every camera at the start.

Q: Can I synchronize cameras that shoot in different timezones?
A: Yes! GPS time is universal. As long as each camera photographed a CameraTimeSync display (even in different locations), you can synchronize them perfectly. The timezone doesn’t matter for synchronization.

Advanced Questions

Q: What if my camera clock was off by more than an hour?
A: No problem. Lightroom can adjust by any amount – minutes, hours, or even days. The GPS time reference handles any offset.

Q: Do I need to adjust for daylight saving time?
A: No. GPS time doesn’t use daylight saving time – it’s based on UTC. When you synchronize using GPS time, daylight saving is automatically handled correctly.

Q: Can I use the same reference photo for multiple events?
A: No. Camera clocks continue to drift over time. You need a fresh reference photo for each event or shooting session to ensure accurate synchronization.

Known Limitations

  • GPS requires outdoor use or clear window view
  • Initial GPS lock can take 30-60 seconds
  • GPS signals don’t penetrate buildings well
  • Some environmental factors can delay GPS acquisition
  • Battery usage is slightly higher when GPS is active
  • Accuracy depends on GPS satellite visibility

Best Practices

Before the Event

  1. Test beforehand: Make sure CameraTimeSync works on your device and you can photograph the display clearly
  2. Brief all photographers: Explain that everyone needs to photograph the display with their camera
  3. Charge devices: Make sure iPhone/iPad is fully charged
  4. Update app: Check for any CameraTimeSync updates before the event

During the Event

  1. Start outdoors: Open CameraTimeSync outdoors where GPS can lock quickly
  2. Wait for GPS lock: Don’t rush – wait until GPS time is displayed
  3. Hold steady: Keep the iPhone/iPad still while photographers capture it
  4. Verify photos: Each photographer should check their reference photo is sharp and readable
  5. Keep running: Leave CameraTimeSync running if you’ll need additional reference photos
  6. New reference for new locations: If event spans hours or locations, consider taking fresh references

After the Event

  1. Import everything: Import all photos including reference shots to Lightroom
  2. Organize by camera: Group photos by which camera took them
  3. Sync each camera separately: Process each camera’s time offset independently
  4. Verify synchronization: Check that multi-camera sequences are properly interleaved
  5. Save references: Keep reference photos in case you need to re-sync later

Multi-Camera Event Checklist

□ CameraTimeSync installed and updated
□ All photographers briefed on workflow
□ iPhone/iPad fully charged
□ Start event outdoors or near window
□ Open CameraTimeSync and wait for GPS lock
□ Each photographer captures clear reference photo
□ All photographers verify their reference photo is readable
□ Keep CameraTimeSync running if multiple sessions
□ Import all photos to Lightroom
□ Use reference photos to sync each camera
□ Verify synchronized timeline is correct

Feature Requests

I’m always interested in hearing how CameraTimeSync could be more useful for your multi-camera workflows. If you have suggestions:

  • Email me with your ideas
  • No guarantees on implementation, but I do consider all feedback
  • Features that benefit many users are more likely to be prioritized

Privacy Policy

For detailed information about how CameraTimeSync handles your data, please review our Privacy Policy at: [Your privacy policy URL]

Version History

Current version: [Version number]

For release notes and version history, check the App Store listing or visit the website.

Additional Resources

  • User Manual: [Link to detailed user manual]
  • Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com
  • Other Apps: Check out our other photography apps including GeoLog and PhotoSlate

Last Updated: January 2026

Quick Tips for Better Results

  1. Get GPS Lock First: Wait for GPS to fully lock before photographing – accuracy matters
  2. Photograph in Shade: Reduces screen glare for better readability
  3. Max Brightness: Turn iPhone/iPad brightness to maximum
  4. Use Manual Focus: On your camera, manually focus on the time digits
  5. Fill the Frame: Get close enough that the time display is clearly visible
  6. Multiple Shots: Take 2-3 reference photos with each camera to ensure you have a good one
  7. Check Immediately: Review the reference photo on your camera to ensure it’s sharp and readable
  8. Note Camera Owner: When working with multiple photographers, note who photographed with which camera

Real-World Use Cases

Wedding Photography:

  • Multiple photographers covering ceremony, reception, getting ready
  • Reference photo at the start synchronizes all cameras perfectly
  • Makes creating final timeline much easier

Sports Events:

  • Multiple photographers covering different areas of the field
  • Synchronized timeline helps find the best shot of each play
  • Essential for team coverage of fast-paced events

School Events:

  • Multiple parent photographers at recitals, games, graduations
  • Everyone can share photos knowing they’ll sort chronologically
  • Creates complete coverage from all angles

Commercial Shoots:

  • Multiple cameras with different operators
  • Client needs photos from all cameras in perfect sequence
  • Professional results with accurate timeline

Still Need Help?

If you couldn’t find the answer here, feel free to reach out. I’m just one person maintaining this as a free app alongside other projects, so please be patient, but I do want to help if I can.

Email: [Your support email]
Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com

Thanks for using CameraTimeSync!

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