An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for implementing the image processing method have a capability of recording/playing back a digital image, and the capability can be extended without a significant increase in load imposed on software. On the basis of camera information and picture-taking information, a XML generator produces a XML file to be written in a maker note area. The XML file is input to a maker note generator to produce maker note data including maker note IFD tags. The maker note is input together with the picture-taking information and the camera information to an Exif IFD generator to produce Exif IFD data. Finally, the Exif IFD data and compressed image data are input to an Exif generator to produce a Exif file. In this manner, the Exif file including the maker note area in which image attribute information is described in the XML language is produced.