A method for preserving orientation information in an image may comprise: collecting image data, including orientation information inherent to collecting the image data; and embedding in the image data an orientation mark unambiguously identifying when the image data is presented in a correct viewing orientation. Image data is stored in a medium together with data forming an embedded orientation mark which is bilaterally asymmetrical in at least two orthogonal axes. In a variation, the data forming the embedded orientation mark further comprises at least one humanly recognizable text or punctuation character, word or trademark.