Is the iPad a toy or a necessary tool?

With the release of iPad 2, this seems like a good time to discuss how it can be extremely useful tool to have if you are a photographer. To many, the iPad is just a toy, but it has many features and applications that will surprise and even awe professional photographers.

The screen

Obviously with the iPad’s 9.7 inch screen, it’s a great tool to show clients photos from a shoot or to show a slide show to your friends and family featuring photos from your trip to Australia.  Either way the iPad’s ability to show crisp sharp photos on the screen can add a whole new dimension to an informal presentation.  Also with the new iPad 2 you now have the option of purchasing an Apple Digital AV Adapter, which allows you to mirror your iPad on a TV screen via HDMI port.  This makes presentations in a more formal setting, a cinch, with a quick connection between your iPad and the projector or TV and voila. . . a remarkable presentation, without dragging along your laptop.

Model Releases

You no longer have to worry about forgetting to bring model releases with you to a photo shoot.  There are many iPad apps available for purchase through the app store that allow the client to read and sign a model release right on your iPad.  Buy a stylus! There are many different brands of stylus for the iPad (and iPhone for that matter).  Using a stylus is easier to write with than your finger and let’s face it, using your finger to sign something is only acceptable when you’re finger painting in kindergarten.  Just think, instead of creating packets of documents for each shoot that you then must remember to bring with you, instead you can create a series of standard documents on your iPad ensuring that you never leave home without the correct document and you'll never lose a release again.

Photo Backup

The iPad has a Camera Connection Kit that gives you the ability to backup to your iPad straight from an SD card or backup through a USB hub.  This creates peace of mind knowing you have backed up all your photos from an on location shoot before you head back to your studio. It also allows you to view and partially edit (Photoshop Express – free through app store) your photo right on your iPad. Once again, this can help when trying to sell clients on how the photos will be processed, as well as giving the photographer an idea of what will work with different effects, all without the burden of a heavy laptop.  When you are finished editing and/or viewing photos on your iPad, connect it to your Mac or PC to remove them or transfer them to your computer.

Endless Apps

With the app store expanding every day there are hundreds of photography apps, ranging from viewing to editing and almost everything in between.  There’s Photobucket, Smugmug, Photoshop Express, Photobooth (built-in), Flickr HD, etc.  There’s truly an app for everything. 

New Camera

Now the iPad 2 has front and rear camera.  The rear camera takes not only still shoots but also 720p HD video so even if you forget your camera you always have an iPad to capture the moment.  Although the video may not be of the highest quality, it’s a great option when capturing life’s dynamic moments, quickly and easily.

With all of its options, features, and incredible apps, the iPad 2 would make a great contribution to any photographer’s equipment lineup.