Photography and the iPad

Like anyone who writes a blog, I feel I have to weigh in on the new iPad. Specifically, I am interested in how it affects photographers and how it can be a tool for them. After an exhaustive five minute search of the web I found these two articles on the topic by people who had not at the time of their writing actually touched an iPad. See below.

The Apple iPad-Luminous Landscape

Is the Apple iPad a tool for serious photographers?-photo.net

Both articles are actually very good. They speculate on possible uses of the iPad for photographers and discuss its pros and cons. Both avoid drawing conclusions on how it will affect the future of computers, which is refreshing.

I have little interest in speculating on how it will affect computers, how it will sell, its pros and cons, etc. I have played with it a few times in the store and have to say whether you love or hate Apple, love or hate the concept, it is a very fun device. Especially pertinent for photographers is the gorgeous display. Photos are displayed big and bright and are very easy to manage.

I would agree with both authors that one of its best uses for photographers is as a tool to display a portfolio. Wedding and portrait photographers will benefit especially from the ability to show clients images almost immediately. Truthfully, though, the sharpness and rich colors of the display will make anyone want to use it to show off their photos.

As beautifully as it displays photos, this probably isn't reason enough for most amateur photographers to buy it. Hopefully the future will see a more robust image editing app make it into the app store so that photographers can work on it as well.