Top 5 Ways I’ll be Using the iPad for My Photography Business

Be sure to check out the bottom of this post for a really cool contest where you could win an iPad!

So the iPad has finally arrived in Canada and I can’t wait for the UPS man to show up at my door and deliver this magical device. Rather than lining up at the Apple store, I decided to pre-order it using my iPhone while we were on the beach in Nice – yes I am a technology geek and I make no apologies for it. Many people (i.e. my wife) will say that the only reason I’m getting one is because I just want the latest and greatest gadget (and they’d be partially right) but I really see it as a revolutionary device for photographers. Here are the top five ways I plan on using the iPad in my wedding and event photography business.

1. The Perfect Portfolio

One of the first things prospective clients want to see before deciding to hire me as their photographer, are examples of my work. This is particularly true for brides and grooms who want to find a photographer who can demonstrate that they have the technical ability to take a great photograph but also the artistic vision and style that matches with their style. In the past, I would always show people a combination of prints, albums and a digital slide show on a laptop. While this worked well, the iPad offers a much better form factor on which to display my work. It is much easier to transport and I can easily hand over to someone and allow them to flip through the photos at their own pace.

2. Portable Backup

We all know how important backing up your data is. As soon as I’m finished a shoot, I immediately download the images to my computer where they are then backed up to a server and removable drives which are kept off-site. With the camera connection kit and the iPad, I’ll be able to backup and preview images from a shoot while I’m in the field which provides an extra level of redundancy and safety for my clients.

3. Impromptu Slideshows

The iPad will also offer a great solution for quickly previewing images from a shoot and creating quick slide shows while I’m photographing an event or a wedding. During a commercial shoot, it will also provide me with the ability to show my clients a larger preview of their images on the iPad’s beautiful 10 inch screen.

4. Photography Applications

There are so many great photo applications for the iPhone and the iPad. One that I think will come in really handy when doing commercial, stock, or street photography is the Easy Release application for the iPad. This is a model release application that simplifies the process of getting models to sign releases in the field.

5. iPad as a Digital Photo Album

I think one of the coolest uses for this device will be as a new way to deliver my client’s photos to them in addition to a traditional printed album. Imagine having your wedding photos or event photos beautifully displayed on your very own iPad! And now you don’t have to imagine it – you could win one from me! Check out my amazing new contest below.

WIN AN iPAD FROM MOMENTS IN DIGITAL!

That’s right, I’ll be rewarding one lucky couple with their wedding images on an iPad. Here is what you’ll need to do to be eligible to win. Just book a 2011 wedding package valued at $2500 or more before October 31st, 2010, and you will automatically be entered to win a 16 GB WiFi model of the iPad loaded with a digital collection of your wedding day images. Total prize valued at $1050. A deposit and signed contract must be received before midnight on October 31st, 2010 to be eligible. All entries received will be placed into a random drawing to be held during the first week of November. Moments in Digital reserves the right to substitute a product of similar value in the event the currently available models are changed or no longer available.